ComplaintsforReal Property Management Baton Rouge

• Initial Complaint

  08/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Facilities Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  For two years our apartment unit has not had central air conditioning. There is a window unit in the living room and both bedrooms. The window units are not enough to cool off the apartment. Everyday during the summer the apartment is at least 80 degrees F. The upstairs hallway and the upstairs bathroom is always unbearably hot. The bedrooms are too hot to be in during the day when temperatures reach 80-90 degrees F A maintenance request was filed on 07/02/2024 and was marked completed by the company on 07/18/2024 yet no one has been here to address the issue at all For two summers including this one. Me and the other tenant here have suffered immense heat with no sign of relief. If the Ac is turned on, hot air blows out of the vents. The heat works fine during the winter but when the thermostat is set to cool, the apartment is made even hotter by hot air. This issue will be resolved if the property management business repairs the central AC

  Business response

  08/13/2024

  The tenant mentioned here (**** *****) rented out her unit with the understanding that there was no functioning central AC. All units at this location are rented with window units only, no central AC. After speaking with the owner of the building, he has confirmed that this is not a case where an owner chose to supply window units instead of repairing a broken AC; It was simply not provided.
  Per the lease agreement, all properties are rented in "As Is" condition. The owner has chosen to send his onsite maintenance tech to her unit to further evaluate to ensure that all window units are functioning properly.
  The onsite maintenance tech visited the unit on 8/13, and opted to install new window units to ensure that they all worked properly. The tenant is still not satisfied with the newly installed window units and would prefer that the owner install central ac units. A central unit will not be provided for this unit, as it was not rented as such.

  Customer response

  08/14/2024

  
  Complaint: 22080246
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  When the new owner started managing Jackson square, we did have central air. The response received stated that our unit was rented without central air which is a lie. When our air stopped working, we were supplied window units yet they do not cool the apartment as much as central air used to. In 2021 we met new owners and the central air was working fine. In 2023 a maintenance request was made that mentions the AC blowing hot air. That is when we had a window unit installed downstairs. I am disappointed that the management team has confidently lied about this issue. 
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *****

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  The Senior Property Manager, *******, spoke with **** ***** verbally on 8/16/2024 via phone call to further discuss this matter.  

  Per the phone call, ******* explained that **** was welcomed to vacate the property, as the lease agreement is currently a month to month term. Meaning, only a 30 day notice is required per the lease agreement for her to vacate. ******* explained that the owner was willing to release her from the agreement through this method, as she is not forced to live at this location. However, the owner will not provide central AC, as the window units in the property provide functional cooling. 

  **** denied the notice, and agreed to accept the unit with the window units, and mentioned that she may begin looking for another living option in the future. 

  To our knowledge, this matter has been remedied. 

  We look forward to a professional and cordial relationship with the tenant moving forward. 

• Initial Complaint

  12/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We have given a 30 day notice returned keys , and expecting our 1,150. Deposit . We have cleaned the home better than when we moved in it . My husband did yard work before we moved in which was the responsibility of the real property management. Team. We frooze in the winter and stayed hot in the summer from unit issues consistently. No heater in bathrooms. Just to name a few issues ……That’s why we moved out . Do the right thing and give us our hard working money back a blind and t square does not cost $1,150.00 dolllars . Normal wear and tear . We have plenty proof and evidence before and after so we are asking for REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, Lydia P, Bethany Landry do the right thing , return our deposit 1,150.00.

  Business response

  12/18/2023

  Hi Ms. ***,
  
  I see that you have not reached out to our office as instructed to resolve this matter personally, so we would like to take the opportunity to respond to your statement below.
  
  First, we are sorry to see that you chose to use your disability payment towards your Security Deposit, which you paid back in 2022. We cannot control how residents choose to budget their funds. Choosing to use your disability payment was simply your decision, and not disclosed to our office.
  
  The home was not professionally cleaned upon your departure. We have images of the condition of the home that we are happy to provide to you.
  
  Our office is equipped with exterior cameras for security purposes. We have traffic coming in and out of our office daily. As long as a staff member is in office, we answer the door.
  
