How can I deal with lousy apartment management?

Question

Help! I just started the process to rent an apartment. After I wrote the check for the deposit (which is of course non refundable) I went online and saw that the management company for the apartments has absolutely horrible reviews. It doesn't look like I can get out of renting the apartment at this point without losing the huge security deposit. How can I protect myself over the length of the lease?

Answer 1

Don't take the word of others solely - they could just be jealous tennants who got kicked out for non-payment or something like that.
Document EVERYTHING and always get receipts for payment. Take pictures when you move in and when you move out, and hold onto everything they give you.
If something needs to be repaired, don't even let yourself get to the point of frustration. Send them a registered letter giving them 24 hours to fix the problem or you're hiring the repairs to be done and will deduct it from your rent, including receipts. This way, you have PROOF they received the letter and CHOSE not to respond.
If you don't let them bully you, they won't!

Answer 2

You're excited because you read an internet blog about the quality of this group's management ? Stop and think about this, Liz. You're NOT going to see any complimentary posts about management, even if they ARE good to the majority of tenants.

And you would be surprised at just how many tenants expect FAR more from a management firm than it is expected to provide.

Answer 3

Your query makes me marvel what your condo leadership is getting out of this "deal" of theirs that you just all MUST transfer to directtv. I could seem for a brand new location to reside in the event that they keep to insist in this.

Answer 4

If you do everything you're supposed to (pay rent on time, don't break any rules). And they still treat you like $#!+, look into a lawyer about breach of contract on their part.

Answer 5

check your state renters rights laws