This letter is in response to the complaint that Milakis Rentals collected double rent on a unit that had been vacated in May I would like to start by saying that for the entire leasing period this particular tenant and I have always had a really good relationship I as the owner of Milakis Rentals have always taken great pride in taking the best care of all my tenantsThey have always come first I have a large amount of referrals every year from people who have leased my apartmentsThis particular tenant is one of them I personally do a walk through of every unit to insure the unit is clean and if there are any missed items I give the tenants the opportunity to do them so that they can get their deposit back I always have the carpets cleaned by Stanley steemer and the tenant gets that deducted from their depositI never charge for repainting in an effort to save my tenants moneyI never charge a standard turnover fee again in an effort to save my tenants moneyI do the inspections face to face using my time in an effort to help themThat being said, it makes no sense for me to collect double rent on a unit when I could legally charge people for those standard items When this tenant vacated I specifically asked her to write two separate checks for June and July incase I was able to find someone to lease those monthsThis would make it easier to void her payments rather than cash them then refund them if they were combined in one checkAgain why would I do that and hold each payment until the first if I were intending to keep it and collect double? I had a previous tenant who lives out of state needing a unit for July I at the time had several vacant units where tenants who moved early were hoping to find a subleasorWhen I find someone who can move in and pay rent towards someone else's lease I do not notify the tenant if it is vacant until the rent and deposit from the new person is paid and the check has cleared the bankThis is another reason I get the separate checks from the lessee so that I can avoid being accused of charging doubleIt enables me to be assured that the rent is paidThis complaint is the very reason I do this I absolutely did not receive any money nor lease this unit for JuneI did tell the subleasor to make sure the electric was on for July as she was living out of state and planning to move in on July over the holiday weekend If she forgot she would likely be without electric until the 5th because of the holiday and weekend Apparently she called the electric company and had the electric put in her name after this conversation which was in JuneI was unaware the electric was in her name in June I am accused of someone living in this unit and collecting rent in JuneI tried to explain but the lessee was adamant I was collecting double rentOnce I understood she was convinced and took it upon herself to tell me what I was going to do and not listen to me I decided to assign the July tenant to a different unitKeep in mind this is the same tenant name who the electric was put into in June I called the tenant and informed her she would be in a different unit and told her to call the electric company immediatelyThis was on June I also videotaped myself showing the apartment was still vacant on June as the lessee was so adamant she was rightI emailed this to her as wellOnce again she didn't care accused me of fraud and now here we are The reason the lessee was not informed earlier about the possibility of a July subleasor is because the security deposit that was given came back due to insufficient fundsI have the bank statement and would be happy to provide this if neededI did tell her we need to make sure the checks clear before we finalize anythingThe lessee said that was not her problemI did not tell her about the nsf check because of her attitude and constant accusations at every word I spokeHad she made a simple phone call I would have explained everythingInstead she slammed me with accusations and a mind made up I understand why she thought someone was living there and paying me because of the electric but again she is so convinced she was right when all along the person with the electric in her name was living in Washington, D.C Because of the way she treated me from the first email I did not see it was in my best interest to provide her with a subleasor that I was in no obligation to doI informed the subleasor of the issue and she agreed it was in our best interest to assign her to a different unit and I have already refunded that current tenant for his July rentOf which I can provide proof of as well She is demanding June rent from the time the electric changedI will not refund that because it was not rented and no one paid rentHer June check was deposited at the beginning of JuneShe is also demanding July rent be creditedI did not cash her July rent check because it was not July yet and planned on returning it to her if and when the subleasor moved inThe lessee informed me that she stopped payment on her checkTherefore the security deposit of will be credited to her July rentShe now has a balance of due to Milakis rentals immediately I assure you that because it is early in July if I sublease her apartment anytime before July 28th she will be refunded whatever money I collect from them.she is free to check on her apartment anytime Even though she has treated me so badly when my every intention was to help her out as I did all throughout her stay with Milakis Rentals I am happy to provide any further information you may need Sincerely Brenda M [redacted]
Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that the response would not resolve my complaint For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear belowThis letter is in response to the defense offered by Brenda M [redacted] of Milakis Rentals pertaining to my original complaintThe resolution offered by MsM [redacted] is unacceptable, and indeed, an attempt to defraud me furtherAs for her first point: MsM [redacted] did indeed conduct a walk-through of my apartment, which I had had professionally cleaned, and with which MsM [redacted] was more than satisfiedI was assured that I would receive my security deposit back in late August or SeptemberWhile the terms of my lease did not specify that I could not sublet, when I found an acceptable subletter, MsM [redacted] was opposedAs previously, I had a decent relationship with MsM [redacted] , and because MsM [redacted] assured me she could rent my apartment by July, being one of the two studios she had available, I left two checks with her, one for