ComplaintsforBenchmark Property Management, L.L.C.

• Initial Complaint

  04/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a severe leak on 3/13/23. I reported it after I cleaned it up. My kitchen floor was completely covered for the who day. Water seeped through the walls and carpets even into the adjoining room of my kids room. There was a severe odor to follow afterwards. The only thing they did as a property management was bring out a dehumidifier. They did not replace the still leaking fridge or the light fixture that fall as well that night. Days later mold appeared. I did have to take my 9 month to the urgent care because she started running a fever for unknown reasons. Once the mold was identified I informed them that this is not a livable environment for me or my kids and that I will be vacating effective 5/1/23. They never reached out regarding the mold or replacing the carpet or anything. They only sent someone to clean it with bleach. I’m had to file a claim with my renters insurance because mine and my kid’s property were damaged. They are NOT returning calls or emails to my adjuster at Assurant name Wendy O. So I’m having a hard time getting reimbursed. I’m breaking my lease which is up on 7/31/23 due to their negligence. They didn’t investigate the leak nor have they replaced the STILL leaking refrigerator. The reviews on the company are ACCURATE. They are slum lords who do not answer the phone or help their tenants at all. I’ve had to come out of pocket for finding a new place to live as well as replacing clothing, bedding, shoes and so forth. This company is RIDICULOUSLY incompetent. They lie and steal from hard working Americans with no remorse.

  Business response

  04/17/2023

  To whom it may concern,

   

  *** ***** reported that her fridge was having an issue on March 13, 2023, our maintenance tech went out the on March 14, 2023 to assess the fridge and left the following note " There was no active water leak, checked water meters , no detection of running water. Went up stairs to see any leaks, none. She made me take my shoes off, as I got closer to kitchen I noticed that the carpet was wet under my feet, she says her daughter spilled a cup of juice, she cleaned up with carpet shampooer". *** ***** was in the unit at the time of the maintenance visit and he let her know that he could not find a leak in the unit. We did not receive another work order from *** ***** unit March 29th stating that she had mold in the unit. Our maintenance tech went over to the unit to assess the issues and found that what she had was dust on her vents, he cleaned all of the areas mentioned in her work order with bleach. He was unable to get to her a/c unit because she has personal items blocking him from entering then unit. A follow up call was made to *** ***** to schedule a time that she would have the closet cleaned out so that he could take a look inside and she stated that we could come in and check it after she moves out. With her not granting us permission to enter unitl she moves out or willing to clean out the closets the work order was closed out and notes left that the tenant denied access. We have no issue with rectifying any issues she may have but we would need her full cooperation. 

  Customer response

  04/28/2023

  I had code enforcement come out today to inspect my home. The took pictures of the current problems I’m having as well as some news they pointed out. As stated the fridge started the massive leak. It is still leaking and holding water. The the AC has signs of leakage. The water did in fact seep into my kids clothes area. They can vouch for the foul odor still wait plus the damped carpet. We then checked the water heater. This is a no problem it has been leaking has mold and calcium build up and it is always located in my kids room. The light fixture they was trying to replace while I was at work had to be removed and it water marks where it was leaking too. They were not up to code with my smoker detectors, the only one in there does not work at all. I’m fighting hard for my lease to be terminated because my issue was not taken serious and it is still trying to be pushed up the rug. I should’ve withheld Aprils rent because none of the issues where resolved at all in March. I was just given a dehumidifier but me not knowing that I could’ve legally did that is why I’m so heated. They really are slum lords and I’m not the only tenant that feels that way.

  Business response

  04/28/2023

  To whom it may concern,

   

  We received a copy of the notes from the Code Enforcement and all issue are being addressed.

• Initial Complaint

  01/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Due to the property not staying gated my vehicle has been broken into 3 times! I have contacted the office and spoke with property manager *****) about gates getting fixed and it’s been months without the gates. Campus highlands is not safe and I will not sublease an unsafe environment. There are random homeless people that sit around the complex and people come and go as they please. This is supposed to be a gated community. I just want out of this unsafe environment the complex said I cannot break my lease due to this. The expect me to sublease an unsafe environment to someone else and I cannot do that. They can have my security deposit I just need out. I have several tenants willing to write complaints on here on how our things have been damaged and how benchmark doesn’t care about its tenants. They rather us be unsafe than loose money and it’s ridiculous!!!!!!!!

