I wish I could give 0 stars. These are the most unscrupulous landlords I've ever dealt with. Let me say upfront that I am a very good tenant. I pay my rent on time. I am quiet. I am clean. I am neighborly and kind. I consistently go above and beyond to create a nice living environment (cleaning up litter, notifying a neighbor of their car lights left on, etc.)
The first year we rented at this apt it was managed by Gibraltar Inc. I had heard somewhat sketchy things about them, but in 13 months had no problems whatsoever. Our on-site managers were the best and repairs were made quickly when needed.
Then the nightmare began. In Dec 2008, Michael Nelson Properties ended their deal with Gibraltar and took over management of our property. Within 2 months they had fired out on-site managers and the headaches began.
The drama and insanity caused by these AWFUL property managers is too long to describe. The short-story (yea- this is the short version!), macabre list of our main problems is as follows:
-Threatened to evict us without cause;
-Told us we had a credit on our account. Then, months later, we were told we owed them extra money and they threatened to levy late fees associated with the ""over due"" amt.
-Refused month after month to provide receipts for our rent checks (which is illegal according to RCW 59.18.063). We were made to jump through different hoops every month as they would change what we needed to do in order to get a receipt. Email this person. No no, you have to get it in person. No no, we don't give receipts in person - you have to make a written request. No no, your written request won't work you returned check is your receipt. On and on and on from Feb 2009 - Oct 2009.
-Illegally re-rented and accepted double rent on the apt across from us when folks moved out halfway through the month but had paid the full month (while this did not directly effect me, I choose to include it to show the severity of their illegal and unscrupulous tactics)
-It took 2 months, hiring a lawyer and threats of small claims court to get our deposit back. It was initially mailed to the incorrect address, and they wanted to charge us for having to cancel the check and re-mail another (ummm no.). Once our check did arrive, I deposited it and they CANCELLED the check! It took two more weeks for them to rectify the situation and get another check mailed to us.
-Lisza Darling, who is the lead property manager with Nelson Prop., is aggressive, defensive and combative in every way. Her customer service and interpersonal skills are nil. Dealing with her was impossible and awful and I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemies. She tried to pit my fiance and I against each other lying to me about conversations she'd had with him. She blamed her staff for problems ( the other staff were often kind and I had few prbs with them other than slow responsiveness occasionally).
For the sake of your own sanity - STAY AWAY!!! Save yourselves.
Cons: everything
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