C. Denning Enterprise

A security deposit was paid on the rental of a room in a house at [redacted], Raleigh, N.C..The security deposit paid was $625. Only $140 was returned at the end of the lease term along with a list of itemized charges. We sent Mr. [redacted] a certified letter on July 12,2014 disputing most of these charges and requesting an additional refund of $366.58 within two weeks. Items that we disputed are a claim that the rental room was painted without permission. The room was not painted during lease term.We were charged late fees for other tenants. This is illegal. We were charged for items associated with other rooms and bathrooms that we did not lease and were not occupied by our son. There were numerous charges for the replacement of smoke detectors that were never installed during the time property was leased. Cleaning charges and common area repairs are not being disputed.Desired SettlementWe would like the $366.58 additional deposit returned.Business Response Please verify you have updated my business email and mailing addresses.This complaint indicates the originator is Mr.[redacted]. I never rented to a Mr.[redacted] at the property at [redacted] during the timeframe indicated. There was however a Mr. [redacted] that I rented to and for the sake of responding to this complaint it will be assumed that they are one in the same? Otherwise please close this complaint based on identity bogusness.Additionally I have not rented rooms for over 15 years so I would once again assume that Mr. [redacted]'s co-signer was the one who filed this complaint? (I stopped renting rooms over 15 years ago due to the safety issues during the collection process.) It is also important, for full insight, to know that Mr. [redacted] is part of the Fraternity Group with a point-of-contact (POC) of Mr. [redacted]. The relationship with the Fraternity Group began to deteriorate when I extended a renewal to them and the situation went down hill thereafter. Mr.[redacted] got caught up in the messy process that occurred due the Fraternity Group not following processes properly.Initially, during the renewal process, the Fraternity Group did not know the individuals that were going to replace the ones moving-out and/or graduating. As with all renewals things can get out of control as a result of possible tenants being added/removed. To be added (or rented to) each individual must go through a screening process. We do the best we can to screen each individual to hopefully verify that they have the aptitude for tasks related to the rental process - taking trash cans in/out within a 24 hour window, mowing the yard, keeping the property clean inside and outside and etc. With most of these responsibilities being enforced via the City of Raleigh we try to adhere to them as good members within the community. (I always indicated during the lease signing process that "I am too mature to go to school for training on how to be a good landlord for violations that I did not even cause let alone have control over. I further elaborate that if the property receives 4 violations within 2 years "I have to go to training" - the basis of the City of Raleigh's Probationary rental Occupancy Permit (PROP) ordinance.) During this screening process a background/criminal check is performed along with contacting the City of Raleigh to inquire upon any nuisance violation(s) to ensure "problems are not propagated throughout the community." The Application, with corresponding signature, is required to be sent to the city for the release of this information. We charge a modest fee, below the actual cost, for the application/screening process, which can and did result in issues for this group due to the "possible" tenant uncertainties. Additionally the screening process does not proceed until the Application Fee is paid.Due to all these uncertainties we did not know the actual individuals that were going to be added to the lease for the group until move-in, at least officially, in several cases. Couple this with the move-out process directions not being followed indicating that the return of the deposit required a certified letter with a return receipt to be completed by the lessor upon vacating of the property. All keys also were to be returned the lessor, as indicated in the lease. We also indicated that the property would only be inspected upon completion of the individual move-outs and it was the responsibility of the lessee to follow this process. Thus ensuring that the new tenants also followed the move-in process. However, we must fall on the sword (I guess?) due to resource/time constraints we were not able to insure the Fraternity Group followed for move-out and move-in process at the property on 8/1/2013. (Move-ins for all our properties are on 8/1 each year). Therefore due the Fraternity Group's noncompliance to the processes the keys to the property where simply passed down resulting in damages not being verified before the next person's move-in. Additionally due to the degrading situation with the Fraternity Group it took thirty days to even determine who was residing at the property yet alone who had co-signer documents and full deposits. However, we did try specifically to determine who painted the room but the previous lessee indicated he did not and therefore we had no choice to assume that Mr. [redacted] preformed the painting. As I even indicated to Mr. [redacted], at that time, for him to work it out to determine who painted the room and to let me know. I never heard anything from either party and Mr. [redacted] by default was held responsible.As the situation with the Fraternity Group degraded and actually became confrontational, throughout the second rental year, we mutually agreed to part ways this past summer - two months early. A new termination lease was signed that is attached for reference-ability. Once again each party received a copy of the lease with original signatures on 4/16/2014 due to all individuals being present.Regarding the issues Mr.[redacted] referenced: In regards to the painting issues, although it would have been too late, a stipulation was included in the new termination lease: Item #32. Once again feedback was not provided.All charges are deducted collectively without distinction. This is stressed upon signing the lease and is implemented in lieu of individual billing that never worked in the past requiring tracking on a per room basis. Since the tenants (lessees) decided to live together everyone is responsible for all damages and late fees. Per the lease all payments are due together in a single envelope.The Smoke/CO2 detectors were replaced based on the City of Raleigh inspection that occurred on 3/13/2014 long after the bathroom ceiling leak had been repaired. These detectors were even stipulated in the new termination lease: Item #33.We are at a lose to how to provide more concise insight into the requirements especially for move-out and move-in processes - perhaps a lawyer would have been able to convey the process clearer if Mr. [redacted], the POC for the Fraternity Group, would have actually spoken to one? At the end of the day there might have been a communication issue within the Fraternity Group? I have no idea the full situation for the group although I know several of them were having issues finding a job. However, I wish all of them the best in all future endeavors.

