Applegate, Inc.

Their lease document clearly states that you can pay rent until the fifth of the month without penalty, yet when I paid on the fifth, I was still sent a letter dated the fifth that I needed to pay or vacate the premises Not a great way to do business!

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
Regards,
*** ***Did you not understand why you were fired ?? Gross mismanagement of funds, fraudulent charges, unauthorized work, authorized work that was never done but I was charged forMismanaged security deposit, rented it in filthy condition, left it in filthy condition after the tenants leftI could go onThe place is in such condition it can't be rented or sold unless about $goes into itNow I am paying $a month with no rent to offset it and I can't afford to fix it to sell itSo a big thanks goes to you for fking me over so well, but remember, you had control of all the money and you mismanaged it so bad you even fked yourself out of what you allege we owe youBTW, the big snowblower went missing after the tenants moved outNow I strongly suggest you eat any money you think I owe you, pay any outstanding bills you incurred and pay the tenants their security deposit back or face court actionPlease notify me when this is all taken care of

I rented an apartment out from them for about 6 months. They are by far the worst company I have ever dealt with, and I am shocked that they are still in business. I will never recommend anyone to do business with them, regardless of how good their prices seem. If you do decide to do business with them, I suggest doing all of your communication through email so that you have proof in writing of what they say. I spent more time fighting with them than anyone should have to just to make sure things were handled correctly.
1. Trying to view the apartment should've been my first clue. I set up a time to see it, drove over an hour to get there, met the caretaker and when we tried to see the apartment, the residents wouldn't let us in. No one had notified them about it, so I had to leave and come back another day.
2. The second time I tried to view the apartment, the caretaker was over 30 minutes late meeting me there. I only waited because of how long of a drive it was for me.
3. After signing the lease, I mailed them my security deposit. They told me they needed to receive it by the 1st in order for me to move in, so I mailed it on the 24th. They called me that Friday and said they still hadn't received it and couldn't move in on Sunday. I told them that I mailed it Tuesday, they should have it by now and if not it should be there Saturday. They said it didn't matter because it needed to be there by the end of the business day Friday (which they never told me before). They offer online payments, so I said I would just go online and make the payment, but that when they receive the check they would need to destroy it. The woman told me she couldn't guarantee that would happen because of the number of checks they receive. I told her she'd need to figure out a way to make it happen because I couldn't afford to pay double, and I had already given them the money for the first month's rent. There's no reason a note couldn't be put in my account about it so that whoever received it knew it needed to be destroyed. Of course, they got the check and attempted to cash it through my bank. I had my bank return the check, paying a $35 fee to my bank to do so. Then Applegate attempted to charge me a $50 returned check fee. I contacted their office and explained to them what happened and that it was their own fault for attempting to cash the check when I told them not to. They removed the fee from my account after realizing they were wrong.
4. Shortly before I was going to be moving out, I contacted their office to see about getting assistance from maintenance to change a light bulb in my 2nd bedroom. I didn't have a ladder to reach it with, and had no chair that was sturdy enough to stand on since I had already gotten rid of my kitchen table and chairs. They told me for maintenance to do it, it would be roughly a $50 charge. I told them to forget it and I would just figure out how to do it myself since I wasn't paying that much to change a bulb. A few weeks later, they added a charge to my account for $50 for maintenance with notes saying the maintenance guy came and changed a bulb after I moved out. Once again, I contacted them to tell them they were wrong and that I did it on my own. They tried to say that I never told them he didn't need to go, so he went out there anyway and that's why I'm being charged. I forwarded them copies of the email conversation between myself and the person in their office, proving that I told them not to worry about it. The fee was removed from my account because once again, they were in the wrong.
5. I was told my security deposit would be mailed out 21 days after vacating my apartment. I left on the 23rd, meaning they had until the 13th of the following month to mail out my deposit. I contacted them on the 10th to make sure it would be sent, and they told me deposits would get mailed out by the 21st. I told them no, they are to be mailed no later than 21 days after vacating, and since I turned in my keys on the 23rd, mine should be in the mail by the 13th. They did get it in the mail on time, but had I not called, it would've been late.
6. On my invoice for my deposit, they withheld the amount of my final water bill for the city of Somerset. I was confused as to why since the bill wasn't even due yet, but let it go since it was one less thing to worry about. Now, almost 2 months later, I received a past due notice for that same bill from the City of Somerset. When I contacted Applegate to find out why they kept the money and didn't pay, they said that at the very bottom of the invoice, it said the amount would be withheld and if I had already paid it, I'd need to let them know so they'd refund me the money. And if I hadn't paid it, I'd need to forward them a final invoice before they would pay it. They withheld it and basically did nothing with the money until they heard from me.
I am beyond frustrated and irritated with this company, and would NEVER suggest anyone go through them.

