Dumbest vent ever. Just need to get it out. NBR

MrsMincks · February 2012

First came the roaches. Then the mold. Then the thermostat broke. Now the guard on the inside of the refrigerator broke for no stupid reason.

The roaches seem to finally be gone after eight months of begging and pleading for something to be done about them, and the mold was taken care of in a semi-efficient manner. So that's good. But now, with no heat and with my stupid broken refrigerator, I just want to sit down and cry. I did exactly that on my kitchen floor yesterday after spending almost an hour on my hands and knees trying to fix the fridge door. I sort of MacGyvered a way for it to stay together, at least temporarily, but still. It hurt.

I'm just concerned that after all of this drama with my apartment and after having to basically harass Maintenance all year, they'll try to keep our security deposit when we move. I know they shouldn't, but from what I understand about the company, they sure will try anything they can to avoid paying it back. A bunch of maintenance issues and a broken fridge would probably be a pretty easy argument for them. I don't think they'd win that argument, but the fact that I may have to fight them for my money back for a reason that I find, well, unreasonable is really frustrating.

My aunt, who is a landlord in another state, told me "It's only an appliance, dear". When I responded that my real concern was the security deposit, she said "READ YOUR LEASE" (yes, all caps) twice and told me not to stress (again, twice) since it's so bad for the baby. In regards to the security deposit, she said "It's just money." I'm sure she's just trying to help, but it just made me feel stupid. Of course it's just money. Of course stress isn't good for anyone. And of course I read my lease. Believe me, after the year I've had, I could probably recite my lease. I know she meant well, it just rubbed me the wrong way for absolutely no reason and for no fault of hers.

I just feel like since I have tried everything in my power to go this whole year without breaking down and have been fairly successful up to this point - at least as successful as a weepy pregnant lady can be - so I just kind of wanted some validation for my brief breakdown. I also want the Money Fairy to send me enough for a down payment on a house so I can finally stop renting. And I also want the B!tchslap Fairy to go take care of the real estate company.

Okay. I feel better now. Back to your regularly scheduled puppies and rainbows from me :-)

SaintDorothyMantooth · February 2012

Mincks, that blows! You definitely did NOT need "one more thing" from that apartment of yours! I'm sorry to hear it

I would have done the exact same thing and sat on the floor and cried for a bit (maybe the only thing that would keep me from tearing a new one in whoever answered the maintenance hotline).

I hope they get this fixed in a responsible manner this time!

MrsMincks · February 2012

SaintDorothyMantooth:
Mincks, that blows! You definitely did NOT need "one more thing" from that apartment of yours! I'm sorry to hear it
I would have done the exact same thing and sat on the floor and cried for a bit (maybe the only thing that would keep me from tearing a new one in whoever answered the maintenance hotline).
I hope they get this fixed in a responsible manner this time!

I really hope so, too - it's really cold! They only take normal maintenance requests online, which is obnoxious. I can call after hours if it's a "real" emergency (like pipes bursting or the ceiling caving in or whatever), but apparently having no heat since Friday doesn't count. Good thing I have a nice, fluffy new robe compliments of my grandmother :-D

ibnagy99 · February 2012

Gheesh I think I would have been a crying heap long before now and I know I have. I would have called maintenance to come and fix the fridge, it isn't your fault it broke. Hang in there. (((HUGS)))

MrsMincks · February 2012

ibnagy99:
Gheesh I think I would have been a crying heap long before now and I know I have. I would have called maintenance to come and fix the fridge, it isn't your fault it broke. Hang in there. (((HUGS)))

Love ya, Labor Buddy! Can't wait for lunch. We'll get all of our vents out then. It will be GLORIOUS.

psychgirl33 · February 2012

That really sucks! I hope you get your security deposit back, but if not, I think just living somewhere with less crappy landlords/management/maintenance will be a good thing for you! Sorry you are dealing with constant apartment worries!

MrsMincks · February 2012

The really frustrating thing is that no matter what, we lose $300 of the deposit when we move. Period. They take it out as a "refurbishment fee", regardless of the condition of the apartment when we vacate. We are really hoping to get at least the rest back but I am worried that now we won't, after all the drama this year. I knew about the fee when I signed the lease, of course, but it still sucks. Is that pretty standard? The other place I rented didn't do that, so I have no idea.

psychgirl33 · February 2012

MrsMincks:
The really frustrating thing is that no matter what, we lose $300 of the deposit when we move. Period. They take it out as a "refurbishment fee", regardless of the condition of the apartment when we vacate. We are really hoping to get at least the rest back but I am worried that now we won't, after all the drama this year. I knew about the fee when I signed the lease, of course, but it still sucks. Is that pretty standard? The other place I rented didn't do that, so I have no idea.

I personally have never heard of that. The only similar thing I've encountered is a non-refundable pet deposit. Either way, I'm sorry.

Charlyne · February 2012

I've only lived in 2 different leases, but I've never had a refurbishment fee, only the standard security (and pet) deposits. There is no excuse for you not to get your deposit back if you have not been the cause of any of these issues (which I'm pretty sure you're not) and I would fight them for it if they tried to keep it.

