Kline Group, Inc.

The Kline Group did not/has not honored their end of a lease/purchase option contract from the beginning until the end. I was initially contacted by [redacted] (The Kline Group) on 4 Oct 2013 in pursuance of signing a lease-purchase contract for my house at [redacted] Rd Jacksonville, NC XXXXX. Doing my research and after several discussions with [redacted], my wife and I agreed to sign a contract on 24 Oct 2013. Eventually the contract was revised with more solid dates on 1 Apr 2014. I, being an active duty Marine, had to depart NC for HI on 28 Mar 2014. On that day all keys and garage door openers were turned over to their rep ([redacted]). From that day until 3 May 2014, when I started getting concerned about not receiving payment for the 1 May 2014 rent, communication was almost non-existent. This is where things went downhill. It took me demanding my first months rent which ended up being over two weeks late. [redacted], at this point, started referring everything to the President of the company, [redacted]. Eventually [redacted] sent me the first check. On 5 June 2014 [redacted] sent me an email requesting for me to sign "the remaining documents" which was an Assignment of Rights. This never, not at one point, was ever discussed as even a potential option. I took these documents to a military lawyer and was advised not to sign them. By 18 June 2014, after [redacted] demanding we sign, and us refusing, they demanded we drop the tenants from the clearnow.com account. This account was directed for us to use by the Kline Group. I refused that as well out of concern I might not get paid. During this time there was also a problem with our A/C and the Kline Group refused to respond to the tenants concern so they contacted us. The same day we sent a repair person out and had it fixed. The Kline Group ([redacted]) eventually re-paid us for the repair since that was part of their obligation. During all of this the tenants were then threatened that if they talked to us again they could be sued by the Kline Group. Through our conversations with the tenants we learned that they had to put down over $4000 to occupy our house, at our demands according to the Kline Group. This could not be less true. We never requested one penny from anyone except our monthly rent up unto this point. This was part of my concern with accepting the assignment of rights, the Kline Group could not and would not answer as to where the money, I supposedly requested, was going. Things ended up getting quiet from then until 20 Apr 2015. [redacted] initiated an email wanting me to get on board with the assignment of rights. Again I chose not too. So on 8 Jun 2015 I received a tentative notice of cancellation (15 days) from [redacted].On 29 Jun 2015 [redacted] informed me that utilities would be off on the 1st of Jul and wanted to know where he could mail or drop the keys. Per our contract, if the lease purchase was not exercised, the residence would be returned as if the agreement never existed. [redacted] assured me that was exactly how my house would be returned. Having no faith, I had a good friend meet the tenants and the Kline Group rep ([redacted]) to do a walk through of the house on 1 Jul 2015. The house was disgusting. It was not clean, not even a general cleaning, carpets were not vacuumed, dishwasher face was busted, etc. The tenants were given until 3 Jul to fix the house. This never happened. I spent over $2600 alone having the walls fixed and painting completed as it would cost $1100 alone for me to fly back plus the cost of materials to do it myself. Pictures were emailed to the president ([redacted]). I was told they were only willing to pay for the dishwasher. A receipt was provided to [redacted]. I have every email and text message between myself and any member of the Kline Group since day one. I also have tons of pictures of the state of the houses current condition upon return.Desired SettlementI feel that the Kline Group owes me ($91.50) for the dishwasher facing/control panel. I feel they should be responsible for having the carpets professionally cleaned ($150) and for the painting ($2670.30). All walls were dirty, holes not patched/filled/repaired, staples and nails driven into the baseboards and trim molding. I have the contract for the painters, who are in work currently. $115 for having to have all locks rekeyed because the tenants had extra sets of keys made. Rent was $1300/month. We did not receive keys back until 3 Jul. At this point the house was still not rentable/sellable. With 31 days in July, daily rent would be $41.94. Three days would be $125.82 but painting and cleaning will not be complete until 13 Jul. 13 days of rent would be $545.22. Total reimbursement would be $4209.67. My house was immaculate when given to [redacted] on March 28th, 2014. The lease purchase was not exercised and my house was returned nothing comparable to what I gave them. I have no issues or concerns with the lease purchase not being exercised but I do have problems getting my house back a wreck. Because of the state of my houses condition, I will not be able to even list the house until the middle of the month. I think since the Kline Group was not willing to return my house in the same condition, they should be responsible for the money I am spending to get it back in that condition. This is all listed in paragraph (7) of the contract between the New Family and the Kline Group.Business Response /[redacted]/-Kline Group Inc performed in a manor consistent with it's agreement.1-Our tenants state home was in less than perfect condition upon move-in - Confirmed by [redacted]. Multi-color walls, nails in walls, stud pops, carpet not clean, TV wall mount hole, to name a few issues.2-Our tenants informed us that [redacted] & or agent was consistently antagonizing them and showing up at the home without notice. A violation of their tenant rights. 