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Steady Decline Over Time
From:
mdbikenut
Date posted:
7/8/2008
Years at this apartment:
2006
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2008
3 responses
Like some of the other reviewers, this is my second year. I also have a top floor apartment and please don't even consider this complex unless you can get a top floor unit. Although units are fully carpeted, the padding is inadequate to dampen noise from above. External noise fluctuates with the assortment of tenants and level of home/office construction nearby. Management appears to have lowered standards ("Move in today!"), and as a result there is a steady increase in college-age or very young renters, some especially shady looking characters with little impulse control and apparently very poor manners and hearing. When I moved in, it was primarily young professionals, retirees relocating to the area and more upscale. I'm disappointed there is no effort to deter solicitors and it isn't uncommon to see piles of adverts in the corridors and stairwells.
The walls are paper thin and for what was advertised as a luxury apartment home, the appliances are the very lowest end on the spectrum. I can't even find these appliance models at my local Home Depot or Lowe's. Construction is very shoddy - it almost seems the complex was built as a high school shop project. I'm constantly finding nails sticking up on my balcony and have cut myself several times. The paint is colored water and mars should you merely glance at it. There is absolutely no insulation consequently your heating and cooling bills are substantial on the top floors. I have given up using the stove at all because the smoke alarms go off every time I use it. The exhaust fans in both the bathroom and kitchen make alot of noise, but don't actually work. Numerous requests to replace them have not been answered.
The location is wonderful. Close to hiking/biking trail (Washington & Old Dominion). There's a very nice Harris Teeter and small strip mall within walking distance. Also a Gold's gym and office complex nearby. Be mindful of one reviewer's comments about the gating. I think it gives the appearance of safety more than safety itself. Recently I believe there's been more of an effort to keep the gates closed. Management does like to change the combination without notifying anyone. On more than one occasion I have not been able to use the gym or office center because no one notified tenants of the changes necessitating a visit to the office to reprogram your remote.
The grounds are very nice, and nicely kept. It's rather a shame that no one can utilize them as the grounds are primarily a doggy toilet. Dog owners aren't sanctioned for failing to pick up Fido's doo doo either. There are no large breed restrictions. On more than one occasion I have almost run over a dog running loose.
The clubhouse is nicely furnished with a billiards table, large screen TV, business center and gym. All I can say is that the last 10-12 visits to the office center, I have encountered young children who have taken over all of the computers playing video games even though there is a prominently posted sign that no children under 16 are allowed without adult accompaniment. The gym is OK, nothing special and always crowded. It isn't very clean either. There are two pools, both are totally swamped by young children so don't even think you can use them for lap swim.
Maintenance is more for show than anything else. Response is inconsistent depending on when you call and who is on duty. Nothing substantial please - they just can't handle it and refuse to call in professional plumbers, electricians, etc.... I've been trying to get a problem fixed for the past 6 days and the office won't even return my calls.
That brings me to the final element here and the one reason I also would never recommend the complex: management. In some years of renting, I have never experienced worse property management. Completely unresponsive, incompetent, unprofessional, marked by high turnover in the office, constantly looking for excuses for their failures to get things done or keep tenants notified, and gouging tenants at renewal time. I had a package returned to a merchant because they failed to notify me it had arrived at the office. There are never any communications from management other than annual notices of smoke detector battery changes and office closings, which occur frequently. No one is available after 6pm and the after hours service must be swamped because I am constantly put on hold. In any case, an answering service can't do anything but pass on messages to which you will never receive any response or action.
Overall, the poor property management nullifies any positives here. If you have any choice at all, go elsewhere.
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User Responses
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From:
mdbikenut
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Date:
07/08/2008
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I also have had a PC and internet service in my unit since moving in, but need to use the center infrequently and since it's an advertised amenity, should expect to be able to use it. I'm glad your rent has not jumped, but mine did - 10% and others posted the same comment. That is a material fact most prospective renters would like to know.
As far as dogs are concerned, I stand by my comments. Whether breeds are restricted or not, I have encountered pit bulls, a bull terrier, and a doberman pinscher. One evening I came close to hitting a pit bull out without a leash at night and the owner ran up to me screaming, and swearing at me. That has happened more than once - always some moron in his testosterone saturated 20s who thinks his dog shouldn't be leashed - Splat! I love dogs, and my dad is a veternarian, but not every dog is suitable for everyplace (or person) and it isn't just a question of size. Over the years we've had Staffordshire and Yorkshire terriers, a Beagle, a Daschund and an Irish Wolfhound. Even though I think they're all great, I wouldn't ever have any of those breeds in an apartment. They're either too vocal, have aggressive or territorial tendencies or need more space. Just my opinion.
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From:
tyjoun
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Date:
07/08/2008
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You wrote "gouging tenants at renewal time" but this is NOT true in my case. I renew my lease in August and my rent will NOT be going up.
There are dog restrictions. There is a list with about 30 names on it. Now maybe tenants have dogs that they haven't notified management about.
I agree that there is a problem with kids in the business center. I couldn't deal with it so I got my own computer and internet inside my apartment.
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From:
vagirlhwy7
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Date:
07/29/2008
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I have to agree with tenants that wrote about the steadily decline in the Ashbourgh apartment located in Ashburn VA. The management has a very high turnover and seems only to respond, when you submit a concern or complaint in writing.
I along with other neighbors have contacted the Loudoun county Sherriff department; to handle situations with our neighbors (i.e... what appears to be college students or very young adults) only because of the lack of responsiveness, from property management. This is absurd!
The management staff here at the Ashborough apartment in Ashburn VA is the worst, that we have experience in apartment living.
Please do you research and have sound test done prior to moving in.
By sound test we mean, have them to play music and or make noise in the apartment beside, above or below where you are moving. Please do your research on how long management has been staffed and all of the above before moving into the Ashborough Apts ,in Ashburn Virginia. Best Regards.
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