  As explained numerous times during the course of your tenancy, repairs are at the mercy of the homeowner. Our owners are allowed the final decision regarding repairs on their rental home.
  The tree that fell on the home impacted the attic only; It did not puncture the interior of the home. We disclosed to you that the owner chose to file with his homeowner's insurance, which we were all at the mercy of. Like any other insurance company, time is a major factor regarding repairs.
  
  The application fee is $40.00 per resident 18 years of age or older. We see that you submitted your application, but another applicant was approved. We are happy to discuss the details of our decision personally, as we choose not to disclose your personal information on your application to the public.
  
  Lastly, to our knowledge there are no pending lawsuits against our office. We are happy to have our attorney contact you regarding your false claim.
  We would love to discuss this with you further via email.
  
  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  03/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Real Property Management is a rental management company that I rented a home from for two years. Upon move in, I proved an initial move in inspection to the company. The inspection noted broken blinds throughout the house, trash and debris in the yard, stained carpet and noted that the home and property was filthy. RPM advertised the property as "fully fenced" which I needed for my dogs. So I decided to pay to have the home professionally cleaned and for the trash to be removed. When I saw that the fence was rotted out and not safe for my dogs, I let them know and was told it wasn't their problem. I then paid to have 130 feet of fence line reinforced and a new gate made and installed, as the existing one rotted off. The home also did not have smoke detector, which I also had to purchase, I moved out of the property February 16, 2023, and RPM will not return my security deposit because of the broken blinds, cleaning, and trash/material removal. The house was clean, blinds were broken when I moved in, and there was absolutely no trash or "materials" left on the property by me. Additionally I reported a broken window on March 31, 2022, which was never repaired. They also charged my $234.00 for lightbulbs - no lightbulbs inside the house were burnt out when I left. This company is charging for things that were either in existence prior to my arrival or simply untrue.

  Business response

  03/28/2023

  Good Afternoon,
  
  Please review the attached email thread between our Senior Property Manager and ***** regarding her deposit. As you will see, our office has agreed to refund her for the following items:
  $108.70 for 7 additional light bulbs that were replaced that pictures showed to not be burnt/missing. In total, 10 light bulbs were burnt, but 17 were charged. We are refunding the cost of the additional 7.
  $134.40 blind replacement, where we do see from the move in evaluation that a few blinds were already broken.
  $180.00 for trash discarding/removal, as the items removed were present prior to move in.
  $165.00. labor charge refund which was for the blind replacement and trash discarding/removal.
  In total, $588.10 will be refunded in addition to what was already refunded to her, $220.80.
  
  ***** will not be refunded the cleaning fee, as the home was not left in satisfactory condition after her move out. In addition, the home was professionally cleaned and paid for by Real Property Management Baton Rouge prior to her move in. ***** chose to have the home cleaned again after she moved in, by her down discernment.
  
  There are a few points stated in the complaint by ***** that are not relevant to her deposit dispute that I would like to elaborate on.
  
  First, the property was fenced in, but ***** did not care for the condition of the fence. As explained to ***** at the time, she signed an "As Is" Clause in her lease agreement. This states the following:
  
  "Lessor warrants that the premises are in good condition, unless otherwise noted, and that the roof, heating and air conditioning, electrical and plumbing are in proper working order. Lessee accepts them in such condition. Lessor agrees to keep the premises in proper working condition during the term of this lease. No repairs shall be due Lessee by Lessor unless otherwise agreed to, except for the roof, heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing and such as may not be rendered necessary by fire or other casualty occasioned by Lessee or lessee's guest(s) or invitee(s) fault or negligence."
  
  As a result, ***** chose to make repairs to the fence by approval from the owner, with the agreement that she would not be refunded for the fence repair due to the clause. There are also no deductions for any fence repairs or damages from her security deposit.
  
  Secondly, she states that the carpets were stained. The carpets were professionally cleaned prior to her move in, but the best efforts did not remove all stains. For this reason, ***** was not charged for any carpet cleaning from her deposit.
  