Current tenants have been requesting landlord to repair leaks for over 6 months, he has ignored our requests and the issue has gotten worse. I have numerous complaints about this landlord but will only focus on one. We have had a leak coming from the upstairs bathroom in the house. It had torn a hole in the ceiling and caused excess rot and mold. [redacted] was made aware of this in August of 2013. We have been told numerous times this would be fixed, but it has not. After sending multiple emails regarding this issue over the month of December 2013 without a response from [redacted], I threatened to take legal action, which finally got him to respond.He then came over to the house a few days after Christmas and cut out the rotted ceiling, however, he did not fix the leak. So now there is an entire portion of our ceiling missing that has exposed rotten, moldy floorboards as well as insulation, and the leak now creates a larger mess on the floor. He also did not clean up the area after taking out a large portion of the ceiling and left insulation and rotten pieces of wood all over the floor.It is now January 19th, 2014. [redacted] has not been back to fix the leak or ceiling and has not been responding to any emails or phone calls regarding the issue. [redacted] has created a safety hazard in this house and has been negligent towards fixing the issue. This is only one of the many problems we have had with this landlord.Desired SettlementWe want [redacted] to fix the leak and ceiling in the house. He has been putting off fixing the leak since August 2013 and has made the leak worse by removing the ceiling in December 2013. Business Response 10/16/2014 ResponsePlease verify you have updated my business email and mailing addresses.Mr. [redacted] was a member of a Fraternity Group that rented [redacted] for two years. The first rental year for the Fraternity group was without many issues; except during an unauthorized party at the property several people were using the bathroom in the yard witnessed by the female neighbor. I am still trying to understand why they, at the time, thought this type of action was strangely funny. After addressing this issue I once again stressed to them that the property was not a party house and all parties are held at the Frat House. Eventually they finally appeared to settle in thereafter. During the renewal determination stage I spoke with the neighbors to inquire upon their performance and behavior in regards to the community and I was informed of no additional prevailing issues. Therefore I extended a renewal to them and the situation went down hill thereafter. While dealing with the renewal process issues there was a leak in the upper bathroom shower. Initially it appeared that the water was splashing out of the shower due to the shower curtain being positioned two inches above the shower threshold - thus a two-inch gap. After several months of constantly trying to get them to lower the shower curtain to avoid the water splashing onto the outside floor, that they initially refused to do, I personally placed a mat just outside the shower to absorb the splashing water. Upon further determination there appeared to actually be an internal shower leak. The shower tiles were then re-grouted and sealed. This appeared to resolve the problem initially but evidently water leaked through to the ceiling below although at a slower rate. Thus to provide additional insight into the leak we opened up the sheetrock for the outside walls around the shower and eventually the lower ceiling. Around this time it began to be extremely difficult to continue the repair due to Mr. [redacted] constantly asking the repair personnel leave due to various reasons. Therefore over the Christmas Break we were able to determine that the actual shower floor membrane was leaking and replaced the shower floor with an actual shower pan. While waiting for the floor joists to dry out I informed Mr. [redacted] and company to please let us know if there were any additional leaks. At this time the repair situation for the property took a turn for the worse due to Mr. [redacted] constantly locking the door behind the repair personnel, usually my 82-year-old father along with a worker. Additionally we did not learn of the continued leaks except upon arrival at the property to complete repairs. Eventually my father was not able to deal with this disrespect due to receiving cancer treatments daily. Therefore I personally went over to the property to assess the leak. Thereafter it was determined that an entry threshold tile was not completely grouted and sealed. The tile was then properly grouted/sealed and I once again stressed the shower curtain needed to be lowered fully covering the entry threshold. (This leak was difficult to determine due to the shower curtain always properly lowered that did not align with its usage by the tenants.) Upon allowing the ceiling joists to dry out they were painted, insulation was installed and then the ceiling sheetrock was installed and painted. After and during all repairs the debris was cleaned up to maintain a proper living and working environment. During this entire process Mr. [redacted] constantly demanded that the ceiling simply just be closed-up without regards to the leak since it was directly outside his bedroom door.During this process I also repaired an outlet that was never a safety hazard to anyone. The upper outlet not working properly would have been the only inconvenience. However, based on the situation constantly being confrontational with Mr. [redacted] we mutually agreed to part ways this past summer - two months early. I know he was having issues finding a job but I wish him the best in all future endeavors. Compensation was provided for the situation.Consumer Response This response from Mr. [redacted] is filled with many false statements regarding the events that took place. The original complaint was filed 11 months ago and we haven't lived there for seven months now. Why Mr. [redacted] is just now responding, with many false accusations, I am not sure. We are no longer acquainted and our issues with Mr. [redacted] and his business practices are behind us.Business Response I am sorry that Mr. [redacted] continues to feel that way. However if he had been more helpful as the [redacted], for the Fraternity Group, in making sure the shower curtain was properly used the issue would have been addressed sooner. It is not very helpful by indicating "that it was not my bathroom and we needed to talk to your roommates upstairs." After all that is the responsibility of the [redacted] for any group. However we do thank you for your service to this great country even though we will agree to disagree.Consumer Response I don't recall ever saying that or anything about a shower curtain in the first place. This is a made up story.

