September 23, 2003
THE GENTRY’S LANDING Dear Sirs, I contest the charges for replacing the carpet and flooring on the following basis. Regarding the flooring: On July 18, 2001, the flooring in the kitchen was damaged by a telephone repairman. I notified Southwestern Bell (SWB). I notified the management of The Gentry’s Landing (TGL) as well, including providing pictures of the damage. I wanted to know if SWB was responsible for repairing the damage or if TGL was to repair it. I was told by TGL that they would take care of the repairs. Time went by and no repairs were made. I made several inquiries about the status of this situation and was always told someone would check into the matter. Nothing was ever done. Eventually I gave up and lived with the damaged flooring for the next two years. Regarding the carpet: On the weekend of July 4, 2002, my AC unit malfunctioned and flooded my apartment. Maintenance was called and it was requested at that time that they bring a carpet extractor, as the flooding was extreme. Instead, they brought a wet/dry vac, which was not adequate for the situation. The AC unit was repaired and the maintenance left. They said they would be back with carpet fans to help dry the floor. The floor was still so wet that water would squirt up between my toes when I walked on it. It still required extraction. No further action was taken and the carpet was left sopping wet. I was asked later by maintenance if it was drying and I told it was still very wet. Maintenance never brought the promised fans and no further attempt was made to dry the carpet. It took nearly two weeks for the carpet to finally dry out, during which time it began to rot and the stench was awful. Even my neighbor commented that she could smell it in the hallway. I would also mention that this was the same weekend that all but one elevator broke down and I was effectively trapped in my apartment on Independence Day, ruining my plans and ruining my holiday weekend. It was during this time that my current residence became available. As a result of the drenched carpet and resulting stench (not to mention the health hazard), the aggravation of the failing elevators; all in combination with other past issues (such as the windows not being cleaned, being attacked by another tenant’s dog, the armed car-jacking in the garage and miscellaneous other issues), I decided to make the move. I knew I was going to have to move eventually, since I needed more space, but smell from the rotting carpet was just the final straw. Or so I thought. Now I am expected to pay for this too? Regarding the other miscellaneous charges: I have no issue with the other cleaning charges. As I mentioned in a previous conversation with TGL management, my moving plans became disrupted when my movers did not show up on the specified date and I had to reschedule on an emergency basis. The days I had planned for cleaning up the apartment were lost and, regrettably, I had to leave the place in a mess. I did not expect to get my deposit back, and I have no problem with those funds being used to defray the cost of cleaning the apartment. Though I might question the $20 to clean “graffiti” off of the refrigerator. The writing on the refrigerator (a combination number, a phone number and some other writing) was written with a dry-erase marker and should have wiped off easily with a paper towel. The overall tone of the letter to me was unnecessarily derogatory and degrading, using such terms as “graffiti” and “extreme filth.” I was quite taken aback by this considering that I have been, to my knowledge, an exemplary tenant for over two years. No complaints were ever lodged, no loud music, no parties, my rent was not only never late, but often paid weeks in advance. I tried always to be polite to other tenants and staff, and to follow the rules (despite not always getting the same treatment in return). As I previously stated, I am willing to forego my full deposit – that is fully within reason (if not extreme). However, I believe that requesting me to pay for the replacement of the carpet and flooring, in light of the above-described circumstances, is unreasonable and excessive. Especially considering that the carpet, though in good condition, was not new when I moved in. I lived there for two years, so I don’t know how long the carpet had been there. I hope that hearing my side of this issue will put the matter in perspective. Thank you, Bradford L. Lewis |