Very poor communication.
Poor/confusing bookkeeping.
Poor vetting process for tenant screening.
Would highly recommend one consider another company when looking to have a property managed or looking for a rental.
Not a company that you want to do business with.
I have to admit that they have figured out a very good business plan of making a lot of money off of both coming and going on property owners and tenants. We would've been much better off just letting our property sit vacant then to have them manage the property by the time we dealt with the poor quality tenants they put in our house, advertising fees, leasing fees, etc. etc. etc...
They certainly did not take care of the house for us. Being 2000 miles away I was the one that needed to notify them of any issues regarding the house. They simply put in a tenant that ended up being evicted for nonpayment, collected full commissions, advertising fees, additional administrative fees, etc. etc. etc.
Right across Applegate as a possible management company? Keep shopping there certainly are better alternatives… better to go without a management company than use this company!
Their idea of a quality tenant marketplace is craigslist? Quality property management companies do not do that. Simple as that!
No amount of discussion/money/pleading/threats/? Would make me recommend this company for anything but an example of the company you do not want to end up having to work with in any manner.

Ms. [redacted]' written response regarding charges is currently under review.  We are investigating the file thoroughly, the checkout inspection, photographs of the unit before and after occupancy, etc. and will reply to her soon as possible.  We hope to have a response to all of her...

questions/concerns, etc. within the next week or so.
Thank you!

Attached is a copy of the response and request for final payment to Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] from the bookkeeping department.  The previous amount requested was not the final amount due; it did not yet include final charges per the Property Management Contract or advertising expenses that were incurred during our attempts to lease the property.
The amount due to bring this account to a zero balance is $458.89.  Any further questions can be directed to our office for review and consideration.  Thank you!

Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] had a contract that required a 90 day notice period.  Per the notice that they provided, it would have put their contract date through January 31, 2016, however, because the property is currently vacant, we indicated that we could cancel the contract effective...

immediately, however, the $350.00 termination fee for our leasing attempts would need to be paid and the final charges would need to be paid as well.  The final charges and final report have not yet been fully completed and Mrs. [redacted] was told that the reports would be sent to her with details.  Unfortunately, we're unable to provide something to them that does not yet exist, but will when it's available.  A copy of the contract and all correspondence since they provided notice is attached.Thank you,
[redacted]

I have never had any issues with a rental property to the extent that I have experienced with Applegate Properties. Not only do they have little to no respect for their tenants, they have inflated prices, poorly worded contracts and HORRIBLE customer service.
As an asthma sufferer I was told in my lease that this was a non-smoking unit. Come to discover my apt. is filled with second-hand smoke 24/7 and little to nothing was done about it even after I emailed and called non-stop for a month. When I asked to transfer to a different unit due to the smoke they charged me a $200 transfer fee (TWICE) and refused to reverse the charge even though I cancelled the transfer.
This is one of the worst rental experiences of my life.

Review: THIS COMPANY MISMANAGED MY RENTAL UNIT. THEY SUPPOSEDLY DID WORK ON THE HOUSE THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED TO DO. THEY CHARGED ME FOR AUTHORIZED WORK THAT THEY NEVER DID. THEY MISHANDLED THE SECURITY DEPOSIT. I CANNOT SELL IT IN THE CONDITION APPLEGATE LEFT IT IN. THEY EVEN CHARGED ME FOR THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH YET HAD ALREADY SPENT ANY DEPOSIT THE TENANTS WOULD HAVE HAD RETURNED TO THEM.Desired Settlement: APPLEGATE TO PAY ANY OUTSTANDING BILLS THEY CREATED WHILE IN CHARGE OF PROPERTY AND RETURN TENANTS DEPOSIT. I'D ALSO LIKE TO FIND OUT WHERE THE LARGE SNOWBLOWER WENT.

