Real Estate Management Inc

REMI wrongfully held a portion of security deposit. Also failed to install carbon monnoxide detectors on 2nd floor per NC law. We lived in our rental for just 4 months. The rental we moved into had bugs on the floor, it was noted in the walkthrough by [redacted] (which was almost month late and ONLY because we ASKED for it). During the walkthrough, we discussed the condition of the carpet (including stains, stretching and frays). She told us we would not need shampoo it when we left because it had clearly not been clean and she would notate that in the file. There were also food packets left in the fridge (which I have photos of) and other small cleaning issues due to the house setting for so long before being rented out. When we went to move out, they didn't allow us to be at the move out walk through (no notification of when it was), and they charged us almost 500.00 for a (unnecessary) flea treatment, carpet cleaning, and house cleaning fee. I personally cleaned the house for 2 days making sure to do EVERYTHING on their checklist, including the dryer vents- which they wrongfully indicated on the form. As prior homeowners ourselves (of a house that went from zero to market ready to sold in the span of 10 days), we took excellent care of the home as we did our own. The cleaning fee and carpet fee is an absolute joke, and the flea treatment was also unnecessary as our dog was on flea treatment and we paid 200.00 non refundable to even have the dog there (of which should cover the cost of the flea treatment and then some, not be withheld in addition to the security deposit). I want the carpet cleaning and the cleaning fees refunded.Desired SettlementThe cleaning charge is unfounded and the carpet cleaning we were told we did not have to do by [redacted]. The lease that we signed was a general lease and we signed it from WA state, so we went by what we were told in person (and what should have been documented on the walk through form). We were never provided a copy of this form, nor the photos which were taken that day. Also, we were not notified of the move out walkthrough nor given the opportunity to be there to discuss these ridiculous charges. Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted], BrokerContact Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXXContact Email: [redacted]@earthlink.netI apologize if the lease was not clear to the tenant. The lease specifically indicates the tenant has a right to complete a move in inspection. These are scheduled by the tenant as we have no way of knowing when they will be available. This is the same for the move out inspections. We have no way of knowing when a tenant is ready for the move out inspection. They were not denied the right to be there, they dropped off the keys and did not schedule an inspection. Their lease stated upon move out they would have the carpets professionally cleaned. The carpet were cleaned prior to them moving in and our inspector would have had no reason to say they wouldn't have to clean them when they moved out. In addition they were called on April 27th to let them know that carpet cleaning would be required as per the lease and she said she would contact the owner herself and call us back. We were never contacted by the tenant or the landlord so we proceeded according to the lease. They were not charged for stains, fraying or stretching as we acknowledge those items were present during move in. The flea treatment is also part of the lease. We live in Eastern NC and fleas are a part of life. A few fleas left in a vacant property can cause an infestation very quickly. Therefore we require all tenants that have a pet complete a flea treatment upon move out. The pet fee, also explained in the lease is not refundable and is not for any damages. The pet fee is simply a fee sent to the landlord for allowing a tenant to have a pet in their home. We also have pictures of the move out and would be happy to share those if requested. These tenants did take care of the home and we appreciate that. They simply did not abide by the terms of the lease upon move out. Had the lease been thoroughly read these issues could have been resolved.Consumer Response We signed a generic lease that included many non-applicable items for our home (such as a gas fireplace, gas stove, etc). As former military and now DoD, this is not our first rental experience. This house was currently on the market for sale, so we understood that the lease was generic. Plus, we signed it from WA State without even seeing the house, but were told there would be a walk through at move in. At the walkthrough (which only occured AFTER we contacted REMI a few weeks later to report a leaky toilet), we brought up the condition of the carpet and explained to [redacted] that we should not be required to professionally steam clean because of the existing spots and it's overall general nature (which should in all honesty be replaced as there are tears, stretching, and exposed metal stripping), as well as the fact that the carpet had bugs in all of the rooms when we moved in. She agreed, specifically stating "yeah, there is NO WAY that this carpet was cleaned before" (emphasis hers). She stated that we would not be required to pay for the carpet cleaning at move out and that she would notate that in REMIs files. She also took photographs. Quite frankly, the bugs and stains on the carpet was something we took care of with no complaint (we were actually able to get some of the stains out)... until we were charged to leave the carpet in better condition then we arrived in. As far as the phone call referenced in the reply, we did call on April 27 about the carpet fee. We also did contact the homeowner (emails attached) who said that he had the carpets cleaned when he left. However, this was July 28, 2015 and we moved in on December 22, 2015. The house had sat vacant for 5 months, so the carpets did not remain in the same condition as immediately after the cleaning. There was also a house cleaning fee that was not even addressed in REMI's response, which was unnecessary because the home was not professionally cleaned when we moved in since it was currently on the market for sale. There were food packets left in the refrigerator (see photos on attached Move in PDF), as well as other small issues from setting so long (ant hills, spiders, etc). Again, no big deal, we took care of it. The issue is that we are being charged and we left the home in a more cleanly state than when we moved in, due to the vacancy. As far as the move out inspection, that was done completely in the dark. When we dropped off the keys, the receptionist was supposed to call us about the carpet shampoo (since we did not have the receipt). I explained that we were told we did not have to, so she said that she would have to check with someone in the office and get back to us. However, the actual move out inspection was done 2 days after we left, and we were NOT notified, even with the shampoo issue pending. (This was the same thing that happened with the move-in inspection. It is apparently REMI's policy to not contact their tenants to perform these normal administrative tasks). The response also does not address the carbon monoxide detector, of which we just received a phone call requesting to schedule THIS morning at 7:55 a.m. (5/27/16) from phone number XXX-XXX-XXXX. It is not a coincidence that the response from REMI was received yesterday and all of a sudden, they are scheduling the carbon monoxide detectors, albeit a 5 weeks AFTER our move out. The issue with all of this is that we were good renters who lived in a house for 4 months. We took care of it, had a good relationship with the homeowner, always paid rent on time, allowed home showings, and treated it like it was our own. To be charged carpet cleaning fees for a home that sat vacant for 5 months and had bugs in upon move in is ridiculous, especially after we were told in person by REMI that we DID NOT have to do it. And, we disagree that the flea treatment should have come over and above the 200.00 pet deposit that we already paid. Then, we got charged an additional cleaning fee for a home that was NEVER professionally cleaned in the first place (please refer to the Move out email to the homeowner for those pictures).It's fine to make a profit and run a business, but REMI is cheating good honest people out of a lot of hard earned money and that is not right. They withheld almost 500.00 from our deposit and it was wrong. At the very least, our carpet and the cleaning fees (345.00) need to be refunded back to us.

Security deposit reimbursement and move out deductions "[redacted]" the property inspector found it a burden to travel to my house to do the check out inspection as he noted that to my wife multiple times. In addition using foul language around my wife and a child and telling my wife that it was going to cost over the security deposit and if we didn't pay he or the company would take legal action. Completely bullying my wife and putting her into tears without any reason for the idle threats.I had the house professionally cleaned in which he disagreed and called my wife a lier, I called the main office to talk to another manager "[redacted]" because apparently this man is some how in charge of things she was no help and spent more time disagreeing with me as I tried to explain how [redacted] treated my wife and to get someone different to inspect the house "[redacted]" was of no help "[redacted]" was still the one who came out to check the house. I had to call back to the office to get [redacted] to email me his check out inspection which took me 2 times calling to REMI to get an email response. In the Email response from May 21st [redacted] told me " May 21DetailsMr [redacted], Here is a copy of the filed report for your move out inspection I've filed w our office. The security deposit deduction list will be emailed after the first week of June."I have emailed [redacted] multiple times since the first week of June no response in addition I have Emailed [redacted] and called the office in which they have given me [redacted]'s office phone I have left voice mail on as well as his cell phone number and I have left a message there with my point of contact there is no reason going into the 3rd week of June that he or someone in the office couldn't of contacted me about my deduction sheet and security deposit reimbursement. I have been kited around with phone numbers and responses from office staff saying [redacted] is solely responsible for the deduction sheet and security deposit reimbursement messages, emails and voice mails are not getting me anywhere. Desired SettlementRefund of my security deposit list of deductions Business Response In the matter of Mr. [redacted] and his security deposit. The initial move out inspection was scheduled for May 15th, 2015. Mr. [redacted] at no point was present at the inspection. I arrived 20 minutes late to the residence and apologized to Mr. [redacted]'s wife for being late. There was an auto accident on the way to the home. Our office did call ahead to let them know that I would there asap. When I started the inspection I immediately noticed the numerous places on the walls that the tenants had painted the patched walls a completely different color than the original color. I explained that it was their responsibility to correct this. Mrs. [redacted] said that her husband had tried to but the paint company had given them the wrong color and he didn't have time to make the corrections. I then explained to her that if the damage wasn't properly repaired then the expense of having the painting done would fall upon the tenants security deposit as stated in the NC Residential Rental Agreement and Addendums that he and his wife had initialed and signed. Unfortunately, I don't believe either of them took the time to read the agreement based on these allegations. If they had they would realize we are well within our rights per the signed agreements to charge for damages, hold the security deposit additional time and even file charges in small claims court with the consent of the owner.I refute the allegations was I rude, profane, or bullied in any manner that had his wife "in tears". The house was not ready for the inspection on the 15th. In an attempt to help them, I gave them an additional 3 days to get the home ready for the move out inspection. When I returned on the 18th the home had been properly painted however, nothing else had been completed to comply with the terms of the move out inspection. They simply left the house and turned in the keys. The lease does allow an additional 30 days when needed to allow for contractors to complete repairs and provide invoices. The work has now been completed and we should have the invoices in this week so we may complete the security deposit disposition as per the lease agreement.Consumer Response I was in a lease based on a month to moth base I never signed a new lease with REMI. So for as not dealing my lease they are basing their terms and conditions of the lease with REMI but not with the Lease with [redacted] who they carried over too after the home owned had switched to them.Final Business Response Mr. [redacted] is correct that he was on a month to month lease. The lease is with the landlord not the management company. The lease states that a landlord may switch management companies at their discretion and the lease is to remain in effect. They signed a standard NC Residential Rental Agreement and REMI followed the lease they signed.

Billed for cleaning of owned rental property, after contract was terminated, amount exceeding 100.00, without prior approval.Entered into management contract with REMI on June 27th, 2015 for property at [redacted] Specifically requested REMI actions taken prior to showing house to potential renters: 1) House be cleaned, 2) Carpet be cleaned, 3) Shed on property to be painted. No specific fees had been discussed or approved. Owners were informed by REMI fees would be determined and owners would be informed of cost for approval prior to completion of request. Contract specifically states agent may not make any repairs that exceed $100.00 without prior approval of the owner, except in case of an emergency. REMI did not contact owners with any updates or fees associated with the requested actions any time after June 27th 2015.On or about July 10th, 2015 the owners contacted REMI regarding incorrect square feet listed for the house and pictures posted on the internet displaying dirty carpets and items still on the floor. REMI informed the owners corrections were in process. No specific fees were discussed or approved.On or about July 13th, 2015, the owners were informed by former neighbors the property had been shown multiple times. On July 14th, 2015 owners permitted neighbors access to residence at [redacted] to verify condition of house. The house was in the same condition at the time the owners departed: Food in the refrigerator, piles of dirt swept up in the corners, packing materials and boxes scattered in garage. No cleaning had been done. This messy condition was also verified by potential renters who had viewed the residence.On July 15th, 2015 approximately 11:00 AM EST owners contacted REMI office and requested to speak with the listing Agent regarding the condition of the house and inform the agent of the owners dissatisfaction with REMI performance. Owners were informed the agent was unavailable and unaware when agent could contact owners. Owners stated to receptionist the possible termination of the management contract. Receptionist stated she could assist if we needed anything. Owners specifically stated to cease and desist with any and all maintenance actions until the current maintenance/cleaning status was determined, and for agent to contact owners as soon as possible.Agent contacted owner and stated she had submitted work order and cleaning had already been completed on or about July 13th 2015. At no time had a fee been discussed or approved. Owners disputed the completion of cleaning actions, again stated to cease and desist with any maintenance/cleaning actions and informed REMI of the termination of the contract. Agent again stated the cleaning had already been complete, acknowledged the contract termination, and would send confirmation and cleaning invoice.On July 16th, 2015 approximately 8:50 AM REMI agent sent owners email notification of contract termination and cleaning invoice for $300.00.On or about July 16th 2015 approximately 2:00 PM former neighbors witnessed cleaning contractors at house and depart a few hours later.On or about July 17th 2015 approximately 9:00 AM former neighbors witnessed same cleaning contractors at house and depart a few hours later.On or about July 17th 2015 approximately 2:00 PM, owners permitted former neighbors to verify condition of house, house was marginally clean. Every light in house was on, stove was turned on with plastic bottle on top surface, and air conditioning was turned up. Neighbors turned off lights, and stove, removed the plastic bottle from stove top, and turned down AC.On July 17th, 2015 owners contacted REMI office regarding the 300.00 cleaning invoice. Owners were informed listing agent would have to be contacted. Owners requested contact ASAP.On July 20th, 2015,listing agent contacted owners. Owners stated $300.00 fee was not approved, but would send a check for $150.00. Agent was not willing to resolve issue, became emotional, argumentative,and disrespectful. Agent hung up on owner. Owner submitting complaint with Revdex.com and Base Legal. Desired SettlementAcceptance of $150.00 for marginal cleaning services.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted]Contact Phone: [redacted]Contact Email: [redacted]The landlords first contacted our office in May to manage their home. On June 27th they called and said they were leaving that weekend and needed to meet with someone and sign a contract that day. They came into the office signed the contract and asked me to have the home cleaned, carpets cleaned and shed painted. They did not ask for estimates only to have the items completed as they were in a hurry to leave and did not have time to take care of it. The cleaning was assigned to a contractor, on July 14th we found out the contractor had not completed the work and it was re-assigned to another contractor at 1055 am. She was asked to put a rush on it because the other contractor fell through. On July 15th the landlord told us to cancel all cleaning. We contacted the cleaning company and she had already cleaned. We canceled the carpet cleaning and painting. The landlord cancelled management and asked that we forward him the invoice. The invoice was forwarded. He then called and said it wasn't approved. I don't understand how a landlord expects to drop their responsibilities in our lap and then refuse to pay for the work performed. He paid $175, his claim that he did not approve the work is a complete lie. He never mentioned he was dissatisfied with the cleaning. If there was a problem we would have gladly sent the contractor back. We accepted the $175 and have now had to change our policy regarding owners having us hire contractors. Payments by landlords are now required up front. Not only did we have to pay the additional $125 for the cleaning but visited his home on 3 occasions, advertised the property, hired contractors and then cancelled contractors all for free. He then has the nerve to file a complaint against us. No good deed goes unpunished.Consumer Response My response is directed to all the consumers who research businesses, and may read this. When in doubt always check the Revdex.com website. Had I known this company averages complaints against them every 6-8 months, I probably would not have wasted my time. Also, please contact the Revdex.com to try and help get resolution. The Revdex.com does a great job, and the result will be quicker and less painful that having to deal with contrasting parties yourself. I question the integrity of this business, REMI, their excuse doesn't match up with the events. I know my phone records, emails, and witness accounts would demonstrate my side of the story in small claims court. The witnesses included complete strangers. What motivation would they have to lie for me? I would love to watch REMI argue those points in front of a judge. Anyone who is considering working with this company, ask yourself; is this really the type of business I trust with my property and money? REMI's response to my attempt to reconcile a dispute should be evidence enough that this business, is immature, unprofessional, and has no integrity. Who treats a customer like that? I made all the attempts for communication and I made all the efforts to compromise. She was right about one thing: no good deed goes unpunished; I paid 75.00 more than I had to in an attempt to settle in good faith, and I get attitude in return. Wow! Nice response toward compromise! The extra 75.00 spent was worth not having to deal with pathetic excuse for a management company. REMI cashed the check because they did not confirm the price, and had no proof to back up their fictitious story. 75.00 may not be a lot of money, but they should be thankful I was feeling generous that day. Bottom line is (in my opinion): REMI was lazy, got caught because they didn't think I had people watching out for me, tried to cover up by having their buddies clean the house before I cancelled the contract, then try to get back at me by sticking me for a $300.00 cleaning bill. They vacuumed and moved around trash. My Son could have done that for $10.00. Then, finally, and this is what really upset me, using an old sales tactic of guilt to try and play on my heart strings. The cleaning company worked so hard for that money, and hoping that "I will be able to sleep at night with my conscience knowing I [redacted] people over". Seriously..?? That type of dialog may have worked in high school, but if you manage an office, grow up, educate yourself with management skills with a strong emphasis on ETHICS. Then wake up every day and EARN your money for a living like everyone else.REMI states I'm lying and tries to tarnish my character, but I obviously have neighbors who cared about me to try and take care of my family as well as my property. I must not be that bad of a person. If REMI knew my background and credentials it would be painfully obvious to them that integrity, honestly, and goodwill are values I hold close. They aren't just words I use in an attempt to snowball people in business dealings and act like a victim.This is just my opinion, I'm sure REMI will have a sarcastic response to this reply. I could be wrong, and REMI might just remain silent. I doubt it. There is an old saying to the effect of, "it's better to remain silent and have people think you are an it, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt". Regardless, it doesn't matter. I consider this issue resolved and I am happy to not have to deal with REMI again.Thanks to the Revdex.com for always willing to work towards resolution for both parties involved. No matter how immature one side may be.

I can speak upon our experience with the Havelock office. From the beginning, the attitude of [redacted] in the office was very dismissive. We emailed a few times to schedule a showing of a property. A generic email stating to contact the office with available times was sent back, which was fine. However, when I emailed back with a specific time that worked for us, the response was that same email again, verbatim, telling me "thank you for contacting us, please contact us to set up a time..." After this, we physically went into the office to set up a time and spoke with her again. Same dismissive, and rude tone in person. We were told it would take 24 hours to set up a showing. We knew this which is why we tried to contact ahead of time. 2 more days pass with no communication from them about seeing the property. We went in again and a different woman called to set up a time and there was some miscommunication about the property and a different property was contacted, even though I have email proof sent back to me from [redacted] telling me that she is able to set up a time at the location we specified.
Finally, we went back in for a THIRD time and was told it would be another 24 hours to contact the property (the original one from the email the week before this). At that point we told her we would wait for her to call and she did so with the worst attitude. We were told that we would hear back within 24 hours (see the pattern).
Well this was July 8th. It has been about 2 and we have not heard a thing back from the management office. We are obviously trying to find a place to LIVE and are on a timeline. We also did not appreciate [redacted] arguing with us about what was said in the office. We did see a different property with him previously and we did not like the fact that when we showed up, he did not introduce himself (Literally walked past me into the house.) The rudeness of this office is appalling and they should learn to return phone calls and be more customer service orientated.","neg-1

This is a low level business that is very unethical. They only want to get their money and do not care who they get to rent your property. We had two horrible renters. Last one did not pay last month's rent and we were stuck with their damages.
Today I went to see a rental they had for a friend. Their were large pieces of the wall missing and mold in the walls and bathroom and yet they were offering it for rent.
They do not care about being a respectable business.","neg-2

Mr [redacted] (Property Owner) and REMI are not following the Spirit of the Housing Contract.On Friday, April 25, 2014 11:41 AM I contacted Ms. [redacted] at Real Estate Management (REMI) and the following E-mail was sent: Good Morning [redacted] I was wondering do you have a cleaning service which you use to maintain your empty properties? If not is there one in the [redacted] Bern area you recommend? Thank You for your help. Ms [redacted] sent the following in reply: [redacted] cleaning crew with [redacted] (XXX)XXX-XXXX or [redacted] (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX. They both do a great job for us. I then proceeded to contact both agencies to determine who we would contract with upon our departure. When [redacted] returned our phone call we determined that this was [redacted] the Maintenance Man from REMI. We informed him we would be leaving at the end of May and made arrangements for him to start work on the house on 29 May. As you can see there were now two representatives from REMI who knew May would be our last month in the residence (NOTE: We are on a Month-Month Lease). On 2 May 2014 I dropped of the May's rent and a written letter stating we would be vacating the property by the end of May. At that time [redacted], another REMI employee stated we would have to also pay for June even though we will have turned the house back in to REMI. On 2 May at 1634 I sent an E-mail to [redacted] stating the following: I know I spoke with you, about who did you recommend to provide our exit house cleaning last week. After your e-mail we contacted [redacted] Employee),to let him know May would be our last month in residence here and he agreed to provide the cleaning service. Today when we turned in our Last Rent check as well as our written intent to vacate the premises [redacted] stated we would have to also pay for June since we did not turn in our check and letter until today (2 May), vice yesterday (1 May). We had a long discussion concerning this issue at which point she contacted Mr [redacted] (Property Owner) to see if he had an issue with this being our last month. He informed [redacted] he would speak with his Realtor and get back with her on Monday. I would hope this does not become an issue and we can depart on time and in peace. I asked [redacted] if she would have Mr [redacted] consider how well we have fought to maintain his property so that he could obtain the best price possible for his house. We have planted grass, paid for repair and upgrade of electrical switches, pointed out leaks in the plumbing(one which was just repaired), paid for professional power washing of the patio, installed a house Alarm at our cost, and ensured you were notified of any maintenance issues in an expediencies manner. In addition since May has 31 days in it the written notice was turned in exactly 30 days prior to our departure, (we requested a FINAL INSPECTION on 31 May). Ms [redacted] I just retired from the military and I'm trying to get myself situated and I would appreciate your help in this matter as the return of the $1700 deposit would be of great help at this time. Thank You for your consideration.[redacted] XXX-XXX-XXXX cellXXX-XXX-XXXX home Desired Settlement1. That We not be forced to pay June's rent since we will have vacated the property by 29 May and the Cleaning Crew we contracted with will begin to process the premises (NOTE: the cleaning crew are employees of REMI).2. That the $1700 deposit be returned to use minus the charge for the cleaning of the premises.3. If 1 and 2 ARE NOT acceptable that we remove all improvements provided at our cost to the premises. Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted], [redacted]Contact Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXXContact Email: [redacted]We understand Mr. [redacted] is frustrated by the consequences of his lack of notice. He first contacted us 1/22 and requested a 30 day notice and cleaning checklist, on 1/23 he said he would like to remain on a month to month, on 1/27 he said he would be staying 1-3 month, on 1/31 he agreed to allow the owner to list the home for sale and agreed to a 2 hour notice for showings, on 3/31 he requested a copy of his lease. As documented above Mr. [redacted] has requested many items over the past 4 months but never turned in notice so we did not assume that he was moving in 30 days when he requested cleaning contractors. He requested and was provided a copy of his lease which clearly states notice must be in writing and must be provided prior to the 1st of the month. We understand that this is confusing to some people so we spelled it out in a separate addendum:16. MOVE OUT PROCEDURES: Tenants are required to give notice prior to the first of the month. If notice is not given by the 1st the tenant will be responsible for the rent for the following month. Tenants are required to have a commercial quality cleaning of all carpets upon departure making sure this is the last item to be completed. A receipt for the commercial cleaning will be provided to Real Estate Management. Range drip pans must be replaced upon move-out. The smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries must be replaced on move-out. The cleaning person he has referred to [redacted] is not an employee of Real Estate Management. He owns his cleaning company and works for [redacted] Construction. He is a sub-contractor and is not employed by our company.We are simply abiding by the contract he signed and reviewed again on or about 3/31. We believe Mr. [redacted] is fully aware that he is trying to violate his lease and is using the format as his only course of action. We have listed the property for rent and if we find a tenant we will certainly reimburse him for any rents received by a new tenant.

We lived in a home managed be REMI for 4 years. Anytime there was an issue they were prompt, and had the issue resolved as soon as possible. We have had no complaints with this company. If you're a good tenant, and take care of the property, you will not have any issues with this company, which would be the case with any real estate company.","pos-1