2-June 10 a notice of 15 day cancellation was issued. Not responsible for July rent.3- Dishwasher control panel $91.50 - corporate check [redacted] issued for payment on July 7th4- Stanley Steamer cleaned carpet $119.00- if not satisfied they [redacted] come out and redo - Invoice on file5- Tenants were unable to enter home to finish any remaining cleaning6- Painting - Home at best required touch-up painting as confirmed by [redacted] in a walk thru of the home. He estimates a clean-up & touch-up for about $200 - $2507- The home has issues with a settling foundation & poor construction which has resulted in wall cracks and concrete cracking. [redacted] N was attempting to blame the tenants for the wall issues along with other home issues.8- Re-keyed locks even though the tenants returned the keys. The cost is [redacted] choice and not a Kline Group responsibility or cost.8-The above being true and correct. It would appear that [redacted] N has been less than truthful on the complaint filed. Consumer Response /[redacted]/"Our tenants state home was in less than perfect condition upon move-in - Confirmed by [redacted]. Multi-color walls, nails in walls, stud pops, carpet not clean, TV wall mount hole, to name a few issues" Take a look at the attached and you can see that [redacted] has no credibility. Number two I have a Onslow County Deputy Sheriff that [redacted] swear under oath in a court of law as to the condition of the residence when [redacted] accepted it."Our tenants informed us that [redacted] & or agent was consistently antagonizing them and showing up at the home without notice. A violation of their tenant rights" Please see the attached copy of emails where the [redacted] contacted me because they could not get the needed support from the Kline Group. In addition, my contract was with the Kline Group, I have no other agent, and I was stationed in Hawaii as of 7 April 2014. The [redacted] did not move into my residence until 1 May 2014. I have not returned from Hawaii since accepting orders here. This is a 100% false claim with absolutely no validity. "June 10 a notice of 15 day cancellation was issued. Not responsible for July rent." Again, my keys were not returned until 3 July and my house was not available due to having paint work, cleaning, and carpets re-shampooed until 13 July."Dishwasher control panel $91.50 - corporate check [redacted] issued for payment on July 7th" [redacted] be waiting on this."Stanley Steamer cleaned carpet $119.00- if not satisfied they [redacted] come out and redo - Invoice on file: Never seen the invoice?? Yes they need to return."Tenants were unable to enter home to finish any remaining cleaning" Tenants have and were able to enter the house at any time by contacting [redacted] They knew this as well as [redacted]. They CHOSE not to return. [redacted] is fully aware of this."Painting - Home at best required touch-up painting as confirmed by [redacted] in a walk thru of the home. He estimates a clean-up & touch-up for about $200 - $250" I offered to let the Kline Group fix this, they refused. See attached paint contract. Painting is now complete."The home has issues with a settling foundation & poor construction which has resulted in wall cracks and concrete cracking. [redacted] N was attempting to blame the tenants for the wall issues along with other home issues." I never asked for a single penny for these repairs. I paid for them on my own."Re-keyed locks even though the tenants returned the keys. The cost is [redacted] N's choice and not a Kline Group responsibility or cost." How many extra sets of keys were made that were not returned?"The above being true and correct. It would appear that [redacted] N has been less than truthful on the complaint filed." I think you [redacted] find in the attached emails, paint quote and pictures, the Kline Group is not owning up to their responsibilities as required. They were afforded an opportunity to assist and refused. Neither member of the Kline Group, [redacted] or [redacted], have ever seen the residence or met with me in person. They are solely going off of a third party employee. Had my house been returned in the same condition as given, we would not be here today. Final Business Response /[redacted]/In all the years that Kline Group has been in business, plus having an "A+" rating with the Revdex.com, we have never had one complaint from the hundreds of customers to the Revdex.com. In fact, we receive compliments on our team members such as [redacted] and [redacted] for their good service. Kline Group, Inc, as a company, has always operated it's business above board and with integrity. We make sure our customers understand the process and the paperwork. Our ethical business practice is the reason we remain in business. We have reviewed the information received from our team members, the ** family and [redacted] I provide the following information regarding this matter:1. Kline Group, Inc and [redacted] N had a Lease/ Purchase agreement for the home at [redacted] Rd, Jacksonville, NC. In this agreement , as a principal, we had the right to sublet, assign the home. 2. Kline Group, Inc had a sublet agreement with the H family. 3. Note: There was NO contractual agreement with [redacted] N and the H family. 4. 