Business

Response:

This former property owner is upset because he has a balance due to our office as well as potentially owes the former tenants for a security deposit return. We had managed the property according to the terms of the contract until he terminated the contract and decided to put the house on the market for sale. We have provided the property owner with monthly reports (a few of which are attached) since the contract began showing what funds were coming in, what funds were going out and to whom, etc. In addition, the property owner often times approved all maintenance and work performed, so was aware of the expenses that would be incurred in advance.

Consumer

Response:

Review: I rented from this property company. They did not return my deposit that was fully due to me. They told me to contact them in writing which I did and have not responded. They charged me to replace carpet that was clearly destroyed by time 19 year old carpet to be exact when I clearly wrote on my move in sheet that the carpet was disqusting and the owner of the property told me that "the carpet is shot". they also charged me for cleaning when the house was in better condition when I moved out than it was when I moved in. I also have many photos of move in and move out because Applegate is notorious for stealing people's deposits.Desired Settlement: I am owed my entire deposit, and if they will not address this step the next step is court.

Business

Response:

Ms. [redacted]' written response regarding charges is currently under review. We are investigating the file thoroughly, the checkout inspection, photographs of the unit before and after occupancy, etc. and will reply to her soon as possible. We hope to have a response to all of her questions/concerns, etc. within the next week or so.

Review: We have had a property management company managing and leasing our house in Wisconsin. The house went unrented for 3 months which was/ is draining our bank account. We are no longer able to afford them and the house. My husband and I decided to put the house up for sale. I requested to discontinue the agreement. They said we needed to give them 3 months notice or we would have to pay $350.00 penalty for leasing efforts plus management fees and $113.90 for advertising expenses. I proposed just keeping them on for management if it was cheaper and asked if they could work with us since they have been unable to find a renter for 3 months. I was then asked for $350.48 and a good luck selling our house. I have asked if this was the final amount. After a few more emails I was told I would probably owe more money. I have asked for a final amount and bill so I can send a check off and they are unable to provide me with anything. They have been asking for a lot of money considering nobody is in the house and I just made a payment of $800+ in September. They were able to tell me I owed $113.90, and now we are at $350.48. I have been unable to receive a straight answer on amounts or if they are/will work with us on reducing the amount owed.Desired Settlement: I would like to see an itemized bill and close out our account. I expect to pay something but think we deserve a break in how much we owe. I can't suggest an amount since I don't know what I am being charged.

Business

Response:

Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] had a contract that required a 90 day notice period. Per the notice that they provided, it would have put their contract date through January 31, 2016, however, because the property is currently vacant, we indicated that we could cancel the contract effective immediately, however, the $350.00 termination fee for our leasing attempts would need to be paid and the final charges would need to be paid as well. The final charges and final report have not yet been fully completed and Mrs. [redacted] was told that the reports would be sent to her with details. Unfortunately, we're unable to provide something to them that does not yet exist, but will when it's available. A copy of the contract and all correspondence since they provided notice is attached.Thank you,[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

It does not make sense that they are unable to go into there system and look at some numbers to provide a final amount. They asked for a specific amount a couple months ago to bring our balance out of the negative. Now I'm being asked for another specific amount (350.48) to pull us out of the negative. It is unclear to me why we are being asked to pay this since nobody is in the house and we just paid $800+ a couple months ago. If they were able to ask for money to bring our account to zero or out of negative they should be able to tell us a final amount. At one time it was mentioned we would have to pay a fee and the advertising for July and August. This makes some sense to me since there isn't anybody in the house. I actually thought they were saying this would be our final amount and I was hoping they could work with us but they started asking for more money.

Business

Response:

Attached is a copy of the response and request for final payment to Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] from the bookkeeping department. The previous amount requested was not the final amount due; it did not yet include final charges per the Property Management Contract or advertising expenses that were incurred during our attempts to lease the property.The amount due to bring this account to a zero balance is $458.89. Any further questions can be directed to our office for review and consideration. Thank you!

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Avoid Applegate at at all costs. They spent three weeks "processing" my application because they had not received information I had sent them multiple times. By the time they finally finished the application they told me they rented the last unit earlier that morning and asked if would I like something in a few months. Terrible communication and organization. There are few places to rent in the area and they own many of them so they can afford to be sloppy. Don't give them your money.

