Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  02/10/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  They are charging 50 dollars for a tenant benefit package which is uploaded for filling a maintenance request on rental property also for reporting your credit and other items that is very much none sense. I have had rental insurance since I lived at the property

  Business response

  02/17/2025

  Ms. ********* complaint is centered around the Tenant Benefit Package (***).  The *** is outlined in detail in a separate addendum attached to the Rental Contract. Benefits include renters insurance, delivery of HVAC filters, positive credit reporting, rewards program, and others.
  
  Ms. ********* current lease does not include the *** as her lease was in place when Block acquired management of the property in November 2023.  As part of Ms. ********* lease renewal process, the *** was going to added. Ms. ******** expressed her disapproval with the package in general as well as the added cost.  After discussions with the Landlord, we subsequently removed the package completely from Ms. ********* lease renewal, provided Ms. ******** complies with the following: 1) Provides a current certificate of insurance that (a) meets the insurance requirements outlined in the rental contract and (b) names both Block and Landlord as additional interest; 2) Maintains responsibility for the purchase and installation of filters.
  
  The renewal rental contract is currently out for signatures and does not include the ***. 
  

  Customer response

  02/19/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********

• Initial Complaint

  11/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Block and Associates was our ****************** we had been renting from them for a couples of years. So as of 11/15 we received a text stating that another ****************** will be taken over. ****************************** is our new Rental people we pay our rent to that office in ******. One Village we'll agent call to let me and my husband know that Block and Associates was not turning over our $1600 that we put down for our deposit Thur. the years we have many ****************** and the each company gave money to the next agent. But Block and Associates has no reason to keep our deposit because if we decide to every move we won't have our deposit to help us out. We are senior citizens and we don't have funds just to let someone take our ******** please if u can help us get the $1600 to the new agent.

  Business response

  11/25/2024

  Block & Associates Realty (Block) acquired this property from another management agency in late 2023.  Unfortunately, when reviewing the paperwork and monies received from this other firm, we found numerous discrepancies and are still working through them.  Regrettably, Ms. ******* security deposit is one of the discrepancies we have found. The discrepancies are from the files we received and what the tenant is saying she deposited. Based on the lease we received from the previous management company, the security deposit amount should be $775 plus a $100 refundable pet deposit, not $1600.00 as Ms. ******* mentioned in her complaint. 

  While Block is currently managing this rental home on behalf of the Property Owner, management will soon transition to another company.  Ms. ******* reached out to our office regarding her security deposit.  We have reached out to Ms. ******* requesting her help in reconciling this inconsistency.  Additionally, we are working with assistance from the Property Owner to see if they have any additional documentation regarding a different amount of Ms. ******* security deposit. 
  
  Block will ensure that the correct security deposit amount will be transferred to the new management company and have shared this same assurance with both Ms. ******* and the Property Owner. 
  

  Customer response

  11/25/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *******

• Initial Complaint

  11/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I received my security deposit from moving out on 1 April 2024. They extended their time to give me my deposit. A cashiers check was written out to me 15 May 2024. However, they asked me where to send the check. I gave them an address and informed them that my mother passed away and to send me the check and wrote my full name out. I did not receive my deposit until mid Oct. I'm assuming it was lost in the mail. I did try to contact them and tell them like 3 months after that I haven't received my check. They gave me the sellers information and said it wasn't them. I signed my contract with them. And the information that gave me did not work. Disconnect phone number and no email response. When my cashiers check came in I my last name was halfway on there. I called the issuing bank with no resolution. My bank said I couldn't cash the check. I messaged the number that would tell me information and told them the issue. No response. So now I'm out my security deposit with only a month and a half to try and cash it. I was also charged for pest control which also made no sense. But I would like my security deposit somehow.

  Business response

  11/25/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to review and respond to the complaint filed by *** ****** *******, the former renter at **************************************************************************************.
  