June and one for JulyMsM [redacted] told me that she would notify me as soon as she had leased the apartment, and send me photographic proof of tearing up the checkWhen MsM [redacted] cashed my check for June on June 5th, I was not suspiciousHowever, as June wore on, I contacted MsM [redacted] about July, and received no word from herWhile MsM [redacted] claims she was at a funeral and unable to give a response, she does have another person who manages her emailThe lack of response was a bit worrisome, but I planned to follow upHowever, when I paid by electric bill to Duke Energy, typically due the first week of the following month, it showed that my account had been closed, and that it was due by June 29thI of course paid by bill, but I was surprised that my account had been closed, as I had not myself closed it, and I had always paid my bills in full and on timeAfter paying my final bill to Duke Energy, I called them to inquire as to why the account was closedI was informed that the electric bill was changed into another woman’s name on June 7thI then asked: “So someone else has taken over the unit?” To which the electric company gave an affirmative responseI asked the question, in fact, repeatedlyAs MsM [redacted] had yet to respond to me about July, and as the majority of June had passed without MsM [redacted] contacting me that she had leased the apartment, I had every reason to suspect that she was going to cash the July check as wellI stopped the checkBecause there was still the potential of oversight, and because I did not want MsM [redacted] harmed from trying to cash a stopped check, I did email that I had stopped the check, and that I knew my apartment had been leasedI gave an address to which my security deposit could be sent, along with a refund of the rest of June’s rentDespite not responding to my initial inquiries about July, MsM [redacted] ’ response regarding the stopped check was immediateShe demanded that I call her, which, along with being grossly inconvenient for me, also, I knew, would offer me no protectionI asked that all communications happen over emailRather than email me initially, MsM [redacted] sent me a flurry of texts about the apartmentShe stated that she had the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, and she urged her to put the electric account in her own name because she needed the electricity on until the end of JulyThis, to me, did not make sense, as MsM [redacted] had already specified that I keep my electricity on until the end of July, barring another renterGiven that I had always paid my rent on time, often months early, and given that I was always responsible, MsM [redacted] had no reason to believe that I would stop paying the electricFurthermore, I would never pay utilities on an apartment that I had not yet leased, and so it made little sense that the new tenant would pay utilities on an apartment that was not yet hers MsM [redacted] also stated that she was still waiting for the new tenant’s check to clear for July before notifying me about my apartment being leased and before voiding my July checkAgain this did not make senseMsM [redacted] had signed the lease with the new tenant prior to June 7th, which was clearIf I were to believe MsM [redacted] at her word, that the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, it would still be unacceptable that my check was being held as “insurance.” The new tenant’s lease would supersede and invalidate mineAs a lease had been signed with another tenant, I was in no way responsible for July’s rent, whatever the outcomeMsM [redacted] stated that if “this was not good,” she would move the new tenant to 209, her other studioWhen I followed up with MsM [redacted] , I stated that I did not want the tenant moved, as it did nothing to benefit me, and I believed it was an attempt to defraud meI believe that MsM [redacted] wanted to sign a new lease with the tenant because I did not accept her explanations fully and pressed furtherShe wanted an opportunity to destroy, doctor, or otherwise invalidate or alter the lease she had originally signed with the new tenant of my unitI told her that her explanations were unsatisfactory, but at the minimum, I expected my security deposit backAt this point, MsM [redacted] followed up with emails, one with included a video I could not download that was supposedly my empty apartmentAs I could not view the video, I cannot confirm or deny that it was my unit; as MsM [redacted] has similar units, it would be very easy to “show” me an apartment that was not mine, or doctor a video to this endFurthermore, that fact that a tenant does not physically occupy a unit does not mean they have not taken over a lease at any given point and time, particularly in a college town, where most people occupy units from August until May, and are gone in the summer monthsIt would make sense, given the nature of Lafayette and West Lafayette, that someone would lease an apartment months before they planned to move in, particularly in the summer monthsMsM [redacted] ’ response here is thus again, unsatisfactoryDespite the fact that I told MsM [redacted] not to move the tenant to 209, she did, or claimed she did, and then stated that she would be keeping my security deposit as July’s rent, and would be demanding the dollar cleaning fee specified in the lease immediatelyI told MsM [redacted] that she would not be receiving money from me, as I believe she had taken many steps to defraud me, and that the new tenant’s lease invalidated mine On another note, while I did sign a lease for 2014-2015, on a finer note, I did not sign a lease for 2015- I treated that year as if I had a lease with MsM [redacted] , and respected its termsHowever, MsM [redacted] has shown me no respect in returnInstead, she has chosen to bully and further defraud me rather than respond to my legitimate concerns about her questionable business behavior I believe that MsM [redacted] owes me for June and for my security deposit, and at the very least, the proper, professional, ethical, and legal thing to do would be to reimburse my security deposit immediately I have attached the texts sent by MsM [redacted] Along with our email exchangeThis can be forwarded from my email address if needed Best, [redacted]
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
This letter is in response to the defense offered by Brenda M[redacted] of Milakis Rentals pertaining to my original complaint. The resolution offered by Ms. M[redacted] is unacceptable, and indeed, an attempt to defraud me further.
As for her first point: Ms. M[redacted] did indeed conduct a walk-through of my apartment, which I had had professionally cleaned, and with which Ms. M[redacted] was more than satisfied. I was assured that I would receive my security deposit back in late August or September. While the terms of my lease did not specify that I could not sublet, when I found an acceptable subletter, Ms. M[redacted] was opposed. As previously, I had a decent relationship with Ms. M[redacted], and because Ms. M[redacted] assured me she could rent my apartment by July, being one of the two studios she had available, I left two checks with her, one for June and one for July. Ms. M[redacted] told me that she would notify me as soon as she had leased the apartment, and send me photographic proof of tearing up the check.
When Ms. M[redacted] cashed my check for June on June 5th, I was not suspicious. However, as June wore on, I contacted Ms. M[redacted] about July, and received no word from her. While Ms. M[redacted] claims she was at a funeral and unable to give a response, she does have another person who manages her email. The lack of response was a bit worrisome, but I planned to follow up. However, when I paid by electric bill to Duke Energy, typically due the first week of the following month, it showed that my account had been closed, and that it was due by June 29th. I of course paid by bill, but I was surprised that my account had been closed, as I had not myself closed it, and I had always paid my bills in full and on time.
After paying my final bill to Duke Energy, I called them to inquire as to why the account was closed. I was informed that the electric bill was changed into another woman’s name on June 7th. I then asked: “So someone else has taken over the unit?” To which the electric company gave an affirmative response. I asked the question, in fact, repeatedly. As Ms. M[redacted] had yet to respond to me about July, and as the majority of June had passed without Ms. M[redacted] contacting me that she had leased the apartment, I had every reason to suspect that she was going to cash the July check as well. I stopped the check.
Because there was still the potential of oversight, and because I did not want Ms. M[redacted] harmed from trying to cash a stopped check, I did email that I had stopped the check, and that I knew my apartment had been leased. I gave an address to which my security deposit could be sent, along with a refund of the rest of June’s rent.
Despite not responding to my initial inquiries about July, Ms. M[redacted]’ response regarding the stopped check was immediate. She demanded that I call her, which, along with being grossly inconvenient for me, also, I knew, would offer me no protection. I asked that all communications happen over email.
Rather than email me initially, Ms. M[redacted] sent me a flurry of texts about the apartment. She stated that she had the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, and she urged her to put the electric account in her own name because she needed the electricity on until the end of July. This, to me, did not make sense, as Ms. M[redacted] had already specified that I keep my electricity on until the end of July, barring another renter. Given that I had always paid my rent on time, often months early, and given that I was always responsible, Ms. M[redacted] had no reason to believe that I would stop paying the electric. Furthermore, I would never pay utilities on an apartment that I had not yet leased, and so it made little sense that the new tenant would pay utilities on an apartment that was not yet hers. Ms. M[redacted] also stated that she was still waiting for the new tenant’s check to clear for July before notifying me about my apartment being leased and before voiding my July check. Again this did not make sense. Ms. M[redacted] had signed the lease with the new tenant prior to June 7th, which was clear. If I were to believe Ms. M[redacted] at her word, that the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, it would still be unacceptable that my check was being held as “insurance.” The new tenant’s lease would supersede and invalidate mine. As a lease had been signed with another tenant, I was in no way responsible for July’s rent, whatever the outcome. Ms. M[redacted] stated that if “this was not good,” she would move the new tenant to 209, her other studio.
When I followed up with Ms. M[redacted], I stated that I did not want the tenant moved, as it did nothing to benefit me, and I believed it was an attempt to defraud me. I believe that Ms. M[redacted] wanted to sign a new lease with the tenant because I did not accept her explanations fully and pressed further. She wanted an opportunity to destroy, doctor, or otherwise invalidate or alter the lease she had originally signed with the new tenant of my unit. I told her that her explanations were unsatisfactory, but at the minimum, I expected my security deposit back.
At this point, Ms. M[redacted] followed up with emails, one with included a video I could not download that was supposedly my empty apartment. As I could not view the video, I cannot confirm or deny that it was my unit; as Ms. M[redacted] has similar units, it would be very easy to “show” me an apartment that was not mine, or doctor a video to this end. Furthermore, that fact that a tenant does not physically occupy a unit does not mean they have not taken over a lease at any given point and time, particularly in a college town, where most people occupy units from August until May, and are gone in the summer months. It would make sense, given the nature of Lafayette and West Lafayette, that someone would lease an apartment months before they planned to move in, particularly in the summer months. Ms. M[redacted]’ response here is thus again, unsatisfactory.
Despite the fact that I told Ms. M[redacted] not to move the tenant to 209, she did, or claimed she did, and then stated that she would be keeping my security deposit as July’s rent, and would be demanding the 100 dollar cleaning fee specified in the lease immediately. I told Ms. M[redacted] that she would not be receiving money from me, as I believe she had taken many steps to defraud me, and that the new tenant’s lease invalidated mine.
On another note, while I did sign a lease for 2014-2015, on a finer note, I did not sign a lease for 2015-2016. I treated that year as if I had a lease with Ms. M[redacted], and respected its terms. However, Ms. M[redacted] has shown me no respect in return. Instead, she has chosen to bully and further defraud me rather than respond to my legitimate concerns about her questionable business behavior.
I believe that Ms. M[redacted] owes me for June and for my security deposit, and at the very least, the proper, professional, ethical, and legal thing to do would be to reimburse my security deposit immediately.
I have attached the texts sent by Ms. M[redacted]. Along with our email exchange. This can be forwarded from my email address if needed.
This letter is in response to the complaint that Milakis Rentals collected double rent on a unit that had been vacated in May 2016. I would like to start by saying that for the entire leasing period this particular tenant and I have always had a really good relationship. I as the...
owner of Milakis Rentals have always taken great pride in taking the best care of all my tenants. They have always come first. I have a large amount of referrals every year from people who have leased my apartments. This particular tenant is one of them. I personally do a walk through of every unit to insure the unit is clean and if there are any missed items I give the tenants the opportunity to do them so that they can get their deposit back. I always have the carpets cleaned by Stanley steemer and the tenant gets that deducted from their deposit. I never charge for repainting in an effort to save my tenants money. I never charge a standard turnover fee again in an effort to save my tenants money. I do the inspections face to face using my time in an effort to help them. That being said, it makes no sense for me to collect double rent on a unit when I could legally charge people for those standard items. When this tenant vacated I specifically asked her to write two separate checks for June and July incase I was able to find someone to lease those months. This would make it easier to void her payments rather than cash them then refund them if they were combined in one check. Again why would I do that and hold each payment until the first if I were intending to keep it and collect double? I had a previous tenant who lives out of state needing a unit for July 1 2016. I at the time had several vacant units where tenants who moved early were hoping to find a subleasor. When I find someone who can move in and pay rent towards someone else's lease I do not notify the tenant if it is vacant until the rent and deposit from the new person is paid and the check has cleared the bank. This is another reason I get the separate checks from the lessee so that I can avoid being accused of charging double. It enables me to be assured that the rent is paid. This complaint is the very reason I do this. I absolutely did not receive any money nor lease this unit for June. I did tell the subleasor to make sure the electric was on for July as she was living out of state and planning to move in on July 1 over the holiday weekend. If she forgot she would likely be without electric until the 5th because of the holiday and weekend. Apparently she called the electric company and had the electric put in her name after this conversation which was in June. I was unaware the electric was in her name in June. I am accused of someone living in this unit and collecting rent in June. I tried to explain but the lessee was adamant I was collecting double rent. Once I understood she was convinced and took it upon herself to tell me what I was going to do and not listen to me I decided to assign the July tenant to a different unit. Keep in mind this is the same tenant name who the electric was put into in June. I called the tenant and informed her she would be in a different unit and told her to call the electric company immediately. This was on June 28. I also videotaped myself showing the apartment was still vacant on June 28 as the lessee was so adamant she was right. I emailed this to her as well. Once again she didn't care accused me of fraud and now here we are. The reason the lessee was not informed earlier about the possibility of a July subleasor is because the security deposit that was given came back due to insufficient funds. I have the bank statement and would be happy to provide this if needed. I did tell her we need to make sure the checks clear before we finalize anything. The lessee said that was not her problem. I did not tell her about the nsf check because of her attitude and constant accusations at every word I spoke. Had she made a simple phone call I would have explained everything. Instead she slammed me with false accusations and a mind made up. I understand why she thought someone was living there and paying me because of the electric but again she is so convinced she was right when all along the person with the electric in her name was living in Washington, D.C. Because of the way she treated me from the first email I did not see it was in my best interest to provide her with a subleasor that I was in no obligation to do. I informed the subleasor of the issue and she agreed it was in our best interest to assign her to a different unit and I have already refunded that current tenant for his July rent. Of which I can provide proof of as well. She is demanding June rent from the time the electric changed. I will not refund that because it was not rented and no one paid rent. Her June check was deposited at the beginning of June. She is also demanding July rent be credited. I did not cash her July rent check because it was not July yet and planned on returning it to her if and when the subleasor moved in. The lessee informed me that she stopped payment on her check. Therefore the security deposit of 535.00 will be credited to her July rent. She now has a balance of 100.00 due to Milakis rentals immediately. I assure you that because it is early in July if I sublease her apartment anytime before July 28th she will be refunded whatever money I collect from them.she is free to check on her apartment anytime. Even though she has treated me so badly when my every intention was to help her out as I did all throughout her stay with Milakis Rentals. I am happy to provide any further information you may need. Sincerely Brenda M[redacted]
This letter is in response to the complaint that Milakis Rentals collected double rent on a unit that had been vacated in May I would like to start by saying that for the entire leasing period this particular tenant and I have always had a really good relationship I as the owner of Milakis Rentals have always taken great pride in taking the best care of all my tenantsThey have always come first I have a large amount of referrals every year from people who have leased my apartmentsThis particular tenant is one of them I personally do a walk through of every unit to insure the unit is clean and if there are any missed items I give the tenants the opportunity to do them so that they can get their deposit back I always have the carpets cleaned by Stanley steemer and the tenant gets that deducted from their depositI never charge for repainting in an effort to save my tenants moneyI never charge a standard turnover fee again in an effort to save my tenants moneyI do the inspections face to face using my time in an effort to help themThat being said, it makes no sense for me to collect double rent on a unit when I could legally charge people for those standard items When this tenant vacated I specifically asked her to write two separate checks for June and July incase I was able to find someone to lease those monthsThis would make it easier to void her payments rather than cash them then refund them if they were combined in one checkAgain why would I do that and hold each payment until the first if I were intending to keep it and collect double? I had a previous tenant who lives out of state needing a unit for July I at the time had several vacant units where tenants who moved early were hoping to find a subleasorWhen I find someone who can move in and pay rent towards someone else's lease I do not notify the tenant if it is vacant until the rent and deposit from the new person is paid and the check has cleared the bankThis is another reason I get the separate checks from the lessee so that I can avoid being accused of charging doubleIt enables me to be assured that the rent is paidThis complaint is the very reason I do this I absolutely did not receive any money nor lease this unit for JuneI did tell the subleasor to make sure the electric was on for July as she was living out of state and planning to move in on July over the holiday weekend If she forgot she would likely be without electric until the 5th because of the holiday and weekend Apparently she called the electric company and had the electric put in her name after this conversation which was in JuneI was unaware the electric was in her name in June I am accused of someone living in this unit and collecting rent in JuneI tried to explain but the lessee was adamant I was collecting double rentOnce I understood she was convinced and took it upon herself to tell me what I was going to do and not listen to me I decided to assign the July tenant to a different unitKeep in mind this is the same tenant name who the electric was put into in June I called the tenant and informed her she would be in a different unit and told her to call the electric company immediatelyThis was on June I also videotaped myself showing the apartment was still vacant on June as the lessee was so adamant she was rightI emailed this to her as wellOnce again she didn't care accused me of fraud and now here we are The reason the lessee was not informed earlier about the possibility of a July subleasor is because the security deposit that was given came back due to insufficient fundsI have the bank statement and would be happy to provide this if neededI did tell her we need to make sure the checks clear before we finalize anythingThe lessee said that was not her problemI did not tell her about the nsf check because of her attitude and constant accusations at every word I spokeHad she made a simple phone call I would have explained everythingInstead she slammed me with accusations and a mind made up I understand why she thought someone was living there and paying me because of the electric but again she is so convinced she was right when all along the person with the electric in her name was living in Washington, D.C Because of the way she treated me from the first email I did not see it was in my best interest to provide her with a subleasor that I was in no obligation to doI informed the subleasor of the issue and she agreed it was in our best interest to assign her to a different unit and I have already refunded that current tenant for his July rentOf which I can provide proof of as well She is demanding June rent from the time the electric changedI will not refund that because it was not rented and no one paid rentHer June check was deposited at the beginning of JuneShe is also demanding July rent be creditedI did not cash her July rent check because it was not July yet and planned on returning it to her if and when the subleasor moved inThe lessee informed me that she stopped payment on her checkTherefore the security deposit of will be credited to her July rentShe now has a balance of due to Milakis rentals immediately I assure you that because it is early in July if I sublease her apartment anytime before July 28th she will be refunded whatever money I collect from them.she is free to check on her apartment anytime Even though she has treated me so badly when my every intention was to help her out as I did all throughout her stay with Milakis Rentals I am happy to provide any further information you may need Sincerely Brenda M [redacted]
Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that the response would not resolve my complaint For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear belowThis letter is in response to the defense offered by Brenda M [redacted] of Milakis Rentals pertaining to my original complaintThe resolution offered by MsM [redacted] is unacceptable, and indeed, an attempt to defraud me furtherAs for her first point: MsM [redacted] did indeed conduct a walk-through of my apartment, which I had had professionally cleaned, and with which MsM [redacted] was more than satisfiedI was assured that I would receive my security deposit back in late August or SeptemberWhile the terms of my lease did not specify that I could not sublet, when I found an acceptable subletter, MsM [redacted] was opposedAs previously, I had a decent relationship with MsM [redacted] , and because MsM [redacted] assured me she could rent my apartment by July, being one of the two studios she had available, I left two checks with her, one for June and one for JulyMsM [redacted] told me that she would notify me as soon as she had leased the apartment, and send me photographic proof of tearing up the checkWhen MsM [redacted] cashed my check for June on June 5th, I was not suspiciousHowever, as June wore on, I contacted MsM [redacted] about July, and received no word from herWhile MsM [redacted] claims she was at a funeral and unable to give a response, she does have another person who manages her emailThe lack of response was a bit worrisome, but I planned to follow upHowever, when I paid by electric bill to Duke Energy, typically due the first week of the following month, it showed that my account had been closed, and that it was due by June 29thI of course paid by bill, but I was surprised that my account had been closed, as I had not myself closed it, and I had always paid my bills in full and on timeAfter paying my final bill to Duke Energy, I called them to inquire as to why the account was closedI was informed that the electric bill was changed into another woman’s name on June 7thI then asked: “So someone else has taken over the unit?” To which the electric company gave an affirmative responseI asked the question, in fact, repeatedlyAs MsM [redacted] had yet to respond to me about July, and as the majority of June had passed without MsM [redacted] contacting me that she had leased the apartment, I had every reason to suspect that she was going to cash the July check as wellI stopped the checkBecause there was still the potential of oversight, and because I did not want MsM [redacted] harmed from trying to cash a stopped check, I did email that I had stopped the check, and that I knew my apartment had been leasedI gave an address to which my security deposit could be sent, along with a refund of the rest of June’s rentDespite not responding to my initial inquiries about July, MsM [redacted] ’ response regarding the stopped check was immediateShe demanded that I call her, which, along with being grossly inconvenient for me, also, I knew, would offer me no protectionI asked that all communications happen over emailRather than email me initially, MsM [redacted] sent me a flurry of texts about the apartmentShe stated that she had the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, and she urged her to put the electric account in her own name because she needed the electricity on until the end of JulyThis, to me, did not make sense, as MsM [redacted] had already specified that I keep my electricity on until the end of July, barring another renterGiven that I had always paid my rent on time, often months early, and given that I was always responsible, MsM [redacted] had no reason to believe that I would stop paying the electricFurthermore, I would never pay utilities on an apartment that I had not yet leased, and so it made little sense that the new tenant would pay utilities on an apartment that was not yet hers MsM [redacted] also stated that she was still waiting for the new tenant’s check to clear for July before notifying me about my apartment being leased and before voiding my July checkAgain this did not make senseMsM [redacted] had signed the lease with the new tenant prior to June 7th, which was clearIf I were to believe MsM [redacted] at her word, that the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, it would still be unacceptable that my check was being held as “insurance.” The new tenant’s lease would supersede and invalidate mineAs a lease had been signed with another tenant, I was in no way responsible for July’s rent, whatever the outcomeMsM [redacted] stated that if “this was not good,” she would move the new tenant to 209, her other studioWhen I followed up with MsM [redacted] , I stated that I did not want the tenant moved, as it did nothing to benefit me, and I believed it was an attempt to defraud meI believe that MsM [redacted] wanted to sign a new lease with the tenant because I did not accept her explanations fully and pressed furtherShe wanted an opportunity to destroy, doctor, or otherwise invalidate or alter the lease she had originally signed with the new tenant of my unitI told her that her explanations were unsatisfactory, but at the minimum, I expected my security deposit backAt this point, MsM [redacted] followed up with emails, one with included a video I could not download that was supposedly my empty apartmentAs I could not view the video, I cannot confirm or deny that it was my unit; as MsM [redacted] has similar units, it would be very easy to “show” me an apartment that was not mine, or doctor a video to this endFurthermore, that fact that a tenant does not physically occupy a unit does not mean they have not taken over a lease at any given point and time, particularly in a college town, where most people occupy units from August until May, and are gone in the summer monthsIt would make sense, given the nature of Lafayette and West Lafayette, that someone would lease an apartment months before they planned to move in, particularly in the summer monthsMsM [redacted] ’ response here is thus again, unsatisfactoryDespite the fact that I told MsM [redacted] not to move the tenant to 209, she did, or claimed she did, and then stated that she would be keeping my security deposit as July’s rent, and would be demanding the dollar cleaning fee specified in the lease immediatelyI told MsM [redacted] that she would not be receiving money from me, as I believe she had taken many steps to defraud me, and that the new tenant’s lease invalidated mine On another note, while I did sign a lease for 2014-2015, on a finer note, I did not sign a lease for 2015- I treated that year as if I had a lease with MsM [redacted] , and respected its termsHowever, MsM [redacted] has shown me no respect in returnInstead, she has chosen to bully and further defraud me rather than respond to my legitimate concerns about her questionable business behavior I believe that MsM [redacted] owes me for June and for my security deposit, and at the very least, the proper, professional, ethical, and legal thing to do would be to reimburse my security deposit immediately I have attached the texts sent by MsM [redacted] Along with our email exchangeThis can be forwarded from my email address if needed Best, [redacted]
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
This letter is in response to the defense offered by Brenda M[redacted] of Milakis Rentals pertaining to my original complaint. The resolution offered by Ms. M[redacted] is unacceptable, and indeed, an attempt to defraud me further.
