ComplaintsforGeneral Services Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  07/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On May 16th 2024 and July 16th 2024 we contacted our leasing office notifying them that the "prohibited" listed items in the lease were not being upheld on their end. We have been told twice now that they won't take action and wont allow us to leave without penalty.To date we have experienced issues with several of your tenant's children playing in/around the complex parking lot. More specifically, there have been multiple occasions these children have been seen leaning on our vehicles. This causes great concern as there is potential for damage to our vehicles. Additionally, there have been several instances where the children were blocking the entrance to our apartment unit. The above is a clear violation of the community rules.1. Playing in streets, parking areas, around parked vehicles, or hallways is prohibited. (General Addendum 2 Subsection e)The above issues are happening frequently. On most occasions we have noted ***** children treating the parking lot as a playground. They leave scooters and bikes in the driving area as well as parking spots. The elevated noise levels have continued well into the night, regularly surpassing 9:00pm. Again, this violates the community rules that state:In the event of disturbances) including but not limited to, neighbors, solicitor, and vandalism) that cannot otherwise be resolved, file a complaint with the police and with the leasing office. While we understand the management company is not able to monitor every instance of a disturbance, the above is not a singular incident. The lease we signed is specific in its rules when it notes these types of activities are prohibited on the property and are a violation of the lease agreement.

  Business response

  07/19/2024

  General Services Corporation (GSC)
  Case number:  22004881 
  
  We are in receipt of your BBB letter dated July 18th, 2024, regarding *******************. We have been in communication with ********** and have addressed her concerns to the best of our ability.
  
  Unfortunately, the issues described do not qualify for early lease termination without penalty under the current lease agreement. We are committed to working with you to find a solution.
  
  We ask that she continues to communicate with the leasing office and get the authorities involved as needed. We will continue to assist and will try to address their concerns to the best of our ability and within our legal rights.

• Initial Complaint

  07/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing this complaint in attempt to reach GSCs corporate office so that they can let me out of my lease. I have sent emails to leasing and management, I have submitted maintenance request over and over again, nothing is addressed and I would rather just leave this apartment. Ive had mold growing on my ceiling like 4 times now, Im on my 3rd dryer which ****** works, my AC wont go under 75 degrees when its 95+ outside so its constantly running causing my electric bill to increase, my car got broken into right in front of my apartment yet there is no cameras to assist with that, and the biggest issue of it all is LACK OF COMMUNICATION. NO ONE from leasing or management or anything has addressed all of these problems yet my rent got raised. I would like someone from corporate to address these concerns and let me out of my lease. Being that Ive been living with mold for almost a year now and constantly being told its fixed for it to STILL NOT BE FIXED is insane. The lease I signed didnt include living with MOLD. Therefore this apartment is inhabitable and I need this lease to be ended ASAP. I will attach pictures.

  Business response

  07/25/2024

  Good afternoon,

  A response was sent yesterday for this Complaint ID: ************* with pictures.  All deferred maintenance has been completed, therefore complaints issues have been resolved.  Should the complaint have any other maintenance needs we will be more than happy to take care of them.

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  06/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I was supposed to move into my apartment June 22. I didnt receive my lease until 4:48 PM Friday evening. The lease had an incorrect price of $1797 So I called the company six times and sent an email. No one answered or replied. I get there Saturday and mention it to the employee, She told me if I wanted it changed. I would have to wait until Monday because the property managers dont work on the weekends. This was the third major issue I had with this property management company. I was being transferred because the original unit was infested with roaches. I had to be booted out of my apartment that day on June 22 so I had no choice but to sign. I have called, emailed, and Stop by the office to speak with ***************** And she refuses to speak with me. The lease rate is suppose to be 1780 With their hundred dollars off lease special.

