We recently applied at one of Samaras group's properties. (1702 Dexter ave, Seattle, WA) We were accepted by the leasing agent. The terms were, 1,300 per month, 1,000 dollar deposit, both due at lease signing.\r
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Upon being accepted, we immediately were contacted by Samaras' agent John Yeung. He was very rude, and told us that; contrary to the advertisement in the paper and leasing agents email, (which we still had on file,) these were the terms:\r
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1,300 deposit, 1,300 rent, and 1000 dollar dog deposit, (we dont have a dog.) When we told him we didn't have a dog, he still insisted that we pay 1000 dollar deposit for our 1 cat. Contrary to their site, ( samaras dot com/) where they state the pet deposit is 250.00.\r
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He stated that the full balance of the deposits, would be due BEFORE we even signed the lease, in the form of cash, cashiers check, or money order. And that no receipt would be given. He said it would be taken, ""in good faith,"" but that if the lease signing did not go through they would not be obligated to refund any of the money. Even though we had already been accepted, and put down most of the deposit.\r
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Finally I went to the head of the company, to request another agent to work with us. Instead of handling it, she handed it off to their broker, Harry Obedin. When I tried to explain the situation, he said, ""thats just how we do business."" I told him I wasn't comfortable giving that much money up, before we even signed the lease. I also did not understand why a post dated check, or paying in full on the move in date would be a problem. He basically called me a liar, threatened me, and the leasing agent who we dealt with. Finally I just told him I needed to get in touch with the tenants union. He immediately said, ""in that case, we won't rent to you."" According to him they don't accept tenant union members, or want renters who know their rights. \r
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DO NOT RENT FROM THIS COMPANY, THEY ARE SLUMLORDS.
Cons: slumlords, accountability, illegal use of consumer info, refusal to abide by federal law
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