I have lived here, now, for over a year. I can tell you that if you are a Renter, you are S.O.L. (---- Outta Luck), because the board treats you like a leper. I will list the problems I've had, so far, and even counter with some positives.

Main problem: The Association for this complex...there's a very good reason "Association" starts with "Ass".

When I first moved in, I was not told, by anyone (including my landlord), that Parking Decals were to be taken care of BEFORE moving in. And even though I was proactive in trying to obtain this decal, upon my first day there...the office is unmanned and no one returned my calls. My Jeep & my father's truck were both towed. My landlord was great about it and ate the cost.

When I finally go a hold of someone, they informed me that a copy of my lease, some form filled out, and a check needed to be sent to the office. Then proceeded to tell me that they don't deal with Renters, only owners. I understand that owners who rent are ultimately responsible for such, but talk about no customer service.

When I'd been there about a month, I asked that my condo be checked/treated for pests. The office forwarded my work number to the maintenance man, who told me about the appointment the DAY before! And only because he saw me walking to my Jeep. I asked if he had called and he had, but didn't leave a message...duh. I don't blame him, as he is quite responsive, but is only given the bare minimum info.

Then, before I moved in (Mar) it was empty since the Nov before...well the last tenants left stuff on the patio. When I moved in, all of a sudden this became a hot issue and they tried to charge me for an "unsightly" patio!! My landlord, once again, stepped up and paid it, but the fact remains that apparently the "unsightly" mess didn't bother them from Nov 04-Mar 05...at least not until I moved in.

Each time Parking Decals come about (every 6 months, $15.00 a pop) or Pool Pass time is here (another additional fee), the Association would send me notices that my landlord's account was delinquent. Keep in mind that this is the same group of people that told me they don't deal with Renters...but I guess it's ok to leave me with the info that my landlord owes them money''' Also, my landlord has that money direct deposited, every month, into their account by the 1st. Well, because the applications (and check for decals/passes) are due before the 30/31st, her account is "technically" delinquent and they won't give you a decal/pass until it's paid. Can you say, asinine''' Nor does the Association inform my landlord when her fees have gone up...she told me that the notices I get (I usually send them with the Rent check), she never sees them until I send it. Even though the Association says they have her address on file (I, also, put it on the required form for EVERY parking decal).

This past New Years I got a GREAT New Years present from the condo...water overflow. Apparently, there is a drain in the AC closet (in 2nd bedroom, which btw is NASTY, why would both of those things be on the INSIDE of a condo, much less in a bedroom''') that all the units above me (I'm on the very bottom, half underground) flow down into. This drain is SUPPOSED to be serviced every six months...well, I had already been there almost a year and NO ONE informed me. Apparently, it's an Association maintenance responsibility...hence why my landlord, nor I, had to pay for the brand new carpet that had to be installed because of the incident. Well, when I found this out...being that I don't want my stuff ruined, I started to remind the board that the drain needs service in July 06...I started reminding them, in May 06. Just last week I wrote another email, attached the original reminder, and used the word "negligence" twice and finally got an appointment! It's sad that it has to get to that level, first, before they even react to you. They didn't even offer to send help to move all my furniture (the only parts NOT getting re-done were the kitchen, itself, master bedroom, the bathrooms, and a hall closet)...so I had to move it all, myself, and fit my living room, 2nd bedroom, breakfast nook, and dining area all into what space was not being worked on. Lets just say, 2006 did not have a good start.

As I said, above, I live in one of the very bottom units (half underground)...lets just say...you should probably have a cat...or any other pet that will kill house-centipedes and cave-crickets (nasty little suckers are ALL over the place!). Terminex does not help...I've tried...out of my own pocket, too! Now I just drown them in bug spray, when I see them. And it doesn't help (at least with units like mine) that our windows are SO close to the ground (sometimes under and cut around) and then they line the bushes (in front or around these windows) with MULCH...which attracts these type of insects.

The location is great, the grounds are decent, and the people that live there are nice enough, as well. You're only 5-10 minutes from Reston Town Center; you have an Exxon, fire station, some fast food joints, the toll road, and a Post Office right down the road, from the complex.

Overall, as a Renter, I would NOT recommend this place. I'm only still here, because I plan on leaving in 2008, anyway and I'm tired of moving.

So, in conclusion:
- Parking is Uber strict...you blink, you're towed.
- Association is best associated with Hitler's Nazis.
- As a Renter, you're on your own.
- Maintenance man (Francisco) is great, but not very well informed (unless you talk directly with him).
- Grounds ok.
- Location is great.
*Note: I put, below, that Safety was "Somewhat unsafe, Poorly lit, shrubs encroach on walkways, unsafe area" - I meant that MOSTLY for the lighting on the walkways...they're not bright enough, in my opinion, but eh...as for other safety issues...I've never felt unsafe there...and I'm single, living on the first floor. Of course, I take precautions, but still.

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