  Block & Associates Realty (Block) acquired this property from another management agency in late 2023.  *** ******* and her mother were renters at this property.  However, the information provided by previous management included the misinformation of *** ******** name her last name was listed as Jac as opposed to ******* in the information that was sent to us.  Regrettably, *** ******** mother passed away.  When the lease expired, *** ******* vacated the home.  Additionally, the Property Owner terminated management.  Due to the termination of management by the Property Owner, *** ******** security deposit was transferred to the Property Owner, who was then responsible for the assessment of tenant damages, if any, and the itemization and/or refund of the security deposit.  When we provided the Property Owner with the tenants contact information, we shared the incorrect name we were provided for *** ************** Because of this, the security deposit refund *** ******* received was in the incorrect name, which meant she was unable to deposit or cash it. 
  
  Block was made aware of this issue when we received the complaint filed by *** ************** We immediately reached out to the Property Owner and came up with a resolution.  This resolution has been shared with *** ******* via email, as we have been unable to each her via phone. 

  The resolution is as follows:
  *** ******* will return the cashiers check she received directly to the Property Owner. 
  The Property Owner will then issue another cashiers check using the correct name and mail it to *** **************
  Via email, the Property Owners contact information, including mailing address, phone number and email address, has been provided to *** ****************** trust this resolution is sufficient and *** ******* will receive her refund shortly.

• Initial Complaint

  09/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I rented a property through Block and associates. I was told I would not have to worry about water softener because it was in on the monthly maintenance fee. The problems with the rental started immediately with fire ants on my bed, a toxic chemical smell, sewage, porch lights flickering, orange water due to water softener not working or being maintained, excessive moisture because of water coming on through improper installation of outside fixtures, water compromising inside electrical outlets, mold due to the excessive moisture. We were there June 13th through August 26th. I had to pay deposit plus first month rent and pet fee plus application fees, monthly maintenance fee, etc. Any thing that was reported to the online maintenance department was never fixed. The maintenance company would send someone to look at it but, repairs were never made. Excessive moisture was an immediate problem, there was leaking in the exhaust fan in the master bathroom, I reported that because it kept making a pinging noise when it rained. We had two months of constant rain and the mold and water in the electrical outlets became a health hazard. The ******* and property owner offered a early termination notice with $1800 returned, paying lawn fees, not charging for August rent, and returning my deposit with no penalties. I had less than ten days to make this move. The agreement was that we would move out by the 26th. I officially moved and longer at the residence on the 26th. I turned the keys in on the 28th. I made sure the place was very clean. The owner gave me 1200 dollars and refuse to pay the 600 as promised when I handed over the keys. The owners are still trying to keep my deposit. I was only able to make this move so quickly because they promised to refund this money due to the mold issue. The rental company should hold some blame. I had two neighbors move due to the orange water. This can not be a new issue.

  Business response

  09/17/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint filed by **** **** ******, a former tenant at a property managed by Block. 
  
  The Property Owners entered into an agreement with Block to lease and manage the property in April 2024.  The lease agreement with **** ****** and her husband began in June 2024.  Shortly thereafter, **** ****** reported various maintenance issues with the home.  Block assisted in getting appropriate estimates for the Property Owner; however, Block is constrained by the terms of our management agreement with the Property Owner.  We cannot simply make repairs and incur expenses on the Owners behalf without their approval.  The maintenance issues reported required approval of the Property Owner. 
  
  Due to the extent of the ongoing maintenance issues, Block recommended and negotiated an Early Termination Agreement (ETA) between the Property Owner and Tenant.  The *** provided for the following in consideration for **** ****** vacating the property on August 26, 2024.
  

  **** ****** rent for August 2024 was waived in full;

  Miscellaneous lawn fees which were the responsibility of **** ****** were to be waived in full;
  

  The Property Owners agreed to assist **** ****** with moving expenses in the amount of $1800. $1200 was paid when the *** was signed, with the balance due with the *** was fulfilled;
  

  **** ****** Tenant Security Deposit to be refunded provided there were no damages to the home beyond normal wear and tear.   
  