  Business response

  02/14/2023

  The first mention of the gate repairs was back in December 2022 and  the customer  was told that the vendor who was doing the repairs to the gate was waiting on the parts and once the parts came in they would be out to repair it. On Sunday, January 29, 2023 was the first time that it was mentioned that her car had been broken into. Once the information about wanting to get out of her lease was relayed to the office staff she was contacted and given all the information to sublease her apartment per the guidelines of the lease.  While we understand the nature of why she would like to break her lease we must follow fair housing rules which would require her to go through the process of subletting her apartment. She does have the option to move out without securing a subleaser, however she will still be responsible for the rest of her lease term. We are more than willing to answer any additional questions she may have.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid an amount of 775 on the date of 08/01/2022 for a security deposit with Benchmark Real estate services.I’ve contacted them multiple times in regard of returning my funds due to me not being able move in to my apartment.They have yet to contact me about me receiving any funds I’ve contacted their corporate office by email and still haven’t gotten any reply.It is now going on 2 months with no confirmation.

  Business response

  11/01/2022

  Tell us why hereTo whom it may concern,
  
  
  *** ******* was notified on August 8th, 2022 that the management at *** ****** ** ***** Place as well as the ownership had changed and all funds were transferred to the new management company, **** * ***** ** ***. *** ******* reached out to the new company for a refund and was told that they only had a certain about of money on her behalf, I was then cc'd in on the email to confirm that the amount she was requesting back was indeed owed to herby the current management company. Benchmark has no affiliation with the current management company nor ownership. *** ******* will have to remedy the situation with the current owner as all funds have been disbursed at closing.  
  
  
  
  
  Best,
   *******Community Manager

  Customer response

  11/03/2022

   I stated that on August 1,2022 I paid rent for *** ****** ** ***** place of $775 ,I never moved into the apartment I’ve waited months for a check to come in.Adams once said that they never received a payment for my rent.I also paid a deposit of $775 I’ve received that check I’m just waiting on the check for my rent.

   Complaint: ********

  I am rejecting this response because:

  Regards,

  ***** *******

  Business response

  11/05/2022

  This property has been sold and monies were remitted to the purchaser of the property and becomes their responsibility to handle any and all matters relating to residents and applicants after the closing date of 08/05/2022.  

• Initial Complaint

  10/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I moved into one of their properties on august 18th. I moved out after three weeks because there was a roach infestation I had to get my own exterminators to get rid of. That’s not normally my experience with apartment complexes because they normally have their own pest control. Besides that there was a shooting right outside my window and my car was shot. When I went to tell them I won’t be living there anymore, a staff member asked if I actually saw the shooting because otherwise that’s not grounds to break my lease. I told them I didn’t see it but I did see my shattered read windshield and the bullets that the cops pulled out of my vehicle. There also is a police report and I have the case number. Since then they told me I need to find a sublet to take over the apartment, and I’ve sent them multiple prospective tenants to apply. No one has been approved yet even though I was approved in about two days. I had to pay October rent because they are taking their time to approve someone and if they still haven’t approved someone by November then it will be evident that they are prolonging the process on purpose.

  Business response

  10/06/2022

  Hi *****,

  I have reviewed our records and the work order you submitted for pest control was completed.  Our pest control vendor, *** ****** Pest Control, treated the apartment on 8/30/2022 as requested by you.  We have not received a complaint about the pest issue since the treatment was completed.

  Per the lease agreement, the incident that occurred at the property is not grounds for terminating the lease.  The option of re-letting your apartment is the best option for our tenants who are interested in moving out early.  Since we received notification from you on 9/19/2022 regarding re-letting your apartment, we have sent 18 applications to the interested parties you have provided to us.  Of those 18 applications, 2 parties submitted an application, 1 of which was denied, the other is being processed.  The application in process is being held up by the applicant- we are awaiting her pet screening registration for her pet.

  Benchmark has not been putting this off as you stated.  All applicants must be screened and processed, unfortunately some take longer than others.

  I have attached screenshots of the applications that were emailed to the contacts you have provided us, as well as the applications we have received.
  

  I can assure you that we are diligently working to get someone to take over your lease and we appreciate your patience during the process.

