How to find out about bad management companies (Reston: apartment complexes, to rent)

[tf2014]

I'm moving to Northern Virginia from CT. I've been a homeowner and will be going back to renting. I see lots of apartment complexes that look nice (on-line) and are affordable, but then when you read, say, a Yelp review, it sounds like the places are hell on Earth (bad management, bugs, sketchy tenants...). Is there anyway to find out if a management company has been cited for issues or if they are reputable? Thanks.

[Katie1]

I was a Tenant of Silverwood for several years. I live in Martinsburg WV BUT they have lots of apt complexes in No VA They seemed to be a good caring Company. No I didn't move they sold the place a few months ago... IF I could afford to move I would! The new company is the pits! All we been is lied to! Anyway the new Company is GreyStar... try to avoid them!

http://www.greystar.com/ ... the one to Avoid!

http://www.silverwoodcompanies.com/ .... Recommend!!

[Katie1]

BTW ASK this question in the Northern Virginia Forum! Maybe others in the area can help you ... Just ask What apts they would recommend!

[Kim in FL]

By talking to friends and family who rent in your area. Be mindful of the online reviews, so many times they are full of disgruntled former tenants. Some of the info might be true, but how do you know?

You need to drive around the complex at different times of the day and night. Talk to some of the current residents, tell them you're looking to move in and ask them how they like it. Ask specific questions..ask about noise, ask about maintenance, ask about management.

The biggest problem with large complexes is the turn over rate of the office staff. If you do choose a large complex, make sure you get everything in writing. If you talk to one staff member about an issue, get it in writing because they could be gone before you issue is resolved. Then you'll be told they can't do anything because Sally Mae now longer works there.

[Katie1]

Kim Read his 1st sentence! I'm moving to Northern Virginia from CT.

[boyd888]

Apartment reviews are like gym reviews - they serve thousands of people, yet good luck finding one with decent yelp reviews.

The only online reviews worth their salt are the neutral ones that list both pros and cons. All pros are likely shills and all cons are usually disgruntled people. The issue with negative reviews is that tenants forget they are renting and not living in a luxury hotel. Yes you may have noisy neighbors or the occasional bugs (ask anyone who owns a home if they ever have these issues you know).

The big high rise management companies in Northern VA (Ditmar, Equity, Avalon, etc) are all similar and your rent will determine the level of amnesties that come along with your place. These companies manage thousands of people most of whom have no issues whatsoever.

[austindoxie1972]

In general, I stuck with the larger companies like Buzzoto. I also read comments online and take many with a grain of salt. Specific statements-- like "the walls are so thin, when the woman upstairs was pregnant, I could hear her vomit EVERY morning for 9 months" -- that would give me pause. And if I see the same complaint over and over, that, too, gives me pause. BTW, that comment was about Parc Reston, and I've been told the walls REALLY are thin at that complex.

In addition, I drive through the parking lot and look at cars, see how dirty the parking lot is, etc. That tells me a lot.