  This agreement was presented to **** ****** on August 14, 2024, which expanded on terms that were initially offered at the beginning of August 2024.  The Agreement was then signed August 19, 2024, after **** ****** secured another home. 
  
  **** ****** failed to comply with the terms of the *** by not vacating the home until after August 26, 2024, causing the Property Owners further loss as they had to reschedule vendors to complete repairs due to her failure to perform as agreed.  While the tenant did leave a few days later, the tenant simply did not comply with the terms of the agreed upon ***. With the failure of **** ****** to comply with the ***, the Property Owners then elected to withhold the $600 additional payment as well as charge **** ****** tenant security deposit for the miscellaneous lawn fees.  In addition to no rent payment for August 2024, **** ****** did receive a $1200 payment. 
  
  That said, after learning of **** ****** unhappiness and wanting to move forward from this matter, the Property Owners have agreed to release **** ****** tenant security deposit in full, along with the additional $600 payment with the understanding that **** ****** sign a settlement agreement.  We are currently working on getting this agreement signed by all parties.
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  As an owner, Block has grossly mismanaged my rental property.Summary: Complete negligence. The lease required tenants to pay a years rent upfront due to their poor credit. The agent allowed them to move in without payment. Now, the tenants have broken their lease and arent paying anything.I moved from ******* to ******* for work and recently bought a new home in *******. I hired Block to rent it out, but their handling has been disastrous.I wasnt informed about the new tenants or sent their lease until the day before they moved in. I received a 4am call to sign the lease urgently, but it had multiple errors, requiring numerous revisions and delaying the move-in. The agent continued to contact me at odd hours for days due to further mistakes. Additionally, they only conducted a maintenance walk-through on move-in day, revealing several issues that could have been addressed much earlier.The lease specified that tenants must pay a years rent upfront. However, the agent allowed them to move in without full payment, citing delays in getting a money order. Despite my concerns, the agent dismissed them and admitted the process was poorly managed. The tenants paid about a third of the lease amount initially, but Block didnt send me any money until late April.The tenants eventually broke their lease and stopped paying. Block has supposedly been searching for new tenants, but communication has been poor. I discovered the lease break on June 3, but the house wasnt re-listed on Zillow until mid-July.I am currently unsure if the house is occupied, if there are any prospective tenants, or if any rent is coming in.

  Business response

  08/15/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint received by *************************. 
  
  We are disappointed that Mr. ******* experience working with Block did not meet his expectations as we strive to provide all clients and customers alike with the best service possible.  We acknowledge this situation is not typical.
  
  **************** is correct that the tenants vacated the home prior to their lease expiration due to purchasing another home. The tenants were made aware of their responsibilities under their lease to continue paying rent until a new tenant is in place unless an amicable lease termination agreement is signed. We have been working with both the owner and tenant in order to find a solution for both parties. As of this date, the tenants have not agreed to any termination agreement. Currently, the tenant is one month in arrears on rent payments. Any monies owed to the owner where the tenants have not been paid will be sent to collections, as we do in similar cases. 
  
  We apologize for any errors in our operations and that our team did not live up to expectations. Again, the tenants are responsible for lease payments for the lease until the home is re-rented or an amicable termination agreement can be agreed upon.  While tenants breaking the lease is outside of our control, because Block could have handled communication and situation better, Block is waiving our commission to re-rent the home, along with the August 2024 management fee.  As of 8/15/23, **************** approved a new Tenant, and we are working on getting the lease signed as soon as possible.
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have been having sewage/water issues with my kitchen and bathroom sink for three years now. My kitchen sink has been clogged for three years and has not been fixed. Previous maintenance from ******************* would snake the line which would cause temporary relief. If I plunge my sink then my corresponding neighbors sink will be clogged and vice versa. I cannot use my washer because sewage comes up in the sink and water comes out of the water outlet. When I wash my dishes I have to wash them quickly before the kitchen sink clogs up. Sewage comes up in my bathroom sink when I attempt to plunge the clogged water. Block and Associates recently brought my apartment complex from ******************* Agency. I reached out regarding my sewage/sink issues on numerous occasions through Meld Maintenance request and ********************************* ************. Block and Associates sent a maintenance team to look at the issue who stated the property needed the main water pipe replaced due to rust over time. A maintenance guy came out to the property twice but failed to resolve the issue. The maintenance guy who came out did not check or look at my plumbing or any of my neighbors plumbing. I am paying monthly for unsanitary and unclean water that is not working properly. I have had to wash my face, brush my teeth and wash my hands at my kitchen sink since June 6, 2024. Block and Associates are failing to replace the main water pipe while continuing to charge us for unsanitary and unlivable living conditions.