• Initial Complaint

  06/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In searching for a new apartment here in Tallahassee, I called Benchmark (the company I am reporting) to ask for clarification questions on some of their properties. After hearing my budget preferences, property preferences, and desired move date, the representative recommended a specific property that I should apply to. I did so. The application fee cost me $80. But as of a week later, I had received no response at all. I called Benchmark back at this point, and asked for an update. The only response I received was that my application was "still processing" and could take up to another week. After that second week passed, I had still received no word, so I again followed up. This time, a representative told me that they had been unable to reach my current landlord/property management company for a referral. The representative told me that their ONLY method of attempting contact had been a single email once a day. No phone calls to either myself or the would-be referral source. I asked them if they could try calling at that point, which they said they would. This was Thursday, June 23 (2022). On Monday, June 27, I received a text message that the property for which I had applied was no longer available, asking if I would like one the following month. This does not work for me, as my lease will be up long before then, as I explained when first applying. They explained that an earlier applicant got the property on a first come, first serve basis. Note: there were NO indications given that there were applications ahead of me on their website OR when speaking to their initial representative. In summary, I paid $80 dollars on an "application fee" on the recommendation of a representative, after which I received no direct contact for two weeks aside from my own reaching out, only to be put behind another applicant no one indicated existed. This is clearly shady business to profit from application fees.

  Business response

  06/30/2022

  Tell us why here...Alec applied for Columbia House unit 2315-B on June 10, 2022.  At that time, there were 2 other pending applications which came in before your application.  During the time we were processing the applications, the current tenant renewed the lease on a month to month basis.  The applicants ahead of you were notified that the unit was no longer available and chose to switch to another property.  I noticed on June 27th that you had not been notified, so I reached out to you to let you know that the unit was no longer available and asked if you may be interested in another unit that would be available for an August 18th move in date, due to us not having any units available for you requested move in date.
  

  The application fee is $50 per application, which is a non-refundable fee and that is clearly stated in our application instructions. All application fees are charged at the time of application online through a 3rd party service. If you can provide proof of being charged $80 for the application fee we will refund the additional $30 you were charged over and above the non-refundable $50 application fee.   

  Customer response

  06/30/2022

   

   ********** ********

  I am rejecting this response because:  The notice I was given on 6/27, as stated in my complaint, was more than two weeks after my initial application. I understand that the application fee (it may have been $50 and not $80) is not refundable, but because I was misinformed as to what I was applying for, I do not believe that the nonrefundable aspect is valid in this case. I was told "this property is available" and per your own statements, there was not a guarantee it would be when I applied. 

  At best, I was given incorrect information. At worst, I was misled simply to create more profit and business. In either case, I should not have to pay an application fee for a misrepresented application, whether due to incompetence or malfeasance. I am additionally in the process of following with the Florida Secretary of State / Consumer Service on this matter, as I believe it is unethical the way you are misrepresenting availabilities - both online and in verbal discussion - to potential clients. 

  Regards,

  **** ******

• Initial Complaint

  02/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have been a resident at Jaclyn Apartments located in Moultrie, Ga for nearly 4 years as a renter. The property has undergone many management changes and I had never had any issues until *** ****** ******** began her duties as the property manager. I am currently facing an unfair judgment and lease non renewal for what I strongly believe are retaliatory actions by ************ I have not violated my lease terms, I have not been in trouble, and *** ******** has advised that I have had no issues as it relates to my living and dwelling. She cited that there is a need to end the professional relationship. Despite *** ******** being unprofessional I have maintained professionalism at any point we have needed to communicate. I have requested contact from a superior and have received the incorrect communication points and given the run around regarding the matter. I have proof of what not only myself have gone through at the property and I need to address it as it has caused great grief.

  Business response

  02/03/2022

   

  The property manager, ****** *******s, issued a non-renewal notice to *** ****.  A landlord can choose not to extend the existing lease or decline to offer a new lease. A private landlord is not required to give a reason for refusing to extend or renew a lease.  We wish *** **** well in her future endeavors.  

   