• Initial Complaint

  06/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Facilities Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I've had several issues with the washing machine in my apt. It has been replaced 3 times and I was told I would recieve a new one. Instead they gave me a supposedly refurbished and each one is worst than the last. I want a NEW machine. i beleive the repair contractor isn't being clear about what they are offering and it's very poor replacements. My current machine only works on a short wash cycle and it has an odor which was my original complaint. The chemical treatments in the wash aren't a solution and I don't use fabric softner which causes issues.

  Customer response

  06/12/2024

  The complex is ********************  My address is *******************. E, ********, Va *****

  Business response

  06/17/2024

  General Services Corporation (GSC)
  Case number:  21801683             
  
  We are in receipt of your BBB letter dated June 4th, 2024, regarding ***********************. After reading the Customers Statement of the Problem, and researching her work order history, it looks like the last time ************** reported an issue with her washing machine was in December 2023. We ask that she please contact the maintenance department at ************ so we can address her concern. 

  Customer response

  06/17/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I have already had 3 replacements that get worse each time.  I need someone who will actually get the new machine to contact me.  I don't have confidence in the current process and this is why I entered it here.  
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************
  
  
  
  
  

  Business response

  06/19/2024

  Good morning,

  We have submitted another request to Automatic Leasing which is the third-party company we rent the washers and dryers from to replace her machine. We ask that ************** communicates with our service department so we can better assist her and make sure her requests are handled in a timely manner.

• Initial Complaint

  05/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We leased a unit at ***** and were very happy until the surprise charges when we left. When we originally signed the lease, we clearly asked our rep. ***** what our options were in case we needed to break the lease since we werent sure how long we would need the unit. We were told we had two options: either maintain the lease until they found a new tenant or pay two months rent. We opted for the two-month option as it was a much simpler way, even if it may cost a little more. We asked the same questions to ***** the manager when the time came for us to break the lease and were confirmed that was the scenario. Only after three weeks since we moved out, we were notified that we owed another month due to a free month promotion when we originally signed the lease. We specifically asked many times to both our sales rep and his manager those questions, and every time the answer was just two months and nothing else. When we questioned them about the discrepancy, their answer was that we signed for it (not clearly explained or disclosed) and we are on the hook, and if we dont pay, they will send it to collections.Also, to make things worse, the form stating that we would owe the promotion back was misrepresented by ***** saying that the Original contract was completed incorrectly and this new form is just a technical correction. we trusted her words and just signed and were taken advantage of. At this point, the same person who told us otherwise only said, Well, you signed for it, so you have to pay it or it will go to collection.Hopefully someone in the corporate office is willing to do the right thing and reimburse us the incorrectly charged 3rd month.

  Business response

  05/29/2024

  The charge in question ($2780) is clearly indicated in a lease addendum stating that all concessions received are due and payable should the apartment be vacated before August 1, 2024, signed before move-in by both leaseholders.  A revised lease was issued after move-in due to correction, in disbursement only, of an additional and separate concession ($50 monthly) received with a second special offered at the time of application.  An amended lease addendum was signed with the revised lease, with only the additional concession ($50 monthly) altered; there were no changes to the amount ($2780) that became due and payable when the apartment was vacated.  Each addendum was signed by both leaseholders.  

  Customer response

  06/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  After thoroughly assessing the response provided by the business regarding complaint ID ********, I regret to inform you that the proposed action does not address my concerns.

  
  Despite being aware of the terms outlined in the contract, our decision was influenced by verbal assurances that differed from what was eventually documented. We were not afforded the opportunity to review the contract beforehand, as it was presented to us for immediate signing amidst a flurry of other paperwork during a weekend encounter with the lone agent.

  
  The crux of the issue lies in our specific inquiry about charges, which regrettably went unaddressed. Had we been informed accurately, we would have likely chosen to retain the unit, as the financial implications would have been comparable to continuing the lease agreement. 