  Business response

  07/03/2024

  To Whom It May ********************* you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint from Ms. ******* ******.  
  
  We are very sorry that **************** has been experiencing plumbing problems for three years.  Block & Associates Realty began management of this property in December 2023 after purchasing the management contract from the former management company.  It is also important to note that Ms. ******* unit is one unit in an individually owned apartment building that has eight total units. 
  
  **************** had mentioned that problems have been ongoing for three years. Since Block took over management in December 2023, we are unable to review any issues prior to that date since the property was managed by the former company.  
  
  With regards to current issue, in reviewing our maintenance software, this issue was first brought to our attention on June 2, 2024.  One of our plumbing vendors was assigned to assess when the maintenance issue was submitted to us,and hopefully, resolve the issue. After the initial call, when we followed up with ****************, we learned that the problem was still occurring.  The plumber was called back to the property to jet the lines on June 28, 2024.Again, this was unsuccessful. We are currently waiting for the recommendation and estimate from the plumber as to next steps to resolve the plumbing issue as this is more complex and will likely involve not only Ms. ******* but others in the building.    
  
  Additionally,our managing broker has reached out to **************** and has a scheduled call with her on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to discuss Ms. ******* desired settlement.  
  
  As you can see, since this was brought to our attention, we have taken every step we can to get it taken care of.  We are fully committed to working with the Property Owner to bring a complete resolution to this issue and to assist **************** as best we can.  Lastly, any settlement with **************** requires the approval of the Property Owner.

   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company operates in an unlawful and unethical manner. They have been dodging my calls and not responding to me in a timely manner. The rental property burned down over a month ago, and investigators on both sides have determined that the fire was not due to the fault or negligence of the tenant (I have spoken to the fire investigator myself). I have yet to receive my prorated rent money for the month of October (the fire took place on 10/3/23) as well as the initial security deposit. I have sent a certified cancellation letter stating that this property is uninhabitable and will need my money refunded. However, Block Realty is asking me to sign the cancellation letter stating that $1000 will be withdrawn from my original security deposit without any explanation. I have asked multiple times where this decision is coming from. The first time I was told that it was my renters insurance deductible which they will be withholding from my deposit. When I called State Farm, an agent clearly told me that under no circumstances does the landlord/realty company handle the deductible as this amount would be deducted directly from my claim by State Farm. I tried to connect Block Realty with State Farm on a three-way call, but they would not answer my calls as usual. When I explained this to Block Realty in an email, and asked them to show me proof of where it states in the signed contract that this money would be withheld from me in the event of a fire or in the case of a renters insurance deductible, they failed to provide me with any proof. The only response I received was, "We have gone back and forth on this long enough. It is unfortunate that you do not agree with how we are proceeding. The $1000 is being held as damages until cause of the fire is determined." I demand that the money be returned to me immediately. Otherwise, I will be taking further legal action to recover this money in full as well as all the court and attorney fees.

  Business response

  11/13/2023

  With regards to this incident, there was unfortunately a fire that occurred at the property. Nothing our company did was unlawful or unethical in this case.
  
  We were in contact with the tenant during this time.  Due to the sensitivity of the situation, we wanted to correspond as much as possible via email so there was written documentation. As of late last week, we have not been informed or have seen any documentation regarding who is at fault for the fire.Also as of late last week, we were informed by the *************************** that we may never receive a definitive answer as to the ultimate cause or who is at fault for the fire.
  