I have never had any issues with a rental property to the extent that I have experienced with Applegate Properties. Not only do they have little to no respect for their tenants, they have inflated prices, poorly worded contracts and HORRIBLE customer service.

As an asthma sufferer I was told in my lease that this was a non-smoking unit. Come to discover my apt. is filled with second-hand smoke 24/7 and little to nothing was done about it even after I emailed and called non-stop for a month. When I asked to transfer to a different unit due to the smoke they charged me a $200 transfer fee (TWICE) and refused to reverse the charge even though I cancelled the transfer.

This is one of the worst rental experiences of my life.

Review: Applegate properties is constantly failing in providing repairs to current lease holders. On 9/7/2015 Applegate Properties was notified of a malfunctioning refrigerator and since put in a work order to repair the fridge. The time posted for the repairman to show up was 9am-4pm CST on 9/11/2015. The repairman didnt show up, costing me a days wages to wait for someone not to show. applegate has previously closed repair tickets on items that should have been fixed and is constantly not taking responsibility for repairs as well as numerous other repairs.Desired Settlement: Repair the items that were submitted to the office

Business

Response:

The refrigerator was replaced after maintenance gained access to the unit on 9/14/15. The maintenance department posted notice about doing maintenance in the unit on 9/11/15, however, that was to repair a screen and not the refrigerator. Unfortunately, it appears that the maintenance staff member was not able to get to the unit on 9/11/15 as they had other matters that took longer time.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting the resolution from Applegate Inc due to negligence on a rather large scale. The work order that was left on my door on 9/9/2015 did not state any reason why the maintenance personnel would be stopping by my apartment on 9/11/2015. Now that I know that it was about the screen to be replaced on my balcony entrance door, that work order was put in 12 months ago. It should not take 12 months to process a simple request, neither is it acceptable on any degree that Applegate claim that they have no way of contacting any of their maintenance personal about an ETA of arrive. Applegate states that their window of time for maintenance to show up on 9/11/2015 from 9am to 4pm was non-negotiable and that it was " unfortunate that they did not show up" it is very unprofessional that was not at least contacted about that information, instead I lost a day's pay awaiting the arrival of the maintenance personnel. Lastly, we have put in a work order for our bathroom window to be replaced due to the black mold that has been growing on it, upon calling Applegate for the status of this work order last week we were told " they will re-open it" why would it be closed in the first place if it was never completed ?! This again is yet another example of how poorly Applegate handles it properties and how inefficiently they communicate to the very same people who keep them in business by renting out their properties. Not only is this level of service disrespectful, it is down right poor on many many levels.

Business

Response:

Applegate, Inc. handles any issues with the properties, whether maintenance or otherwise, under the direction of the property owners. The property owners are contacted for all work order requests (unless an emergency) and chose whether they would like to have Applegate, Inc., other vendors or subcontractors to do the work that is requested. Work orders are "closed" when they are provided to the property owners until the property owners have decided on how they are proceeding with the request. If, at the approval of the property owner, Applegate, Inc. is advised to proceed with the repairs themselves, the work orders are then "reopened" for Applegate, Inc. staff to address.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Very poor communication.
Poor/confusing bookkeeping.
Poor vetting process for tenant screening.
Would highly recommend one consider another company when looking to have a property managed or looking for a rental.
Not a company that you want to do business with.
I have to admit that they have figured out a very good business plan of making a lot of money off of both coming and going on property owners and tenants. We would've been much better off just letting our property sit vacant then to have them manage the property by the time we dealt with the poor quality tenants they put in our house, advertising fees, leasing fees, etc. etc. etc...
They certainly did not take care of the house for us. Being 2000 miles away I was the one that needed to notify them of any issues regarding the house. They simply put in a tenant that ended up being evicted for nonpayment, collected full commissions, advertising fees, additional administrative fees, etc. etc. etc.
Right across Applegate as a possible management company? Keep shopping there certainly are better alternatives… better to go without a management company than use this company!
Their idea of a quality tenant marketplace is craigslist? Quality property management companies do not do that. Simple as that!
No amount of discussion/money/pleading/threats/? Would make me recommend this company for anything but an example of the company you do not want to end up having to work with in any manner.

Their lease document clearly states that you can pay rent until the fifth of the month without penalty, yet when I paid on the fifth, I was still sent a letter dated the fifth that I needed to pay or vacate the premises. Not a great way to do business!