ComplaintsforHorn Realty LLC

• Initial Complaint

  09/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Company retained EXCESSIVE amount of deposit. During walkthrough of rental property I stated the walls had holes and scuffs throughout. The leasing agent (Clementine) and owner of company (Alison) stated "you can leave it as you found it". I proceeded to sign the lease and upon moving in filled an patched upwards of 25 holes and fixed myself/reported unsafe/unclean items. I didn't patch the nail holes I reused but created 4 nail holes above the fireplace. After 12 months I gave 30 days notice, I left the apartment in better shape than what I found it except for the 4 nail holes (to hang a TV for which I notified ********** I would hang). When I received my deposit it was reduced by $250. I contacted ********** who directed me to ***** (Husband/Father the leasing agents) and I requested a receipt. I was emailed a copy of a bid for painting/priming the entire apartment. I tried to resolve with "*****" to no avail. If I am charged anything it should be for the 4 holes to patch/prime/paint, not the whole apartment. I have tried multiple times to rectify the reduction with the ***** (including ********** and Alison) and I was shut down each time. There have been multiple struggles with the Horne's that I had to resolve in 13 months. ***** demanding payment for extra utilities not stated in lease, broken air conditioner for 3 months, and a broken hot water heater. After all that I basically started taking care of stuff on my own so I wouldn't have to encounter grief. I learned a great deal during this and and I hoping to help someone else out by filing a formal complaint with the BBB so others will be cautious. Thanks for your help! **I TRIED TO ATTACH THE LEASE BUT IT IS TOO LARGE PLEASE ADVISE**

  Business response

  10/03/2023

  I am attaching receipts for repairs that were made to the unit after **** ***** moved out. The majority of the repairs were needed due to normal wear and tear and usage. Please note the labor invoices total $1600 and material invoices total over $300. We spent a total of $1900 to make the apartment ready for the next tenant. We charged **** ***** $250 for labor and material to repair and patch holes, sand and smooth, then prime and paint a living room wall that she had left. It took multiple trips and the cost of materials to repair the wall properly. The maintenance man specifically billed for the area we attributed to **** ***** so there'd be no confusion that she was paying for other repairs not attributed to her usage. We feel the repair charge to her was fair and equitable.

  As far as the water bill, that was  mistake on our side. **** ***** began her lease as my Father was ending his fight with cancer. My parents are elderly so I was out of the office often helping them. When **** ***** signed the lease, our office mistakenly told her water was included in the lease payment. When I spoke with **** *****, she explained our miscommunication. I told her we made a mistake and we honored what she was told. I paid her water and sewer bill out of pocket for her whole lease, so she wasn't charged for those utilities.

  We try really hard to make our tenants and our property owners happy. I am sorry **** ***** felt the need to report us and hope she is happy at her new place.

  Business response

  10/30/2023

   Please review the receipts for repair labor and repair materials that were sent with the first response. **** ***** was only charged for the repairs made as a result of HER actions. Specifically, one wall in the living room adjacent to the fireplace. It needed holes filled, sanded, primed and painted. $250 of **** *****'s security deposit was deducted to make these repairs and buy the required repair materials and paint. The balance of her security deposit was remitted to her. We paid additional costs of $1600+ to ready the unit for the next tenant. **** ***** was only charged for HER damages. I don't know how else to explain to her that she was treated fairly and consistently with regard to her security deposit. 

  Customer response

  11/08/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  

  I don’t know how else to explain that ***** is deceitful. He is claiming he charged me $250 for MY damages when he didn’t have any idea what damages I made until I told him; which was AFTER he already deducted the $250. Our conversation is attached; where you can see his initial reasoning and now read his current reasoning (and how it has changed, weird!). Sure, this would have been “fair” IF I didn’t do 90% of hole repairs MYSELF (minus painting), IF I moved into a damage-free unit, IF I didn’t leave the unit in substantially better shape than what I moved into, and IF I wasn’t previously told I can leave the unit in a similar fashion to what I moved into. ***** continues to be inconsiderate of any vital evidence against him. As I’ve stated and showed previously, this is a very similar situation to the water incident. He came to me demanding money that I didn’t owe, I pleaded with him that it wasn’t my responsibility, he continued to manipulate and ignore any evidence. He then resorted to ignoring me so I had to resort to resolving it with his daughter. I can’t express enough how dishonest ***** is. Not only does he gaslight and manipulate, he exploits and preys on those who can’t afford to lawfully fight back or have the confidence to do so. I sympathize for the future victims, as it seems due diligence means nothing to a shady business owner. In a world where many people live paycheck to paycheck now, the lack of humanity is shameful. 
  

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