I just moved out of the complex, after living there for a year, at the end of April. Upon move out, the management at the time, requested that we return all of our keys and leave a forwarding address, and she told us we should expect a decent sized refund. I did as she requested but didn't hear anything for weeks. Then about 3 weeks ago (over a month since moving out) I received a letter in the mail from the complex. The envelope was addressed with our old address...at the apartment complex...the same one we had already moved out of and the same place they are sending the letter FROM! Obviously, it didn't reach us, since we don't live there anymore (maybe that forwarding address I left would have come in handy!) When I opened it I was very surprised to see a BILL! Trying to decipher through the mess of payments and deductions was a challenge in itself, but the thing that stood out to me the most was a charge of $250 for re-painting the interior. When we moved in in 2008 the big selling point was that you could plant your own flowers, create your own landscaping, AND paint your walls whatever color you chose and not be charged any fees when moving out. Apparently, that isn't the case anymore. There are plenty of tenants who have painted their walls, some that have been there for years. I'm sure they will be thrilled to find out that the promise of no fees upon move out doesn't apply anymore.

Since then we have dealt with 2 different managers both from different companies (in one month!). The most recent claims that the previous company took all of it's records with them, so they don't have anything that proves we were promised not to be charged any fees.

As far as my actual experience living there, it wasn't the greatest either. My husband's car was broken into; the stereo was ripped out of the dashboard & the amplifier was taken from the trunk. The entrance and exit gates were ALWAYS broken. We went nearly 2 weeks with no hot water because the water heater crapped out and flooded the laundry room. After we finally received a new water heater and the onsite "maintenance" assured us everything was working, it took repeated visits and an outside contractor who finally realized the new unit wasn't hooked up correctly to being with. Also, as someone who has a dog and always cleans up after him, it was extremely irritating to watch my "neighbor" let his 2 little yappy dogs out without a leash everyday just so they could poop, in the communal yard, and run right back inside...no one ever cleaned up after them...but then neither did a lot of other people around the complex.

User Responses
From: dallasdano	Date: 06/22/2009
I've been here for five years. Management know who I am. Whoever posted this is absolutely correct. Multiple managers and management companies this year. Managers made promises that were NOT fulfilled. Maintenance isn't what it used to be. One of the selling points of the complex was you WERE allowed to paint without paying a penalty when you left. Summer cooling bills are off the charts. Air conditioners are OLD in many units, poorly engineered and outdoor compressors are underpowered for 2-story units. Every maintenance guy I've dealt with has admitted to this. EXPECT MASSIVE ELECTRIC BILLS! On the upside, the complex is in a great area, the apartments are very simple, but nicely sized. The bedrooms are enormous, but the layout for some units makes it tough to place furniture...be sure to make sure your items will fit. I had to scrap a large king headboard because it wouldn't go up the stairs. I would be cautious about renting here. It's a complex still in turmoil...and new management haven't proved themselves yet. Also, make sure you have everything in writing...and keep it. There's too much turnover to guarantee that they keep your documents...
From: atanggirl40	Date: 08/28/2009
logogreen - Is this a different management company than was there in June? If so, maybe they won't claim they have no paperwork history on any of the tenants. That will be very problematic for anyone who ever tries to move out and experiences the same ridiculous $250 re-painting fees. All I am looking for is someone who is honest enough to give us back our deposit instead of using it to pay for fees we should have never had to pay for. And the problem with the electric bills didn't have as much to do with the "old, worn out parts" as it did with the crappy windows and less than insulated doors. Until they decide to shell out the money to install new, properly insulated doors & windows, the high electric bill issue will never be completely resolved. I am glad to hear they actually have a maintenance staff on duty now, since the previous guy moved away because the property wanted him to do extra work for less money. All in all, if I were looking to live there again (which will NEVER happen no matter who's in charge) I would be wary of any deals or promises. And like dallasdano said, GET IT IN WRITING!!
From: logogreen	Date: 10/01/2009
atanggirl40 you should contact the office now. Things have been changing and for the much, much, much better. Let the new to sycamore guy know your frustration. Those people you dealt with are history. Reasonable and Realistic are running the property now. Maybe they can make things better and refund your money if you explain to the current manager your problems. Have you tried contacting them since your letter? Rob, the new manager, probably could help you with your deposit problem. I know you have a bad taste in your mouth about Sycamore but things are changing and unfortunately not over night but things are very much improving. The lighting is much better and the gates are actually pretty consistantly working with the exception of a few times, but the manager informed the property with a letter and by the next day they were working again. The office is much more informative now and easy to talk to. The revolving door of managers have seemed to close. FINALLY!

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates