University City Property Management

MsR [redacted] lived at one of our properties She had emailed us upset about her security deposit reconciliation, but did not address any issues with the email In response to her email it was stated if she would submit her concerns to University City that we would be able to review these for her At the time of motenants were given a $rent credit for the delayed occupancy at the property There were maintenance request sent in at the beginning of the lease were addressed on priority All items that MsR [redacted] contacted University City about were addressed and completed Lawn care was not a part of the lease It is stated on the lease page 6, section 14, it states "The routine care and maintenance of items listed below but not checked shall be the responsibility of owner/agent Resident shall be responsible for the routine care and maintenance of the yard and outside areas as follows:(check all those applicable): items checked are, mowing lawn, watering lawn,shrubs and trees, removing weeds, raking leaves, removing snow and ice from sidewalks/walkways, driveways, parking areas, and any area around residents unit and balconies." It also states "Agent has right to have outside maintenance performed at the Resident's expense if Resident(s) does not perform up to the standards set forth." Lawn and maintenance care was not included in rent Lawn care was needed at property and charged at additional cost.With concern with the security deposit, there were numerous items left at the property There was still a need to clean the unit upon vacancy of all tenants They were allowed to contact University City to dispute the charges but did not contact us If MsR [redacted] or any of the other tenants would like to contact University City about the concerns with the Security Deposit Reconciliation, we would review immediately Thank you

To Whom it May Concern:Ms [redacted] recently received her Security Deposit Reconciliation Included in the reconciliation are specific directions on how to handle any questions, concerns or complaints about billing Ms [redacted] is more than welcome to contact University City in writing about any concerns she may have and we are more than happy to review her file Thus far, we have not been contacted by Ms [redacted] or her roommate about any complaints and have been unable to review these issues for her If Ms [redacted] would like us to review her issues in her Security Deposit Reconciliation, she will need to contact us in writing with all the charges she would like to dispute We would be happy to review her concerns once receivedThank you,University City Property Management

In reference to the complaint made by Ms*** ***:At initial check in, it was explained to Ms*** (who had brought the rent check to our office) that rent payments needed to be made to the owner directly Our office offered Ms*** the option of cashing the initial rent check for
her and providing the payment to the owners on her behalf (for the first month only) or she could put a stop payment on the check and make payment directly to the owners Our office deposited the payment with intent to make the payment to the owners on behalf of Ms*** Ms*** then also made payment to the owners when she arrived at her property She contacted our office about the double payment to the owner and requested we refund her the payment she made to us We informed our accountant of the request and of the situation Because the accountant was out of town at the time they informed us they would review the situation upon return and contact the owner to verify During this period, Ms*** contacted the office several times We explained the expected time frame for return of the payment While we understand Ms***'s frustration in the process, there is also a processing period and instantaneous results are unrealistic We do not normally refund payments made in tenant error, but tried to work with Ms*** due to the situationThe refund was written to Ms*** and was given to the owners of the property who wanted to deliver the payment In reference to withholding owner information, Ms*** was initially provided with contact information and their location as her payments would be going directly to the owner during her residency Our standard office policy dictates that we do not provide owner contact information We are more than happy to relay information on the owner's behalf at any time

NO, I DO NOT ACCEPT.
Revdex.com,
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID and have determined that this does not resolve my complaintFor your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below
The reason why I have rejected this response is because I have sent them multiple emails, provided a move-out form and pictures prior to moving out that completely reject the deposit reconciliation they sent to my roommate and ITherefore, we thought the adequate amount of warning (there was even a note to reference all of this on the move-out slip when we left the keys) would imply that a Revdex.com complaint could be simultaneous to the formal dispute with University City, if our security deposit wasn't returned. I sent them an email disputing the reconciliation as a whole, because they refuse to accept phone calls and in-person visitsThat email was written the same time this Revdex.com complaint was created, but didn't get sent until today (unfortunately it got stuck in my outbox) SeptI will attach a handful of pictures that show double utility charges; old toothpaste/dirtiness found in the apartment upon move-in; broken maintenance problems that were there upon mo(that we got charged for); and even emails asking about paint jobs to be performed, reminder emails about maintenance projects that went ignored, emails of the front door and dead bolt that had to be fixed (twice!!); in order to provide proof and support of my complaint against University City Rentals.
The picture labeled "FEB-APRIL" is a screenshot of the double utility charges they had on our account for three monthsThey told us they didn't understand how their system worked or why it did and it still took them a few weeks to get this resolvedWhen they did resolve it, the left-over money was supposed to be "sent with the deposit check" because they couldn't (wouldn't) give it to me then. This is what I sent in another email about how the utility charges were messed up:
"For March, April and May there are duplicate utility chargesEach charge is the exact amount my roommate, Erin Zischke, made a payment forBut her payments are supposed to be half of what the prior month is
Ex:
2/the fee charge was $
Erin paid her half ($50.89) when she made the next month’s rent on 3/2.
But then, you guys reference the same check number (1307) to CHARGE us for $under her name, but it deducts money from my credit when I paid for the semester in full.
AND THEN we are charged on 3/for water & sewer billing at $I realize this is the regular charge, however you have charged us the same amount my roommate has paid for the month prior during March, April & May
I’ve attached a screenshot of what I’m talking about, however May isn’t shown."Hopefully that makes senseIf not, I can send the multiple emails concerning this matter, as well.So no, I will not be accepting this response from University City Rentals because they haven't taken the time to really understand what they've caused. Best Regards,
Kayla Cash

To Whom it May Concern:We still have yet to receive written dispute to our office as is the procedure specified in the reconciliation Please be advised that we are responding to the Revdex.com complaint in attempt to resolve this issue However, it must be noted that MsC*** still has yet to follow the appropriate procedure for file review It should also be noted that we are unable to address MsC***'s opinions of the business (ie "multiple lawsuits involving previous residents losing their security deposits while breaking the law, lying and cheating." While we strongly disagree, we do not feel this is directly associated with the security deposit dispute Copies of all invoicing received from the contractors who did the cleaning, painting, and maintenance were provided to MsC*** with a copy of her Security Deposit Reconciliation The invoices received were standard- we are not provided with overly detailed specifics of what exactly was cleaned/painted From our experience this seems to be standard practice for any invoicing we see from contracted professionals If there was an hour or two delay on the check in, our deepest apologies However as MsC*** failed to mention, we do provide compensation, lunch or coffee cards for the inconvenience of an hour or two delay MsC*** was still able to occupy the unit on August 1, her lease start date University City has not received the email referenced "disputing the reconciliation as a whole." As was explained in two separate letters (attached) provided with the security deposit reconciliation, University City's policy is to review questions/concerns/disputes in writing only If a dispute had been submitted we would have been more than happy to review her file University City reviews the Check In form and photos in conjunction with the Check Out as standard procedure Presented in itself, the Check In form is not classified as a "dispute." University City's standard practice (and is conveyed to all tenants at check in) is to send cleaners back if we receive a complaint regarding cleaning upon move in to ensure that the unit is cleaned to satisfaction This is also noted in the Move In packet The Check In photos provided do not show an overly dirty unit, nor did we show records of a request for cleaners to return to the unit. The "double utility charges" were an accounting error and adjusted to reflect accurately This issue was submitted on July 10th and it was resolved on July 13th We did not receive response from MsC*** after we sent email correspondence confirming the account had been corrected University City has reviewed the account statement and appears that everything is accurate There may be some confusion on how the statement is being ready The Check In photos were re-reviewed and the following has been determined: -While MsC*** did attempt to clean (which University City appreciates), there was still outstanding cleaning that needed to be completed Unfortunately it was not "spotless" as MsC*** claims We have attached a representation of the Check Out photos for review-There were some remaining maintenance items upon MsC***'s move in that did not get addressed However, none of the maintenance charges that were billed back to MsC*** were reported as problems upon Check In with the exception of the "repair screen door." In this regard, University City is willing to refund hour of the billing for maintenance ($45.00).At this time we find MsC***'s request for 60%-70% of the security deposit (or ALL) unfounded We are more than happy to issue the additional $and will send payment to the forwarding address on file within 7-business days Thank you.University City Property Management, LLC

Ms. [redacted],  now Ms. **.[redacted],  disputed for an incorrect balance on her Security Deposit Reconciliation. This was agreed upon as incorrect and agreed an addtional refund was needed.  University City does apologize on delay, we were waiting on Owner Approval before sending out the...

addtional refund.  Once we recieved approval, the refund check was immediatly.  
 
The refund check has been sent to Ms. [redacted] (Ms. **. [redacted]). 
 
Thank you.

Ms. R[redacted] lived at one of our properties.  She had emailed us upset about her security deposit reconciliation, but did not address any issues with the email.  In response to her email it was stated if she would submit her concerns to University City that we would be able to review these...

for her.  At the time of move-in tenants were given a $480.00 rent credit for the delayed occupancy at the property.  There were maintenance request sent in at the beginning of the lease were addressed on priority.  All items that Ms. R[redacted] contacted University City about were addressed and completed.  Lawn care was not a part of the lease.  It is stated on the lease page 6, section 14, it states "The routine care and maintenance of items listed below but not checked shall be the responsibility of owner/agent.  Resident shall be responsible for the routine care and maintenance of the yard and outside areas as follows:(check all those applicable):  items checked are, mowing lawn, watering lawn,shrubs and trees, removing weeds, raking leaves, removing snow and ice from sidewalks/walkways, driveways, parking areas,  and any area around residents unit and balconies."  It also states "Agent has right to have outside maintenance performed at the Resident's expense if Resident(s) does not perform up to the standards set forth."   Lawn and maintenance care was not included in rent.  Lawn care was needed at property and charged at additional cost.With concern with the security deposit, there were numerous items left at the property.  There was still a need to clean the unit upon vacancy of all tenants.  They were allowed to contact University City to dispute the charges but did not contact us.  If Ms. R[redacted] or any of the other tenants would like to contact University City about the concerns with the Security Deposit Reconciliation, we would review immediately.  Thank you.

To Whom it May Concern:Ms. [redacted] recently received her Security Deposit Reconciliation.  Included in the reconciliation are specific directions on how to handle any questions, concerns or complaints about billing.  Ms. [redacted] is more than welcome to contact University City in writing about...

any concerns she may have and we are more than happy to review her file.   Thus far, we have not been contacted by Ms. [redacted] or her roommate about any complaints and have been unable to review these issues for her.  If Ms. [redacted] would like us to review her issues in her Security Deposit Reconciliation, she will need to contact us in writing with all the charges she would like to dispute.  We would be happy to review her concerns once received. Thank you,University City Property Management

Review: On May 20, 2015 I was instructed to mail June rent of $595 to this management company as they leased me a property. When I arrived in Moscow in their office on June 1 to take possession of apartment they said they were in error and rent was to be paid directly to the landlord as they were not handling the rental they were just responsible for finding a tenant. They said my check to them would not be cashed. That same day I paid the landlord directly the rent.They cashed my check on June 3. Since that time I have called 2-3 times a week to have them refund this amount to me. Several time they said its with the bookkeeper and should go out that week. Then I called and was told they got permission to write the check and it would go out that day. It never came. The last time I called was on Friday, 6/19 and a man answered and said he was aware of it and it was again with the bookkeeper. I asked to speak with the bookkeeper and he refused. When I asked the name of this person he refused to give it to me. I ask the name and number of the owner of the company and he gave me a name but refused to give me a contact number and refused to give me a name of anyone at the company with a higher authority. They are completely unprofessional and have told different stories for past month and still not sent the refund. The man I spoke with on June 19th was extremely rude in addition to refusing to give any contact information for management or owner. He would't even give me his name. At this point I have contacted the landlord of the property and he is seeking a refund for me.Desired Settlement: I would like the Revdex.com to contact this company to inform them of this complaint. This company needs to be held accountable and I am posting this info on any social media account I can to warn people of using them. If the landlord cannot get my money from them I would like to be able to edit this complaint that I am seeking a refund from University City Management.

Business

Response:

In reference to the complaint made by Ms. [redacted]:

Review: University City Rentals (referred to as Ucity) has been in the middle of multiple lawsuits involving previous residents losing their security deposits while breaking the law, lying and cheating. Ucity has knowingly thwarted all chances of receiving a security deposit from so many people that it's time for it to stop.My roommate and I lost our entire security deposit ($710) plus "owe" on top of that. Everything we were charged were problems that came with the apt before we moved in. Commercial cleaning: $315 -- No specific details or itemized list of what this entails.Maintenance: $224.64Tenant bill/touch-up paint: $125 -- Doesn't specify what was painted.Remaining rent: $59.90 1) "Commercial cleaning" Upon moving in and waiting over an hour in the sun to get our apartment keys, they told us that we couldn't move into our place for a few hours because they weren't finished cleaning. Moving in, we discovered dirt, hair, rust, grim and even OLD TOOTHPASTE, so it was abundantly clear that the "cleaning" we waited for was a joke. Upon leaving, we made that apartment spotless. Even if we left it, it would've been cleaner than what we were given. They didn't specify what cleaning charges. Besides, any "commercial cleaning" should not become our responsibility after what we were put through. Roommate has pictures. 2) "Maintenance" We sent multiple emails for maintenance on things like broken closet, towel rack, screen door, oven handles, & more. Only half were addressed properly when we lived there and now that we're out, they charged us for the repairs. 3) "Touch-up paint" Holes in the walls. A broken towel rack they "fixed" by drilling new holes exposed a different color of paint. We asked them to re-do this. No reply and the charge came from our deposit. 4) "Rent" Ucity has messed up the account numerously but says we owe rent. I have email/banking proof of this. They have yet to show us a correct ledger. They've said that they don't even understand their system so I refuse to trust it.Desired Settlement: I'm not the only victim of University City. I am one of many. I want an itemized list of the cleaning charges compared to our move-in sheet and pictures. The same goes for maintenance--compare the move-in sheet with our maintenance request emails to the list of charges and I want it acknowledged that I, nor is my roommate, responsible.I want at least 60-70% (if not ALL) of the deposit back. Lastly, I want an accurate ledger showing every single charge & payment to verify what we actually owe.

Business

Response:

To Whom it May Concern:

Review: The company has charged me and my roommate 1400 dollars for a deposit on a rental house. They have charged us with things that are not true and refuse to provide us with the evidence and invoices of what we were charged for.Desired Settlement: Would like to see our deposit returned to us in full for all the issues and problems we have had with this company and property.

Business

Response:

Hello,

Review: During my one year lease I had many problems with the landlords. I had to wait over 2 weeks after a scheduled move in date to get keys. When I arrived the house had garbage outside the house in multiple places. The inside of the house was dirty and had holes and broken doors along with many other things. Throughout the lease I would make maintenance claims with no reply or it would take multiple complaints and weeks for something to get fixed. I was also paying for lawn care in my rent and recieved lawn maintence twice throughtout the entire year of the lease. After ending the lease I left the house clean and in better condition than when I moved in. After 30 days I recieved a letter from the landlords stating that they used all of the deposit which was $1345.00 and want an additional $500. Along with the letter I recieved a list of things the deposit went to and it says that I had to pay $350 for lawn care when I was told every month part of my rent was put towards lawn care.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of part of the deposit and that the business changes its policies so no other tenant has to have this problem.

Business

Response:

Ms. R[redacted] lived at one of our properties. She had emailed us upset about her security deposit reconciliation, but did not address any issues with the email. In response to her email it was stated if she would submit her concerns to University City that we would be able to review these for her.

My daughter rented with University City last year. I was worried that they would do what most property managers do in college towns. They talk way over the students head and make them feel small. I can honestly say that University City did not do that. I was very surprised when I came into their office to find that everyone in the office was younger and seemed like they could relate with my daughter much easier.

One thing that I did have to do for my daughter was co-sign for her. The office gave her a one page form that I had to fill out and I sent it back in. I wasnt sure about signing it since I didnt want to be responsible for everyone in the house if one person didn't pay but one of the ladies in the office explained the process with me and it made perfect sense.

My daughter really has enjoyed her time renting form University City and is sad to have to move out at the end of three years of renting.

Review: I have repeatedly requested an itemized list of charges for the 800 dollar deposit that is being withheld (with an additional 17. payment), and they refuse to supply the receipts. They are so rude that I get anxiety whenever I have to attempt to deal with them.Desired Settlement: Refund of "cleaning cost", painting and other supplies "purchased" with my deposit that are otherwise unnecessary, described as covered by landlords in the lease, or not accounted for with itemized lists and receipts. (total of 300-400).

Business

Response:

In regards to the complaint by Ms. [redacted]:

This company is a predator that relies on the inexperience of college students in the business world and the fact that they need places to rent throughout the school year. That "perfect storm" creates an anxiety among students to find a place quickly and they will sign leases without fully understanding them.
We sued this company in Small Claims Court and won a judgement but because the judge was confused as to who the Plaintiff was and who the Defendant was the award was much less than it should have been.
One need only read the complaints on-line about this company, as well as how many times they have been sued (Idaho Repository) to see what kind of people they are. Upon move out they will refuse a walk thru. If you clean the rental to the extent that it will pass the "white glove test", they will dummy up receipts from contractors, ALL OWNED BY THE SAME INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PRINCIPLES in [redacted] company, and claim repairs and extensive cleaning that was not necessary and wasn't done. I know of one property owner who fired this company because of the same.
DO NOT rent from this company, and if you own property, find another company to manage it for you. I will be contacting the Chamber of Commerce to file a complaint, as well as contacting media outlets to help shed light on this unethical company. We gave them numerous opportunities to correct the situation, but they refused to respond other than to say that they consider the matter closed.
Well, it's not closed yet Mr. [redacted]!

When first meeting with University City they seem pleasant, but it is very misleading. After contacting them for numerous repairs (which is required by their website so we don't get documentation of the requests) and having their repair men let themselves into our home unannounced while young female residents were home alone was very alarming. Only three things were ever fixed and now they are charging us for the repairs of the other things we requested to be fixed. They also withheld a balance we owed them until the day before they planned on giving it to collections to contact us about it. All in all, they are rude, disrespectful, and have questionable business associations.