I'm not sure about where you live, but if it's cold enough no heat should definitely be an emergency and I'd even consider contacting someone outside the management company if they refuse to fix it (like the city/county).

candacek31 · February 2012

Our last apartment only took out $90 for carpet cleaning fees, which was stated in our lease. We always leave our apartment as clean or cleaner than when we moved in.
I am dealing with some crappy stuff at this new one so I feel your pain. They aren't even halfway through the repair list. Still waiting on the new refrigerator, cabinet fronts and bathroom sink. Thats just the big stuff. There are a ton of little things like a new bathroom door and bedroom door. (DH got locked in the bedroom yesterday and had to remove the door knob to get out.)

If we weren't misled by the management, we never would have moved here. The apartment we saw that was supposed to be ours, didn't end up being ours. So when we walked in here after signing our lease, we were shocked at the condition. They are doing everything we ask though. I already want to move out.
I hope the money fairy visits you and you can get the heck out of there!

MrsMincks · February 2012

nonasimonsen:
Im not trying to be a downer, but the reason the roaches are gone is prob the cold weather and not anything else. I grew up in the historic district in a 100 year old house so I know way too much about roaches. They will prob be back in March or April...

I would really move if I were you!

I thought the same thing, but it has actually been unseasonably warm up to pretty much today. I can tell you right now - if I see a single roach when it warms up, they'll be hearing from us. And it will not be pretty. Mwahaha.

MrsMincks · February 2012

Oh, that's nice. A quick trip to the website shows that the site no longer exists. And the BBB has 62 complaints against the company. 60 were never addressed and the other 2 couldn't be processed because BBB couldn't get in touch with them at all.

At least I've learned something about how to find a place to rent...

MelBell829 · February 2012

I've been in three leases and the first one was the WORST! They never came to fix anything. I know you said you read your lease, but is it possible there is a clause in there that you can hire someone to repair it for a reasonable rate, and then the LL will reimburse you? I found that one little sentence wayyyyy in the back of my lease and ended up getting my A/C wall unit replaced and paid for with much less hassle than waiting for them to do it!

Hang in there!

MrsMincks · February 2012

MelBell829:
I've been in three leases and the first one was the WORST! They never came to fix anything. I know you said you read your lease, but is it possible there is a clause in there that you can hire someone to repair it for a reasonable rate, and then the LL will reimburse you? I found that one little sentence wayyyyy in the back of my lease and ended up getting my A/C wall unit replaced and paid for with much less hassle than waiting for them to do it!
Hang in there!

Hmm...may have to check that out. I don't recall anything like that, but I'll reread and see if I can find something. Good tip!

ibnagy99 · February 2012

Charlyne:
I've only lived in 2 different leases, but I've never had a refurbishment fee, only the standard security (and pet) deposits. There is no excuse for you not to get your deposit back if you have not been the cause of any of these issues (which I'm pretty sure you're not) and I would fight them for it if they tried to keep it.
I'm not sure about where you live, but if it's cold enough no heat should definitely be an emergency and I'd even consider contacting someone outside the management company if they refuse to fix it (like the city/county).

The part in bold should be true in VA. I know if it is going to be above a certain temp they have to fix your AC so I'm sure it is true for heat as well.

MrsMincks · February 2012

ibnagy99:
Charlyne:
I've only lived in 2 different leases, but I've never had a refurbishment fee, only the standard security (and pet) deposits. There is no excuse for you not to get your deposit back if you have not been the cause of any of these issues (which I'm pretty sure you're not) and I would fight them for it if they tried to keep it.
I'm not sure about where you live, but if it's cold enough no heat should definitely be an emergency and I'd even consider contacting someone outside the management company if they refuse to fix it (like the city/county).
The part in bold should be true in VA. I know if it is going to be above a certain temp they have to fix your AC so I'm sure it is true for heat as well.

I'd think so. It's going to be about freezing tonight, apparently. We filled out the maintenance request, but now the website has ceased to exist entirely. Really hoping it's just a glitch, because that's not helping my confidence in the company right now! Either way...it's cold.

Taryn M · February 2012

If you continue to have issues like this I would look into "tenant's rights". Each state should have tenant's rights and ways to report landlords that are...not the best. We had a very similar issue when we were renting a house a few years back. The place had roaches and NO ONE told us this before we signed the lease and moved in. It was awful. We begged them to exterminate until we finally broke down and took care of it ourselves. Little things kept happening (gas leaks, AC broke, etc) until we couldn't take it anymore. The place was falling apart. We asked to break lease and get our deposit and they said "absolutely not" and refused to work out an agreement. We researched tenant's rights and informed the landlord that we would be taking that route and we had our deposit check laying in our hands the next day.

Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, though! Sorry you're going through this.

MrsMincks · February 2012

Well, I just called the emergency maintenance line...left a message. Good thing it's not a real emergency...yikes.

Sparks in training! · February 2012

Hi sweet...sorry for you drama!! I dont know if you remember, but I work in Prop. Mgmt. you need to know that we can only charge for NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR! I sound like you have a slumlord!

Please DOCUMENT all these issues! Send them letters, submit maintenace requests in writing! So that if they do try to keep your deposit you can take them to court and have documentation proving their facility was not up to par. (judges are VERY PRO tenant) and i am sure you would be rewarded your refund.

Also be sure to DEMAND a Move out inspection PRIOR to turning in keys. That way you have a few days to "fix" any damages/charges they might try to impose. (get that move out check list in writing and signed/dated from them day of)

I personally am a total softy with my move out charges, i know what it's like to depend on that refund deposit.

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Dumbest vent ever. Just need to get it out. NBR

Re: Dumbest vent ever. Just need to get it out. NBR

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