- By C.B.
April, 10, 2009
Have you ever made an expensive purchase of a product that was defective, albeit from a reputable company, only to receive the same level of defective customer service when requesting the company's support of its product? Well, this is exactly what my family is currently experiencing, except on a grander scale. Or rather, a "50 grand" scale. (Pardon the usage of that very bad pun, but I had to sneak it in!)
My family currently resides in the DC Metro area which is a tristate region consisting of the intersecting points of Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. We have occupied a unit within a high-rise residential community owned and operated by Home Properties, Inc. since July 2007. Currently, we are approaching the end of our 9 month lease and are so anxiously awaiting its demise.
The unit we occupy happens to be this particular property’s sole penthouse suite. This suite, in my opinion, is not overly spectacular. It has a little over 1400 square feet with most of that space concentrated in public areas (living room, kitchen, dining area, etc.), small bedrooms, cheaply constructed closet fixtures (I’ve come home twice to find the fixture broken and my wardrobe on the floor), and old drafty windows that provide little or no soundproofing. This residential complex is located in close proximity to Interstate 395 , a local fire station, and a major hospital. It is a wonder we ever get any sleep at all. The highlight of this suite is a distant view of Washington D.C. that can be seen from its balcony. The monthly cost to rent this 3 bedroom unit can be likened to what you would expect to pay for a mortgage on a single family home, especially in today’s housing market.
However, since properties in the No. Virginia area typically do not experience a downward fluctuation in value, the prices to own these properties remain at a steady premium. The area has the best of both worlds. As parents, we appreciate being able to choose from some of the best public schools and community programs in the nation. As professionals, with ties to the federal government, we enjoy job flexibility with low turnover and optimal opportunities as well as the ability to sustain a short commute to and from work. Thus, we have justified this exorbitant rental expense, which is still less costly than purchasing property in this area, as a trade-off for its physical proximity to our jobs and communal opportunities distinct to the NoVA environment.
Since we’ve occupied this space (less than a 2-year timeframe), we’ve paid in excess of $50,000 in rent, to Home Properties, Inc., notwithstanding other utility bills related to the apartment. That being the case, we expected a modicum of consideration, from the property’s manager, who pays little reverence to Home Properties Inc.s’ Pledge to its Residents (click link).
After being patient and good little residents for the past 21 months, we’ve finally reached our breaking point with regard to the rude and inequitable treatment from the property manager of this residence facility. Tired of feeling defenseless against this seemingly unending barrage of unconcern and discontent, I have drafted a letter describing our experiences with this property and its management to the Home Properties, Inc. Corporate Office located in Rochester, NY.
Currently, we are awaiting a response. Individual FedEx packages containing a (9 page single-spaced) complaint letter has been delivered to the following Operational officers of Home Properties, Inc.:
Edward Pettinella, President, Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Critchley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Scott Doyle, Senior Vice President, Property Management
Additionally, a copy of the complaint was sent via certified mail to a generic “Resident Feedback” address that is listed on their website. I have already verified delivery of the FedEx packages which were signed by a M. Buccini in the mailroom.
I will keep this blog posted on any developments. I will attach a copy of the complaint letter as a separate blog.
April, 10, 2009
Have you ever made an expensive purchase of a product that was defective, albeit from a reputable company, only to receive the same level of defective customer service when requesting the company's support of its product? Well, this is exactly what my family is currently experiencing, except on a grander scale. Or rather, a "50 grand" scale. (Pardon the usage of that very bad pun, but I had to sneak it in!)
My family currently resides in the DC Metro area which is a tristate region consisting of the intersecting points of Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. We have occupied a unit within a high-rise residential community owned and operated by Home Properties, Inc. since July 2007. Currently, we are approaching the end of our 9 month lease and are so anxiously awaiting its demise.
The unit we occupy happens to be this particular property’s sole penthouse suite. This suite, in my opinion, is not overly spectacular. It has a little over 1400 square feet with most of that space concentrated in public areas (living room, kitchen, dining area, etc.), small bedrooms, cheaply constructed closet fixtures (I’ve come home twice to find the fixture broken and my wardrobe on the floor), and old drafty windows that provide little or no soundproofing. This residential complex is located in close proximity to Interstate 395 , a local fire station, and a major hospital. It is a wonder we ever get any sleep at all. The highlight of this suite is a distant view of Washington D.C. that can be seen from its balcony. The monthly cost to rent this 3 bedroom unit can be likened to what you would expect to pay for a mortgage on a single family home, especially in today’s housing market.
However, since properties in the No. Virginia area typically do not experience a downward fluctuation in value, the prices to own these properties remain at a steady premium. The area has the best of both worlds. As parents, we appreciate being able to choose from some of the best public schools and community programs in the nation. As professionals, with ties to the federal government, we enjoy job flexibility with low turnover and optimal opportunities as well as the ability to sustain a short commute to and from work. Thus, we have justified this exorbitant rental expense, which is still less costly than purchasing property in this area, as a trade-off for its physical proximity to our jobs and communal opportunities distinct to the NoVA environment.
Since we’ve occupied this space (less than a 2-year timeframe), we’ve paid in excess of $50,000 in rent, to Home Properties, Inc., notwithstanding other utility bills related to the apartment. That being the case, we expected a modicum of consideration, from the property’s manager, who pays little reverence to Home Properties Inc.s’ Pledge to its Residents (click link).
After being patient and good little residents for the past 21 months, we’ve finally reached our breaking point with regard to the rude and inequitable treatment from the property manager of this residence facility. Tired of feeling defenseless against this seemingly unending barrage of unconcern and discontent, I have drafted a letter describing our experiences with this property and its management to the Home Properties, Inc. Corporate Office located in Rochester, NY.
Currently, we are awaiting a response. Individual FedEx packages containing a (9 page single-spaced) complaint letter has been delivered to the following Operational officers of Home Properties, Inc.:
Edward Pettinella, President, Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Critchley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Scott Doyle, Senior Vice President, Property Management
Additionally, a copy of the complaint was sent via certified mail to a generic “Resident Feedback” address that is listed on their website. I have already verified delivery of the FedEx packages which were signed by a M. Buccini in the mailroom.
I will keep this blog posted on any developments. I will attach a copy of the complaint letter as a separate blog.
Attention Residents of Seminary Towers and Residents of other properties managed by Home Properties, Inc. -- Please detail your thoughts and experiences with special regard to the property management. Your feedback is very much appreciated. - C.B.
ReplyDeleteI am no longer a fan of Seminary Towers. I hate that the AC leaked through the wall and water damage showed on my bedroom wall. I have a 2yr old with asthma and that kind of carelessness is not good for my 2yr old. I hate that during the middle of each season we have to wait for the hot air/ cool air to come on. As much as the rent is there we should have to wait for nothing. Lastly our upstairs neighbors shower leaked through our bathroom ceiling which caused the ceiling to collapse through. All the maintenance people did was push the ceiling back up and plaster it shut...that does not help. Mold can build up on the "band aid" they put on the ceiling. That can affect our breathing in the long run. I am so glad our lease will be up this December which is in a few weeks. I am so ready to leave!
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