Failed to provide a variety of services from working door locks to proper heating to a safe and habitable environment.C. Denning Enterprises is by far the worst renting agency I have ever encountered. The land lord has failed to provide a signed copy of the lease to the tenants in our house and we have been requesting a copy on multiple occasions (written and verbal) for approximately four months now. Additionally, the land lord has failed to repair a series of exposed, dangerous electrical wires around the house, provide keys to the front door, and replace locks. He has also failed to equip the house with a safe, non-hazardous heating system. The current system utilizes radiators that shake violently and spew steam when turned on. Above all, the land lord fails to respond to any form of communication. We, as a household, have expressed verbal concern over our safety in the household due to possible fires from the radiators and exposed electrical wires but he has not replied to a single concern or request for maintenance. I am concerned that the house he currently rents is in violation of numerous building codes because the land lord fails to fix or construct according to North Carolina building codes. Desired SettlementI am seeking that the land lord provide (1) a copy of the lease with his signature, (2) replace the locks and provide keys to all of the locks, (3) have a building code inspector inspect our residency, (4) agree in writing to respond to any written form of communication within 24 hours unless providing a valid excuse for limited communication. Business Response I personally tried to work through these issues with Mr. [redacted]. I am sorry he feels his living conditions were not up to his standard although he viewed the property before signing the lease. I knew that Mr. [redacted] was not happy upon moving-in but I thought he had settled in. That was until he came over to my office at the end of November 2013. He stormed into my office on 11/22/2013 unexpectedly when my father opened the door, which was at the front of the office, and began making demands. When I came to the front to possibly help with the altercation I tired to calm him down while making him aware that he was not allowed to speak to anyone in this manner. He continued to rant and rave about how his lawyer was going to do this and that. As he continued I tried to calm him down to discuss any issues he had to no prevail. He finally walked out the door and slammed it shut on the way out. Regarding the issues Mr. [redacted] referenced: A lease is always provided to the lessee group upon the last person signing two leases, with original signatures, each party a copy. Mr. [redacted] apparently did not want to pay the $25 dollar fee for another copy of the lease. By charging the fee it is the only method based on experience for the lessees to take more responsibility in the rental process.The lock issue was due to [redacted] locks having a previous feature that a master key could be used to rekey the locks without removal. I sent the repair guys over to the property 6 times and the reconfiguration appeared to work each time. But evidently, with by my luck, [redacted] key was the only one that did not work. He evidently thought it was on purpose, since his key did not work half of the time, even though I told him I would not have time to even think of how to make that happen. Needless to say [redacted], after learning that these types of locks had been discontinued, gave me new locks and both were changed to match accordingly.The heating issue is a physics of how steam heat operates - there will always be radiators/pipes banging as they heat-up. There is/was nothing I could do regarding it - [redacted], the tenant, did not understand that however. What was thought to be steam/water from the radiator was the defrost pan for the refrigerator over flowing due to the refrigerator not being level. The cut-off valves on the radiators also leak if not opened completely or closed.Notice is always provided regarding none repairs issues - to inspect CO/Smoke Detectors, HVAC Filter replacement and etc. However when you notify us of a repair that needs to be made we convey a time frame to address the issue. Due to my guys having to address multiple repairs we prioritize them. Therefore, depending on the situation, exact times will not always be known and thus provided. However, as was done in this situation, my guys knocked of the door respectively and inquired upon entry to perform the repairs. Upon inquiring if this is not a good time to preform the repairs, which was not the situation in this case, an estimated later date is provided so the lessee can make a decision for their priority of the repair. Additionally responses cannot be provided when voice mails are not left.Business Response Business supplied email: [redacted]Business Response Please verify you have updated my business email and mailing address. Additionally there were never any wring issues associated with the property except for Christmas Tree lighting wrapped around rooms.