1st rent payment - there was brief delay due to the fact that accounting had not received the [redacted] address to send payment. Once the address was received and confirmed a corporate check was issued. Accounting then set up direct deposit to [redacted] N's account, to make payment more convenient for him. 5. A/C repair - apparently there was a issue with A/C in the FROG prior to move-in. Once all the information was received and confirmation of post occupancy repair was complete accounting sent [redacted] N a direct deposit payment on 7/30/14 in the amount of $225 on work order #XXXXXX.6. Mr. N attempts to bring up the Kline Groups relationship with the H family. The relationship between the H family and the Kline Group is not part of this discussion since the H family voiced no complaint and they remain our good and happy customers whom we relocated to another home. 7. However, the H family did voice many complaints about [redacted] N and/or associates causing hindrance and molestation, preventing them from peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their home. [redacted] N was asked to cease and desist, to which [redacted] N ignored. Interestingly, after relocating, the H family made the comment, "We are glad to be away from Him". What does this say about [redacted] N ?8. As part of our normal business practice, as an option only, we offer to assign our interest back to [redacted] N. . This process was nicely explained by [redacted]. [redacted] N reacted to this in an off color manor. In fact in one of the communications to [redacted] H offered up a valid threat.9. [redacted] N contacted me regarding the assignment process to which I presented a simple explanation of the process and emphasized that this was an option only, not something that must be completed. However his response remained off color. In fact he made comments to me in an attempt to intimidate me.10. Move-Out: There was a walk-through of the home with our team member [redacted]. He reported the home needed general clean up, carpet needed cleaning , general spot painting with filling as needed. He also reported that an insurance inspector provided a report stating the home was settling combined with poor construction and poor drainage which has resulted in wall cracks in the home along with concrete flooring cracks. In addition the shower floor was not supported correctly resulting in cracking and break down of the shower floor near the drain.11. Due to [redacted] N's complaint and alleged needed repairs, I asked our team member, [redacted], what was the condition of the home on move-in The response; the house was not perfect, multicolored walls, nails in walls, hole in wall from what would have been a TV mount, nicked trim painted over, carpet needed cleaning. Then I asked the H family the same questions, to my surprise their description of the home on move-in was also less than perfect as [redacted] described 12. Kline Group has paid $91.50 for the dish washer front control panel which ONLY had damaged decal . 13. Carpet was professionally cleaned by Stanley Steamer. Dry time can take up to 36 hours depending on the air circulation in the home. However our team was not allowed entry back into the home to inspect the carpet and finish the cleaning and home prep. Apparently [redacted] N had the locks rekeyed. By not letting our team finish the home [redacted] N believes he has free license to get his home completely painted and all structural cracking repaired at our expense. Our cost would have been $250.00 with our team.14. Given [redacted] N's behavioral actions of hindrance, molestation, valid threat, intimidation, failing to yield to a cease & desist request, combined with the other information provided it would leave "reasonable doubt" as to the full merit of [redacted] N's complaint.15. So let's go through what [redacted] N feels is owed him in his mind's eye and what Kline Group [redacted] pay.Dishwasher control panel - Kline Group has paid for this itemCarpet Cleaning - Stanley Steamer has professionally cleaned the carpet in the home, if carpet is not cleaned, contact Stanley Steamer to come out to check their work.Painting - $2,670 - the home did not need a complete whole house painting. In fact for that size home the cost is excessive. Kline Group was prevented from entry to the home to finish work - Our cost would have been $250. Kline Group [redacted] only pay and direct deposit $300 into [redacted] N account.Rekeyed locks - $115 - There was no reason to rekey the locks. Kline Group [redacted] not pay for the rekeyed locksRent - $545.22 - Per the agreement, "Liability for payment of rent [redacted] not extend beyond notice to terminate". Therefore [redacted] N is not owed any monies for rent . In closing, we feel it unfortunate that [redacted] N felt compelled to go down this path by attempting to discredit a good company for his own gain. To go as far as to slander the Kline Group on the internet by saying we are a SCAM. Truly "Conduct Unbecoming"[redacted] N we wish you well and as we say in the south, "Bless Your Heart"This [redacted] end the Kline Groups engagement of this complaint. Final Consumer Response /[redacted]/(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)If I accept the proposed resolution then the Kline Group protects and keeps this A+ standard they speak so highly of. I refuse.Not going to go in circles. Bottom line is I have hundreds of emails and text messages, between the [redacted] brothers and myself as well as the Hodges family and myself, that I am willing to provide in a court of law to prove there is absolutely no validity to the most recent claims of the Kline Group. I [redacted] just do my duty to educate others, especially military personnel, to ensure they do not fall into this same scam. It is a shame that a Active Duty service member of 20+ years has to move half way around the world and deal with this. I learned my lesson and, as mentioned, [redacted] educate others.