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This is my first post on City Data and also my first time renting an apartment. I need some advice on how to let the next six months go smoothly. I recently relocated to Tucson, Arizona into an apartment near downtown.
I did a walk through with one of the office managers and pointed out what I liked and what needed to be fixed. The first night I could not stay in the unit because they did the vacuum cleaning last minute and the smell was unbearable for me and my cat. Also I could not use the AC unit the first few days because there was a large hole near the vent in the ceiling cased by the AC being on and the window being left open. The unit kitchen and bathroom surfaces was supposed to be resurfaced before I moved in but somehow that never happened. I asked if I would be charged for this and was told of course not, as it should have already been done prior but was somehow missed. The resurfacing was done and looked great but I'm paranoid they may charge upon leaving. I had the resurfacing done on my day off, left the unit with my cat, came back after 4pm and boyyy that chemical smell lasted two days. I had to keep the AC off and just leave the balcony door open overnight.
Several things have happened after moving in that has caused me concern. A few days ago one of the kitchen cabinet doors became completely unhinged and fell off. It was fixed the next day. Then this morning a cabinet door under the vanity sink became unhinged and fell off. I sent in a maintenance request for that as well. I really hope nothing else falls off while I'm here. The back balcony has stained bird pop all along the walls and I placed a maintenance request for that as well. They placed an anti bird device along the railing but left bird stains as is. I brought that up again and was informed a power washer could not fit going up the stairs but maybe the cleaning lady can do something.
I did some laundry the other night and left my two loads overnight. When I went to throw them in the dryer, I saw my clothes were all over the floor from one load and my jeans were stolen. I also saw someone else's clothes were thrown all over the floor. Now I learned my lesson from leaving my clothes unoccupied too long in the laundry room. But there were more than enough units available and I think someone went in mind just to steal clothing. Lastly, on my lease it states verbatim I am allowed a gate remote for free and if I need additional ones then I would have to pay. When I requested one the office manager was about to charge me until I told her that the lease states its free. She gave me some run around about that its no longer free, IT needs to fix it, and they would have to do it for everybody if they do it for me. She did mention someone else made the same complaint pointing out the lease.
After all I just typed, is this normal in average apartment living? Will asking for all these maintenance requests tick management off and make me look bad?
Also are there any tips going forward to make sure I receive my full deposit back. I took pictures of everything I could find and think of that needed fixing, or was the condition upon move in. I made sure to fill out the unit condition sheet. I also have the cleaning sheet for when I move out so I know what to expect although they only list minimum estimate prices. I kept all of the issues mentioned here in email conversation alongside with pictures.
I do have one cat and unfortunately this unit has carpeting. I have a large padding under the litter box, use the Litter Genie for disposal everyday, and a large scratching post. However, I do seem to find litter bits here and there on the carpet. What vacuums do you guys recommend for someone with a cat and is budget friendly? Also my unit smells fine now, and I want to keep it that way. What's the best way to keep a unit smelling as though an animal does not live there?
I will address the kitty issue - use Ozium spray in the litter box - read the directions carefully. I have 6 cats, the boxes are cleaned twice daily and most people do not even know we have a cat. That is the 2nd thing with the litterbox - clean twice daily at minimum.
I will address the kitty issue - use Ozium spray in the litter box - read the directions carefully. I have 6 cats, the boxes are cleaned twice daily and most people do not even know we have a cat. That is the 2nd thing with the litterbox - clean twice daily at minimum.
Thank you. Yes I clean the box twice, in the morning before work and after when I come home. On off days three times if needed. I will definitely pick up the Ozium spray, thank you.
I would not take a unit with carpet. (pet or no pet) The issues from the unit is a bad sign but they did fix it.
If I had the choice I would have a unit without carpet as well. Hopefully the next unit will be without. I am glad they are fixing them in a timely manner.
If I had the choice I would have a unit without carpet as well. Hopefully the next unit will be without. I am glad they are fixing them in a timely manner.
All the best to you.
I find LL have a lot of power and I would avoid them or make complaints once all that initial expectations from first moving in is completed. I even avoid neighbors, just in case they gossip to the LL and you don't want to attract attention to yourself.
For example, I know three separate issues where these three tenants inherited over 1 mil., (they don't know that I know) and they keep quiet so that their rent won't increase above the guidelines. They are travelling more, but be discreet about it so LL doesn't think they are financially comfortable.
I try not to own too much furniture, just in case there is bed bug issue in the building or other things.
All the best to you.
I find LL have a lot of power and I would avoid them or make complaints once all that initial expectations from first moving in is completed. I even avoid neighbors, just in case they gossip to the LL and you don't want to attract attention to yourself.
For example, I know three separate issues where these three tenants inherited over 1 mil., (they don't know that I know) and they keep quiet so that their rent won't increase above the guidelines. They are travelling more, but be discreet about it so LL doesn't think they are financially comfortable.
I try not to own too much furniture, just in case there is bed bug issue in the building or other things.
Your life sounds miserable. Why are you so paranoid??
I did some laundry the other night and left my two loads overnight. When I went to throw them in the dryer, I saw my clothes were all over the floor from one load and my jeans were stolen. I also saw someone else's clothes were thrown all over the floor. <SNIP> is this normal in average apartment living?
While I don't think it's necessarily "normal" that your jeans get stolen, it's definitely not a good idea to leave your loads in the machines overnight! At best, it pisses people off (it sounds like not all the machines were in use in your case, however) and at worst it's basically leaving your belonging unattended which is never a great idea. Usually what happens is that laundry is pulled out and put somewhere else so others can use the machine. I think most people expect laundry to be moved as soon as it's done.
Some of the other things you've noticed don't seem that out of line. The bird poop stain- it depends. In my experience, apartments will occasionally do power washing of exteriors, but not for specific things that aren't causing health or safety concerns. When you say "stain," I am not thinking of something that comes off to the touch.
It sounds like they've been fairly responsive to many things (fixing the cabinet the next day), and things do break in apartments. Although you should be able to expect things to be in working order and a clean until to move into, things aren't required to be the best or super nice.
Sunny: it’s renting 101 and just plain common sense that you do not leave your laundry in a shared washer/dryer. A) your clothes now stink and need to be re washed and B) you **** others off who have been waiting to use the machine.
I would remove your clothes too... not throw them on the floor, but maybe on top of the machine. Clothes get stolen from laundry rooms all the time...don’t leave your stuff unattended.
Your life sounds miserable. Why are you so paranoid??
Thanks Kim. Have a nice day.
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