• Initial Complaint

  11/12/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This is the worst company to ever do business with. I had a lease on an apartment. They are out of tallahasee but have apartments in the state of GA ******* apartments. The first couple months I had a water leak in the bedroom. The fan caught on fire because the roof was horrible. No one would fix my apartment or go around my schedule to fix the leak. I paid for a two bedroom but only got the use of one. The landlord ****** ******* was nasty, had a bad attitude and had no respect for anyone. I went the entire year only being able to use one bedroom. I made a complaint on her to benchmark In tallahasee and they sent me a letter telling me they refused to renew my lease. Keep in mind I was a good tenant and alway paid on time and never caused any issues. They refused to fix my apartment while I lived there.The apartment was better when I left than when I got there. I had a package that arrived and because of my work schedule. I set up a time to come pick up the package. When I arrived ****** was no where to be found. The landlord sat at her apartment and looked out the window and would not come out to give me my package. It was so cold outside and I was getting sick waiting. I put in many maintenence request because ****** told me to reach out to *****. The maintenence man. I did and no one would answer the phone. I knock on the landlords door and the landlord refused to answer. I finally got a message from ****** and hour later. Saying she was sorry she slept in. Keep in mind I had to drive 45 minutes to come get the package at this time and gas is high. ****** told me to watch what I say it was her kids looking out the window. First I never said anything about her kids. Then she messaged me back telling me my package was at the office that I needed to walk over there. ***** put the package on the bench. The tenant was given my private info. There was a tenant with ***** they were telling her everything. IT against the law to tell info to another tenant.

  Business response

  11/12/2021

  The past resident is asking for explanation/refund of charges.  Ms. ***** is receiving her deposit in full and no other charges have been assessed against the account.

   

  The manager has apologized for the delay on the Saturday Ms. ***** retrieved her package.

   

• Initial Complaint

  11/01/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This is the worst company to ever do business with. I had a lease on an apartment. They are out of tallahasee but have apartments in the state of GA that they manage. The first couple months I had a water leak in the bedroom. The fan caught on fire because the roof was horrible. No one would fix my apartment or go around my schedule to to fix the leak. I paid for a two bedroom but only got to use one. The landlord ****** ******* was nasty, had a bad attitude and had no respect for anyone. I went the entire year only being able to use one bedroom. I made a complain on her to benchmark In tallahasee and they sent me a letter telling me they refused to renew my lease. Keep in mind I was a good tenant and alway paid on time and never caused and issues. They refused to fix my apartment while I lived there. I found a new apartment at a better place and moved out. The apartment was better when I left than when I got there. I was told I would get my deposit in 30 days but it should not take that long to issue me back my money. I had a package that arrived and because of my work schedule. I set up a time to come pick up the package. When I arrived ****** was no where to be found. The landlord sat at her apartment and looked out the window and would not come out to give me my package. It was so cold outside and I was getting sick waiting. I put in many maintenence request because ****** told me to reach out to *****. The maintenence man. I did and no one would answer the phone. I knock on the landlords door and the landlord refused to answer. I finally got a message from ****** and hour later. Saying she was sorry she slept in. Keep in mind I had to drive 45 minutes to come get the package at this time and gas is high. ****** told me to watch what I say it was her kids looking out the window. First I never said anything about her kids. Then she messaged me back telling me my package was at the office ***** put it there. So now I had to walk in the cold to the office. When I

  Business response

  11/03/2021

  *** ***** began having HVAC issues in July 2021. She contacted me on 07/13/2021 regarding a leak that she believed was coming from her ceiling fan. No issues were detected at the ceiling fan but there was an obvious leak and her carpet was getting wet. After having a roofer, plumber, and HVAC technician inspect the apartment, we determined the evaporator coils to her a/c unit needed to be cleaned and this work was done on 07/28/2021. *** ***** works from home and had a schedule that she requested us work around and we did our best to get her issue resolved in a timely manner, given the time we were allotted. 
  Her move out was scheduled for 10/31/21 but she turned in her keys and relinquished possession on 10/22/21. An inspection was performed by 10/25/2021 and she is currently waiting to receive her security deposit in full. I informed her that she would receive her refund by check, in the mail, within 30 days and if she had not received it by then, to contact me and I would reach out to the accounting department. 
  I contacted her on 10/27/21 to let her know a package had been delivered to her old apartment. I asked what she would like for me to do and she asked if I could meet with her on Saturday, my day off, to get the package. She said she could come to ******* around 10AM and I agreed to do this for her. I also informed maintenance as well, in case I was not available. I overslept that morning and she was waiting in her vehicle outside of my building. While I was sleeping, she knocked on my door and was knocking on my children’s windows. My children are not allowed to answer the door for anyone, because they are minors. However, my children did peek out the window. That situation was a complete misunderstanding. 
  As soon as I knew she was here and still waiting, I contacted my maintenance technician, ***** (who also lives on-site) and he offered to help me get the package to her.  The package was at my office and never entered my personal dwelling. ***** was waiting outside of the office for her while she walked to the office to retrieve it. 

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