  
  Regards,
  
  Zoubeir Ghoulami
  
  
  
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  05/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to formally address several concerning issues that have arisen during my tenancy at *********************************. I have evidence to suggest that Duke Manor has engaged in libelous behavior by spreading false information about me to other tenants. Such actions are not only damaging to my reputation but also constitute a breach of trust between landlord and tenant.Additionally, the false charges and vandalism accusations imposed on me, [see attachment A], are completely unfounded and without merit. ********************************* are over 50 years old and look nothing like the advertise internet photos. The place is run down, full of pests, drag racing in parking areas, and gangs roaming the apartments. I would appreciate a thorough investigation into these allegations and a retraction of any charges falsely attributed to me.My $500 deposit has disappeared and no one can tell me where and how It was supposedly applied to my fraudulent outstanding balance of ******. When I moved to ********** my lease was $1105 monthly. I was disgusted with the original apartment which was not a 1 bedroom, but an efficiency. They changed me to a 1 bedroom at an additional charge of $100 more per month for a lease amount of $1205. I was told a lease renewal would only be a $10 increase. Now I am seeing a crazy increase in an attempt to take my security deposit. I left the apartment better than it was when I moved in. They are making of stories of vandalism, garbage, dirty stove and refrigerator in an effort to justify keeping my deposit. I received a bill from GSC which I assume to be their collections department. They listed my rent on May 1, 2024 (see attachment) $1394. On May 8, 2024, it was $1441.45 two weeks ago (see Attachment C) I have enclosed the 1st page of the lease showing my lease rate of $1205.I don't owe ********** Apartments a dime. I want them to $0 my account and leave me alone!!!They are harrassing me because I am a senior citizen!

  Business response

  05/15/2024

  When our team spoke with **************** on 03/25/24 (profile screenshot of notes below and PDF attached) he did not understand why he had to pay through the end of his lease end date. He requested that we modify the lease term to offset his dissatisfaction with the property to which we replied that we could not, but if the apt was re-rented it could lessen his obligation. His move out prorate was $486.00. He was charged ****** for cleaning, keys and a final water bill (ledger screenshot below and PDF attached) and a $24.00 late fee. If after seeing the photos you feel we can waive the fees, just let me know, but the lease term fulfilment should still stand.
  
  He went from a Hereford 11BX to a Scarlet **** which is priced higher because of the size.

  *********************** began interacting with leasing agents in the office and the relocation department on July 3rd , 2023. He stressed that his priority was moving in as quickly as possible. We invited him to take a tour, in-person or virtual, but he insisted that he did not have time and would take whatever apartment we could get for him. We informed him of the square footage and features of the options available at the time. He requested a Hereford 1 bedroom and was approved to move in to 44i on July 8th. He was very appreciative of my effort to prepare his lease in that timeframe.

  He also complained that the pictures on our website were not representative of the true state of the community or apartments. We politely reminded him that he refused to look when I asked him if he wanted to do a virtual tour or view our video walkthroughs on YouTube.
  
  A few days after his move-in, he complained that the apartment was not large enough. We got approval from the property manager to transfer him into a ***************** and he was moved again by the 13th. He complained that he did not want to be at ********** any longer than he had to be, so his lease was prepared for 9 months instead of the original 10 months. We discussed this with him when we signed the new lease for 8C. He was also unhappy that he would not be paying the rate for his old apartment (with a special) on the new larger apartment.
  
  We made every effort to accommodate ******************** requests and to prevent his apparent disappointment in 44i, but he was regularly dismissive of these attempts and rude.
  
  
  

   

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My apartment complex flooded and i was displaced. Steamz was contracted to do a dry out and mold mitigation. The electricity was used for 2 weeks, running constantly 24/7 and I feel the complex should pay the difference. I was told by the office manager *** that my insurance should cover it which isn't their responsibility and I also emailed *********************** in the corporate office several times and he never responded. Its one thing to be placed in an apartment that flooded a year prior without my knowledge but its another for GSC and its employees not to care. I just want the difference in the bill to be paid. I didn't use the electricity because the apartment was uninhabitable, the complex used it to dry the apartments put.