  Lastly, she mentions that she reported a broken window during her final months of residency. The window was cracked, and did not affect the security of the home. Again, she was not deducted any amount for this repair or replacement from her security deposit.
  
  
  Please let us know if you would like to view any pictures of the condition that ***** left the property in terms of cleanliness, which support our decision to not refund her for the cleaning fee.
  
  Thank you for your consideration.
  Kind Regards,

• Initial Complaint

  04/14/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I'm in need of higher assistance. As I've been dealing with a independent company that has no higher authority then the one building. This is my situation, June 1st 2019 I started renting from Real Property Management of Baton Rouge. Within that time rent was promptly paid on time. Other then a few maintenance request most of them was taking care of. Other then the damage that was done to the kitchen floor that was caused by improper drainage from the dishwasher there were no major issues. I had no problem dealing with the floor because it wasn't something that could be fixed in that small section. Everything documented are at least should be. The matter at hand aroused for me on the 3rd day of March when my work vehicle broke down and as I was waiting for my supervisor an email from that morning was on the screen of my phone from Real Property Management asking my move out status. Without question I called RPM and was like, what do you mean my move out status. She goes ***** I emailed you back in January 30th telling you the owners decided to sale the property. At this time I'm in disbelief I reply back to her an email that's it no letter, no phone call, you guys normal always text me though your company app, an email that I didn't reply back to. She immediately became defensive well it says that you received the email. I began to tell her why would I put my family in this situation. I couldn't understand all the ways we had been communicating email, phone calls, text app most of the time and you never considered the fact that I didn't respond to the email to even give me any type of courtesy text, call, letter on the door. At this time she had the nicest way of being very unkind. With this in mind, I begin to ask her can you give me anymore time. She continued well ***** I gave you a 30day notice there's not much I can do she replied I'll ask the owner if you can have any more time. I had already paid March rent before the first ($1417.45). This was on a Wednesday, a few hours later she called me back and said I had till Monday 8am to have the keys dropped off are an eviction notice will be issued. With that being said, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday me and my family had to move a full furnished four bedroom house patio, garage, shed, attic to avoid an eviction. With nowhere to go and she told me I could pick up my rent but that I would have to pay a prorated rent for the days that we stayed there. When I went to pick the rent up money that was needed she had already deposited into the account and told me she had 30 days to return that back to me. At this time I was trying my hardest to be kind in a very unpleasant, uncomfortable, unfortunate situation, because I didn't know if I would have to go back through that company to find me and my family somewhere else to live. Even in that matter they were very unprofessional, unconcerned an offer very little help as to how I could get me and my family and another home soon as possible. What they know is 4 days that it took me and my family to move out and entire home. I left that property in great condition. I swept I mopped I wiped baseboards, I clean the refrigerator, wipe stove, countertop, wipe walls down. And we left nothing in that house that needed to go to the trash. That house was moved in ready Sunday at 5:30 p.m. when I drop the keys in the Dropbox. The problem that I'm having now is that I'm calling to reach ******** ******* is the she that I've been referring to throughout this email) and Kameron is seeming to be unavailable. I've been leaving messages with no reply. I'm been told to send an email as if she's trying to create a alibi of emails being our only mean of communication and that is not facts. My concern is that I should not be out of a $1,400 deposit. Lately when I've been calling it goes like ******* is out of the office. She'll be back Monday. Call back Monday. Is there anything I can help you with? Yes, I want to know the status of my deposit. Well, I see in the system that you are to receive a $1,100 return from your prorated rent. Yes, I understand that but I'm not asking about the return of my prorated rent. I'm talking about the return of my deposit. What's the status of my deposit? You need to call Monday. I'll call Monday. ******* is very busy at the moment may I take a message ( I'll leave a message. No reply) or they'll put me on hold and the phone would mysteriously hang up. And I would call back and someone else come to the phone and say ******* is very busy at the moment. Well, I do understand that she's running a business, however my business should be somewhat of a concern to her as well. I'm reaching out to Better Business Bureau because I'm at my wit end in this situation that seems to be very one-sided and unfair. This whole situation was very unfortunate and could have been avoided in many ways. On my behalf by checking my email. I understand that and on their behalf by being professional and not just communicating with me through a email in a very important situation. They are showing no ownership. No concern for what me and my family have went through. I have spent thousands over five $6,000 just with the displacement of me and my family and I don't think they get to take anymore from me by being unjust without a reason. I went back into the neighborhood to check the mail ran into some of the lifelong 30-year plus neighbors only to find out that the house is not for sale. This is what the owner of the property do. He let people least the property for short period of time and then he say the property is for sale. You have to move out and he move another tenant in. All of this was premeditated because rental rates went up by 21% and it was means to get more money. I was told when I moved into that property that the people that live there before me wanted to buy that property and they was told it wasn't for sale because it was family property to stay within the family. I am looking and I'm hoping for some justification and hoping you guys put an end to this scheme that's occurring. I know you can't tell the homeowner exactly what to do and how to handle their business, but at least a tenant should know beforehand what they're walking into and what to expect.

