These guys define the term ""slumlord."" I moved into a duplex with a basement and specifically asked if the basement flooded. They said ""no,"" but just days after moving in I had raw sewage backing up from the basement drain. Their maintenance guys always showed up promptly when this occurred time and time again, but that didn't change the fact that I had to live with human feces in my basement until they were able to clean it up. I finally got the problem fixed by complaining to the mayor, at which time Cole?s manager thanked me profusely since they had a problem with all the properties on that block for years (in spite of the fact that they previously claimed ?it never floods?). Also, be wary of the lease as there are many things written into it to take advantage of tenants. For example, with the ?biweekly payment plan? you will find that you actually pay for 13 months a year, and in addition you have to pay rent for several weeks while they prepare the apartment for the next renter. In addition, there were many maintenance problems over the years I lived there, and I did my best to maintain a good relationship with the management and make the best of things. When I moved out I thought we were on good terms, and they even agreed to purchase my clothes drier which was in the basement. However, they neglected to pay me and also did not return my security deposit. In addition, they did not provide an explanation of damages as required under IN law. In spite of the fact that my mother and I had thoroughly cleaned the apartment and had picture to prove it, they made false allegations that it was not clean. They took pictures over a month after I moved out which included multiple pictures of the same dusty ceiling fan (so they could charge me multiple times to clean the same fan at $8/pop), a toilet bowl which someone had apparently vomited in after I moved out (my pictures show it was clean at the time of move-out), and some cleaning items I left under the sink (for which I was charged $30). They also charged me to clean the refrigerator, stove, and other items which I cleaned before I left, and have pictures to prove it. These slumlords knew full well that I was moving to Pennsylvania, and took advantage of this fact to steal my clothes drier and my security deposit. I have complaints against them with the BBB and the attorney general. However, the only way I can collect my money is to travel to Indiana and sue them. The BBB and attorney general have both encouraged me to file suit after reviewing my case. The statute of limitations for landlord tenant disputes is 6 years ? look out, Cole, I will see you in court!
more