I've lived in this apartment complex since 2003 when it was called the Mansions at Ridgeview and Western Rim owned it. This complex was impeccably clean and well maintained. Once Greystar took this community over it was nothing but down hill. I have seen a revolving door of managers and staff come and go, which I know happens at every apartment complex, but as a resident, it gets old quickly when the staff as well as mangers treat their residents with nothing but a lack of respect.

I have had several incidents with the previous assistant manager, who verbally attacked myself in front of other residents in the office. I had requested proof of charges for carpet replacement when I transferred apartments. She stated I am not required to have proof that the carpet needed replacement and that if I did not live like a pig the carpet would not have been replaced. Being completely shocked and mortified that someone in that position would even contemplate speaking to a resident in that manner, I filed a complaint with the corporate office of Greystar, where after several emails, phone calls and contact from my lawyer, I had the issue resolved. I know for a fact there was no damage to my carpet in my previous apartment, I have photos and video to back up this proof; I had the carpet professionally cleaned by Dalworth Carpet Cleaning, I own a steam cleaner which I use once a month to remove allergens, and the fact that I had an upgraded apartment with wood floors through out did not equal their claim amount for carpet in just three bedrooms. I had every one of my apartments professionally designed from a Highland Park interior designer, and for this assistant manager to claim I "00lived like a pig" was just ridiculous! I can truly say that discrimination was a factor with this situation.

I was extremely ecstatic when I learned that another company acquired the management of the complex in April of 2008 because I do love my apartment and with all the upgrades and beautiful view of the Ridgeview Golf Course. Right away the club house was updated and the staff for once seemed genuinely polite and had a clue as to what their jobs involved.

I have to say I only have a few complaints regarding Bella Vida. The situation regarding the gates of the complex really has gone on for way to long, I don't think they've ever worked for more then 2 months and I understand that gates can break but I think with the money the complex has charged in the past for gate remotes should have been put towards the up keep of the gates. I know the new management has taken efforts to assure the complex that the situation would be fixed within 30 days of the last community notice but its extremely discouraging when day after day nothing gets done and where the gate house was located remains nothing but dirt and crumbled concrete. I think the ridiculous part is within the last post the manager said The gates are not here for "security purposes", nor do we gurantee anyones "safety or security". Well my response would be not to claim that it is a gated community, because stating that the complex is a gated community implies to most logical people that it is a security feature! I understand that the management can not guarantee anyone's safety or security but it would be nice to see a tiny bit of effort, and if management is stating that the gates are not there for security purposes then why not just disable the gates indefinitely. Also located in the last post, the manager states that the gate house would be replaced with "beautiful landscaping" well we are all still waiting on that landscaping, it does not take that long to have the landscapers, who are here weekly, to plant a few flowers!

Another problem that I feel needs to be addressed is the fact that the roofs still have not been repaired from the damage the complex sustained from the tornado on April 10th. Every complex within the area has repaired their roofs except Bella Vida. I have to say driving on Custer Road towards the complex is extremely unsightly with all the blue tarps and now with the heat of the summer it allows a lot more heat in the attack raising everyone's electric bills!

The last complaint I have is regarding their new policy with renewing leases for current tenets. My lease is approaching the 60 day notice and I do really love my apartment and the location of the complex is wonderful with all the shopping that is going in at 121 and it is a very convenient location for both 75 as well as the Tollway. I was told by the office that the current owners of the complex have agreed upon either renewing leases at the current market rent, which is tremendously high for the age of the apartments or renewing your lease at a 3% increase. I have to say that 3% is not that much, and is extremely workable, but its just the fact that with all the issues and changes going on at this complex that the owners would have the audacity to offer such a "deal" to their current tenets. I wonder if this same deal will be offered after all the negative publicity, on every local news station as well as the Plano and Dallas newspapers, the complex received after the shooting over the Memorial Day weekend. I will be renewing my lease regardless because I am currently having a house built and unfortunately will not be completed for another six months. I do recommend this apartment complex, the insides of the upgraded apartments are gorgeous and you can not beat the location, I just hope that in the future, Bella Vida gets on track to being the complex that it should be, and learns to appreciate their current tenets when they are interested in renewing their leases.

Manager's Response
From: Manager	Date: 05/27/2008
Scotty, thank you very much for your sincere and open email. When the guard house was ran over, the gate box was ran over as well, therefore we are having to wait on the gate company to replace this. As soon as this is replaced, the gates will begin operating normal and we will maintain them going forward. I know that it has taken longer on the gates and the roofs than what we expected, however we are doing the best we can by working with our insurance adjuster to get this handled very quickly. The landscaping up front should be done within 1-2 weeks, as we were waiting on the City Permit to place the flag poles there in order to complete the landscaping and new summer color. I will be more than happy to discuss your renewal options personally at your convenience. Just let me know when would be a good time and we can talk. Thanks again!

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/06/2008
I think the new entrance is much nicer since the guard house is gone. Thanks!

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