My Mountain View

Alright, we'll start off on what's really got me angry. As this blog goes on, or if things get a little quiet I'll delve into the past for an "oldie but a goodie" story, but right now this should fill you up ;)

I received my renewal letter last week. They wanted to raise my rent for the next year's lease. Now I understand that they need to raise rent every time around (for whatever reason), however I thought a raise of $55 was a bit much. Talking around the apartment complex I had heard some people say their rent wasn't raised, was only raised $10, and a few had been raised upwards of $80-$100.

I had also heard of the leasing office helping out a couple people with cutting the rate hike in half. On the other hand, I had talked to a lady that had been told "We could make more money with you gone, so feel free to move out". I wasn't sure what I was walking into.

Tuesday June 28th I called the leasing office to schedule an appointment with the business manager. I get put on the phone with her and she says "I can take $10 off." I ask if I can meet up with her in person and discuss this.

Now, ahead of time I had looked up what my apartment was going for and found ads on Craigslist for about $150 cheaper than what I would be paying if I decided to go with the rent hike. The first thing she mentioned was that they were raising everybody $50-$80. Well Hello Bold Faced Lie...I don't quite think we've met :D

When she mentioned that my new rent amount was the going rate for my apartment, my boyfriend showed her the previously mentioned fliers. She back peddled quick and told us that it's because of the certain amenities we pay for in our specific apartment. The fireplace ($15), The Third Floor ($25), The Mountain View ($25)...this is where I had to stop her.

First of all we were never informed that we were being charged monthly for the fireplace or the mountain view. Second of all we don't have a mountain view! We face South East! For those of you out of Colorado, the mountains are to the West and South West. We stop her and go "Well, we don't have a mountain view." "Well, that's what it says here on the computer." *Frantic mouse clicking* "Okay, great, but we don't have one. We have buildings in our way." "Well, I can't change it on the computer so you can either keep paying it, or you're more than welcome to leave."

At this point we get up and walk out. We go apartment hunting and find a great apartment for cheaper, fantastic! However, it's still eating at me that we've been paying $25 a month for something a) we were never told we were paying for and b) something we don't even get! We've lost $600 over the past two years! If that's not stealing I don't know what is!

I've put a call in to the corporate office so we'll see what they come back with. In the meantime here's a video of my wonderful mountain view...hope you guys enjoy it ;)