  Business response

  05/02/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/04/21) */ The tenant was provided with a formal notice to vacate, which was documented via email on January 31. 2022. After review, the tenant left approximately $4,147.65 worth of damages to the home. The home owner has been left with further repairs outside of what your security deposit covered, which is what the prepaid rent amount went towards. The owner is still in the process of repairing the home, and will contact ***** ***** directly for further repair costs. ***** ***** may review section 1.8 and 4.1 of the lease agreement, which outline the category of items in which were applied towards your deposit balance.We have all receipts to account for $4,147.65 worth of damages.

• Initial Complaint

  11/04/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On October 13,2021 I put in a service request for a property that I rent through Real property management in Baton Rouge La. Someone contacted me on this date and made me aware the Property management contacted them, and they will be in to fix my clogged toilet at the property, The plumber came out and had to replace the toilet. Today I logged in to pay my rent and discovered a had a bill on my account in the amount of 642.50. Toilet Repair. " The plumber had to replace the toilet because the tenant got something stuck inside the toilet. The plumber was not able to extract that item. The notes states on my account. This is the first time I was advised I would be responsible for the payment of the repair. No one from Baton Rouge Property management nor the plumber informed me of this. I am okay with paying for the service, but not the price tag of 642.50. This should have been communicated to me before the repair was done since I am res for the charges responsible for the charges. I have called and received 3 estimates for toilet replacement with the brand that was replaced. Highest quote was 350.00. When calling the business, I called 5 times and select the option for current tenant or owner needs to speak with someone no one. Something told me to select the option to check into renting. The lady answered. I asked if I was reaching the Baton Rouge location, she asked me what do I need. Very horrible attitude. I explained to her my issue she stated email this email address your concerns. I continue to explain to her what my issues was, and her next question was "Are you finished?" This company is doing things in a fraudulent manner, and I know the property owners are not aware this is what they are paying for.

  Business response

  12/07/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2021/11/23) */ Good Morning. The owner of this property chose to send out their own plumber for this request. The plumber has no affiliation with RPM Baton Rouge nor is an employee. We were not notified of the toilet replacement until after the owner had received the invoice along with the notes provided on the tenant's ledger. In accordance with section 1.8 and 3.7 of the lease agreement, any repairs outside of normal wear and tear will be at the expense of the tenant. The tenant was also verbally informed that we were willing to accommodate a payment plan towards the maintenance charge. Consumer Response /* (3000, 10, 2021/11/24) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) No one has contacted me from Real property management about this issue. I am not willing to accept a payment plan for a repair that wasn't discussed with me. The cost of the repair is double the cost of the actual job. 642.00 to replace a toilet is a ripoff. The cost of the actual toilet was 100.00 at the highest. I found the same make and model for 89.00. If the owner did hire his own plumber please ask him to produce receipts and a invoice for the repair. I have 3 estimates for the same repair. The highest one was 350.00. I have read on google and also on the BBB that Real property management has did this to others. It's not legal neither is it fair.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