As for her first point: Ms. M[redacted] did indeed conduct a walk-through of my apartment, which I had had professionally cleaned, and with which Ms. M[redacted] was more than satisfied. I was assured that I would receive my security deposit back in late August or September. While the terms of my lease did not specify that I could not sublet, when I found an acceptable subletter, Ms. M[redacted] was opposed. As previously, I had a decent relationship with Ms. M[redacted], and because Ms. M[redacted] assured me she could rent my apartment by July, being one of the two studios she had available, I left two checks with her, one for June and one for July. Ms. M[redacted] told me that she would notify me as soon as she had leased the apartment, and send me photographic proof of tearing up the check.
When Ms. M[redacted] cashed my check for June on June 5th, I was not suspicious. However, as June wore on, I contacted Ms. M[redacted] about July, and received no word from her. While Ms. M[redacted] claims she was at a funeral and unable to give a response, she does have another person who manages her email. The lack of response was a bit worrisome, but I planned to follow up. However, when I paid by electric bill to Duke Energy, typically due the first week of the following month, it showed that my account had been closed, and that it was due by June 29th. I of course paid by bill, but I was surprised that my account had been closed, as I had not myself closed it, and I had always paid my bills in full and on time.
After paying my final bill to Duke Energy, I called them to inquire as to why the account was closed. I was informed that the electric bill was changed into another woman’s name on June 7th. I then asked: “So someone else has taken over the unit?” To which the electric company gave an affirmative response. I asked the question, in fact, repeatedly. As Ms. M[redacted] had yet to respond to me about July, and as the majority of June had passed without Ms. M[redacted] contacting me that she had leased the apartment, I had every reason to suspect that she was going to cash the July check as well. I stopped the check.
Because there was still the potential of oversight, and because I did not want Ms. M[redacted] harmed from trying to cash a stopped check, I did email that I had stopped the check, and that I knew my apartment had been leased. I gave an address to which my security deposit could be sent, along with a refund of the rest of June’s rent.
Despite not responding to my initial inquiries about July, Ms. M[redacted]’ response regarding the stopped check was immediate. She demanded that I call her, which, along with being grossly inconvenient for me, also, I knew, would offer me no protection. I asked that all communications happen over email.
Rather than email me initially, Ms. M[redacted] sent me a flurry of texts about the apartment. She stated that she had the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, and she urged her to put the electric account in her own name because she needed the electricity on until the end of July. This, to me, did not make sense, as Ms. M[redacted] had already specified that I keep my electricity on until the end of July, barring another renter. Given that I had always paid my rent on time, often months early, and given that I was always responsible, Ms. M[redacted] had no reason to believe that I would stop paying the electric. Furthermore, I would never pay utilities on an apartment that I had not yet leased, and so it made little sense that the new tenant would pay utilities on an apartment that was not yet hers. Ms. M[redacted] also stated that she was still waiting for the new tenant’s check to clear for July before notifying me about my apartment being leased and before voiding my July check. Again this did not make sense. Ms. M[redacted] had signed the lease with the new tenant prior to June 7th, which was clear. If I were to believe Ms. M[redacted] at her word, that the new tenant’s lease began July 1st, it would still be unacceptable that my check was being held as “insurance.” The new tenant’s lease would supersede and invalidate mine. As a lease had been signed with another tenant, I was in no way responsible for July’s rent, whatever the outcome. Ms. M[redacted] stated that if “this was not good,” she would move the new tenant to 209, her other studio.
When I followed up with Ms. M[redacted], I stated that I did not want the tenant moved, as it did nothing to benefit me, and I believed it was an attempt to defraud me. I believe that Ms. M[redacted] wanted to sign a new lease with the tenant because I did not accept her explanations fully and pressed further. She wanted an opportunity to destroy, doctor, or otherwise invalidate or alter the lease she had originally signed with the new tenant of my unit. I told her that her explanations were unsatisfactory, but at the minimum, I expected my security deposit back.
At this point, Ms. M[redacted] followed up with emails, one with included a video I could not download that was supposedly my empty apartment. As I could not view the video, I cannot confirm or deny that it was my unit; as Ms. M[redacted] has similar units, it would be very easy to “show” me an apartment that was not mine, or doctor a video to this end. Furthermore, that fact that a tenant does not physically occupy a unit does not mean they have not taken over a lease at any given point and time, particularly in a college town, where most people occupy units from August until May, and are gone in the summer months. It would make sense, given the nature of Lafayette and West Lafayette, that someone would lease an apartment months before they planned to move in, particularly in the summer months. Ms. M[redacted]’ response here is thus again, unsatisfactory.
Despite the fact that I told Ms. M[redacted] not to move the tenant to 209, she did, or claimed she did, and then stated that she would be keeping my security deposit as July’s rent, and would be demanding the 100 dollar cleaning fee specified in the lease immediately. I told Ms. M[redacted] that she would not be receiving money from me, as I believe she had taken many steps to defraud me, and that the new tenant’s lease invalidated mine.