  As a company, we are able to hold back funds until the cause of the fire is known.  With that said, we were trying to expedite paying back the pro-rated rent and a large portion of the security deposit back even with the fire determination unknown.  As the tenant mentioned, up until late last week, the tenant had been refusing to sign the cancellation letter so we could pay back the pro-rated rent and a large portion of the security deposit. The termination agreement also said that once a final determination for the fire is known that the remaining security deposit would be returned. The tenant is correct in that we had been waiting until a final determination as to who was at fault to release the full security deposit, as is allowed until the final determination was made. 
  
  Due to the information received late last week regarding that a final determination may never be known from the *************************** and upon further approval from the owner to release all funds, we have edited the cancellation letter for the tenant to sign to receive back the full security deposit and pro-rated rent.  The tenant will need to agree to sign and we will provide funds back. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/16/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed a lease for a property in ** moving across country after having viewed it over FaceTime. I was informed it did need professionally cleaned, including carpets which could be requested in rental application which was accepted by the owner. Upon arrival the rental unit was infested with mold in the walls and vents and therefore uninhabitable. (B&A later tried to blame me because I requested both professional carpet cleaning and professional house cleaning but that I should have listed every area that needed to be cleaned, which is entirely unreasonable and ignores the fact it was still infested with mold and uninhabitable). We were left homeless for a little under a week and not a single person has apologized from Block and Associates, as the listing company. The owner of property finally gave all our money back only after yelling at us and bragging how they were comfortable in a million dollar home as we were still homeless. My issue is that this company knowingly lists properties that are uninhabitable and gets away with it, doesnt change their practices to prevent these issues, refuses to take ownership for their mistakes, continues to work with owners that treat renters inhumanly, and will continue to do it to other people. These are peoples lives they are dealing with and as a company should be approaching it with the highest level of ethics. Ive discovered Block and Associates are known for having unethical practices and and providing homes in the poorest conditions which I only discovered after speaking to several people in the area. ** recommend staying far away from this company as they did nothing to prevent or remediate this situation, in a very intentional way. I doubt Im the first this has happened to nor will I be the last. It was a traumatic experience and ******************************************* didnt even have the decency to at least apologize for what happened. To knowingly list properties that arent liveable is truly unethical.

  Business response

  09/22/2022

  ************* did sign a lease at a property that we had listed for rent, although we did not manage the property.  In this particular circumstance, we were engaged to only find a renter for the property. We did not notice any sort of habitability issue upon listing the home for rent.  If we had noticed any habitability issues, we would not have had the home listed for rent.
  
  As ************** acknowledges, she did not personally visit/view the property prior to submitting her application.  She relied solely on a FaceTime showing with her realtor. During the video tour with her realtor, habitability issues were not seen or noticed by ************** or her realtor that was physically present.Additionally, no other prospects or agents notified us of any potential habitability issues while they were touring the home. ************** submitted an application on 7/11/22.  The lease did not begin until 9/1/2022. The owner is responsible for the home until the lease began, but prior to 7/11/22, there were no indications of any habitability issues.
  
  After the tour with her realtor, ************** did submit an application for the property.  In the application, we state that we do not manage all properties.  Additionally, we state that Block highly recommends that each Applicant physically tour and inspect the property.
  
  While our application specifically states that the rental is as-is unless the applicant specifies work they would like done, **************** application did include a broad notation regarding carpet cleaning and typical cleaning prior to move-in.  There were no special considerations listed in the lease itself for specific work to be completed in the property.  As Block did not handle the management of this property, we can only presume the Owners believed they had adequately addressed the cleaning request.
  
  We regret to hear about **************** unfortunate situation and interaction with the owner of the property.  As the lease is between the tenant and the owner and we do not manage the home, we are not in a position to remediate the situation.  However, because of **************** dissatisfaction with the property, the Owners immediately agreed to release her from and terminate her Rental Contract.  She was given a complete and full refund of the monies she paid for this rental.

*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. ↩