  Business response

  03/11/2024

  We informed ***** that we do not compensate for electric bills when losses happen.  We advised that this is something that your insurance company would have taken care of.  We took care of her hotel accommodations. We even covered add'l days as she requested. 

  Customer response

  03/11/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  
  
  
  
  

  Customer response

  03/12/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

   

  If the complex used the electricity they should be responsible for the bill. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  
  
  
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  BBB unable to locate business

  More info

  I haven't had hot water in my apartment off and on for 9 months. I have had to boil water to carry upstairs to take a bath, which is very unsafe. They come in and work on the tank the next day it's out again. Sometimes before the next day. I have put in work orders which wasn't doing any good. When I call the office (maintenance) office they just don't seem to care. I have sent them a demand letter from people clerk and didn't get a response. What else can I possibly do?

• Initial Complaint

  11/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My fiance and I recently applied for a rental apartment at GSC's Chesterfield Village Apartments complex.Having recently moved to ******** from Europe, we didn't have a ** credit score or ** employment. However, we were advised in person by the personnel at Chesterfield Village Apts. that since our savings were high enough, they would prove sufficient to meet the financial requirements in lieu of those other factors.This was not the case, and our application was denied on these grounds. Our holding fee of $200 was refunded, but we still haven't received a refund for our application fees (totalling $100). The people at Chesterfield told us the application fee is non-refundable, ignoring the fact that we only submitted the application under incorrect information provided by them - namely, that our background wouldn't be an impediment to receiving lease approval.

  Customer response

  12/11/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  At this time, I have not been contacted by General Services Corporation regarding complaint ID ********.
  
  Regards,
  
  ************************** Und Wilkau
  

  Business response

  12/13/2023

  Case number 20897606

  Our records show that complaint only paid $200.00, and a check was issued from General Services Corporation on 9/06/2023 made payable to *************** and was cashed.   There should be no other refund due.

   

   

  Customer response

  12/13/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  The reason I cannot accept the business's response is that it refers to the $200 deposit fee (as it has repeatedly done in private communications whenever I've reached out about this issue), even though the deposit fee is not the object of my complaint. My complaint was, rather, about the application fee, which unlike the deposit fee wasn't refunded, as I explicitly explained in my original complaint and in previous direct communication with the business. While the business has argued the application fee is non-refundable, my complaint is about the fact that the application was solicited under false pretenses, namely that the applicants' circumstances prior to applying would not prove disqualifying. Given that the applicants were provided these incorrect assurances by the business prior to applying, the business is liable for the cost incurred.

  For this reason, I unfortunately cannot accept the response made by the business and must insist on the refund of the application fees paid under incorrect pretenses.
  

  Regards,
  
  ************************** Und Wilkau
  
  
  
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This rental agency has place erroneous and extra charges on me twice. All my efforts to get reasonable explanations are to no avail. The last incident was 10/23/23, they charged me 339 for repairing my garbage disposal without my consent to pay such a fee and with no email, letter or notice to me. I learned of the charge when I paid rent through the portal, the charge was there. I called to discuss and get answers, ********** did not call me back as she stated she'd get additional information and call me. 11/6 3 days later they charged a late rent fee of *****. 11/13, 6 days later they charged court fees and attorney fees of ****** still no email, notice of court date or anything to me it just listed in the portal. This practice equates to robbery. In May 2023, they charged me a ***** return check fee because their automated system deducted rent twice. The front office staff instructed me I had to contact the company responsible for the system, which I did and they instructed they used the correct code when reversing the additional charge so I should not have been charged a return check fee but the front office staff stated I needed to go through headquarters. I sent them an email twice, no response. The poor practices of catching people through trickery is so unfortunate for people who are just trying to survive as working class citizens.

  Business response

  11/27/2023

  We are looking into this complaint further with the Property and Property Manager and will respond accordingly to this residents' complaints within ***** hours. Thank you 

*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. ↩