On another note, while I did sign a lease for 2014-2015, on a finer note, I did not sign a lease for 2015-2016. I treated that year as if I had a lease with Ms. M[redacted], and respected its terms. However, Ms. M[redacted] has shown me no respect in return. Instead, she has chosen to bully and further defraud me rather than respond to my legitimate concerns about her questionable business behavior.
I believe that Ms. M[redacted] owes me for June and for my security deposit, and at the very least, the proper, professional, ethical, and legal thing to do would be to reimburse my security deposit immediately.
I have attached the texts sent by Ms. M[redacted]. Along with our email exchange. This can be forwarded from my email address if needed.
Best,
[redacted]
This letter is in response to the complaint that Milakis Rentals collected double rent on a unit that had been vacated in May 2016. I would like to start by saying that for the entire leasing period this particular tenant and I have always had a really good relationship. I as the...
owner of Milakis Rentals have always taken great pride in taking the best care of all my tenants. They have always come first. I have a large amount of referrals every year from people who have leased my apartments. This particular tenant is one of them. I personally do a walk through of every unit to insure the unit is clean and if there are any missed items I give the tenants the opportunity to do them so that they can get their deposit back. I always have the carpets cleaned by Stanley steemer and the tenant gets that deducted from their deposit. I never charge for repainting in an effort to save my tenants money. I never charge a standard turnover fee again in an effort to save my tenants money. I do the inspections face to face using my time in an effort to help them. That being said, it makes no sense for me to collect double rent on a unit when I could legally charge people for those standard items. When this tenant vacated I specifically asked her to write two separate checks for June and July incase I was able to find someone to lease those months. This would make it easier to void her payments rather than cash them then refund them if they were combined in one check. Again why would I do that and hold each payment until the first if I were intending to keep it and collect double? I had a previous tenant who lives out of state needing a unit for July 1 2016. I at the time had several vacant units where tenants who moved early were hoping to find a subleasor. When I find someone who can move in and pay rent towards someone else's lease I do not notify the tenant if it is vacant until the rent and deposit from the new person is paid and the check has cleared the bank. This is another reason I get the separate checks from the lessee so that I can avoid being accused of charging double. It enables me to be assured that the rent is paid. This complaint is the very reason I do this. I absolutely did not receive any money nor lease this unit for June. I did tell the subleasor to make sure the electric was on for July as she was living out of state and planning to move in on July 1 over the holiday weekend. If she forgot she would likely be without electric until the 5th because of the holiday and weekend. Apparently she called the electric company and had the electric put in her name after this conversation which was in June. I was unaware the electric was in her name in June. I am accused of someone living in this unit and collecting rent in June. I tried to explain but the lessee was adamant I was collecting double rent. Once I understood she was convinced and took it upon herself to tell me what I was going to do and not listen to me I decided to assign the July tenant to a different unit. Keep in mind this is the same tenant name who the electric was put into in June. I called the tenant and informed her she would be in a different unit and told her to call the electric company immediately. This was on June 28. I also videotaped myself showing the apartment was still vacant on June 28 as the lessee was so adamant she was right. I emailed this to her as well. Once again she didn't care accused me of fraud and now here we are. The reason the lessee was not informed earlier about the possibility of a July subleasor is because the security deposit that was given came back due to insufficient funds. I have the bank statement and would be happy to provide this if needed. I did tell her we need to make sure the checks clear before we finalize anything. The lessee said that was not her problem. I did not tell her about the nsf check because of her attitude and constant accusations at every word I spoke. Had she made a simple phone call I would have explained everything. Instead she slammed me with false accusations and a mind made up. I understand why she thought someone was living there and paying me because of the electric but again she is so convinced she was right when all along the person with the electric in her name was living in Washington, D.C. Because of the way she treated me from the first email I did not see it was in my best interest to provide her with a subleasor that I was in no obligation to do. I informed the subleasor of the issue and she agreed it was in our best interest to assign her to a different unit and I have already refunded that current tenant for his July rent. Of which I can provide proof of as well. She is demanding June rent from the time the electric changed. I will not refund that because it was not rented and no one paid rent. Her June check was deposited at the beginning of June. She is also demanding July rent be credited. I did not cash her July rent check because it was not July yet and planned on returning it to her if and when the subleasor moved in. The lessee informed me that she stopped payment on her check. Therefore the security deposit of 535.00 will be credited to her July rent. She now has a balance of 100.00 due to Milakis rentals immediately. I assure you that because it is early in July if I sublease her apartment anytime before July 28th she will be refunded whatever money I collect from them.she is free to check on her apartment anytime. Even though she has treated me so badly when my every intention was to help her out as I did all throughout her stay with Milakis Rentals. I am happy to provide any further information you may need. Sincerely Brenda M[redacted]