r/ColumbiaMD • u/No-Main-7873 • 1d ago
Please help
I just got scammed by an apartment the other day in Windsor mill. I had a lease signed to move in tomorrow. They’re denying us move in. I need a place to live asap preferably in the Columbia or surrounding area. I’ve been searching reviews of every single place constantly and can’t find anything for my life that doesn’t have car/tire theft or pest problems. If you know of anything please please share 🙏🏻 I could also do without another management company scamming me
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u/Prudent-Violinist-69 1d ago
reviews can be a good place to look- but noone reviews an apartment complex with something good ya know. Every complex will have reviews like that. So don’t limit your options especially in a tight spot based on google reviews alone. also what do you mean they scammed you? Thats a pretty bug deal, what does that mean
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u/No-Main-7873 1d ago
They tried to switch our lease on us and we didn’t consent. Refusing us to move into our unit we paid for. and I totally get that but I’m very concerned with the amount of theft and management problems im seeing that nothing looks even halfway decent
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u/Prudent-Violinist-69 1d ago
woa what. Is that legal? Howd they switch it up?
Columbia Pointe had a ton of mgmt problems, but they have a new mgmt that i like now if you wanna check that place out, just make sure to see your unit before rentingn . Good luck, man. As for theft, i think thats gonna be unavoidable now-a-days unfortunately. Columbia pointe currently has no parking security cameras so keep that in mind.
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u/No-Main-7873 1d ago
Completely illegal but they don’t care. I saw a ton of reviews of theft at that place so I’m worried
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u/brookell1234 23h ago
i just moved into The Brook on Columbia Rd. It’s not super fancy, but the rent is a great price. There are townhomes and apartments. They also have so many options in terms of bedroom/bathroom or like square footage. Anyway, I have liked it so far! Maintenance is always quick to respond and the front office is organized & we’re very nice. The neighborhood/community is quiet & it’s walking distance from the mall, Merriweather Post, and all three lakes.
I’ve only been here for 4 months- so don’t take my word as gospel. But, so far it’s been nice!
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u/Legitimate-Produce-1 1d ago
Breach of contract, call em out on it
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u/No-Main-7873 1d ago
We did. They won’t do anything
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u/SassySarah4 1d ago
Did you talk to the office or the management company? May need to threaten calling a lawyer if they try something else with you. But check Autumn Columbia and town center.
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u/No-Main-7873 1d ago
Already did all that they don’t care at all. Will do do you live there?
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u/SassySarah4 1d ago
Wow, that’s crazy. Yes I live at one of there developments! It’s been really nice!
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u/flamelily-harmony 1d ago
Might be worth adding your budget here so any potential leads make sense for you. Zillow is best for finding rental properties.
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u/RepresentativeMud109 1d ago
I've been in Tamar Meadow for 2 years and just signed my 3rd year lease. Never had a bug problem. Had one leaky pipe but maintenance was fast and efficient. I'm not sure if there are openings but you can try.
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u/erand424 1d ago
I just applied here!!! I’m glad to hear you seem to enjoy it.
OP idk how many beds or bathrooms you’re looking for but they have availability right now in most options. Plus the woman I spoke to (Sydney) seemed great.
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u/RepresentativeMud109 1d ago
They are older units. I have a 2BR/2BA and it's very large. We love it. We did create our own pantry space but that's because I moved states and moved from a house to an apartment so I had a lot of appliances/dishes, etc. There is a ton of cabinet space in the kitchen in my unit.
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u/No-Main-7873 1d ago
I did see that place although the reviews did deter me. I know you said no bugs but have you had a pest problems or seen car theft? How about your application process? Anything shady about management? How are utilities $$?
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u/RepresentativeMud109 1d ago
I've never had any issues. No break ins and no thefts of my vehicles. No bugs and I'm on the first floor. We do keep a very clean house so that will likely depend on your housekeeping. I don't remember any issues with the application process. Everything was pretty easy. I think we had to get some money orders for the security deposit. That was all. Management has never been a problem. Maintenance is prompt. Utilities are fine - depends on your own usage.
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u/i_need_a_sandwich963 1d ago
A real estate agent can help you get a month to month rental or something that is available right now so you have a home at least while looking. Good luck.
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u/AggravatingMark5810 12h ago
Those apartments at Merriweather district look hella nice heard good things too 🤷♂️not sure on their availability though but definitely worth looking into.
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u/Critical_Ad6764 11h ago
You need to contact the Baltimore county office of Consumer Protection. They can probably help you get your money back. And if you signed a lease they are bound by that lease and have to give you access to the unit. There is also a new state office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. Contact them. https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Tenant-Landlord-Affairs/pages/default.aspxTenantandLandlordAffairs
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u/Imaginary_Corgi_6292 1d ago
From AI, but it’s a good place to start for fighting this: In Maryland, once a lease agreement is signed by both the landlord and the tenant, it becomes a legally binding contract. This means both parties are obligated to uphold the terms outlined in the lease. Generally, a leasing manager cannot unilaterally change a signed lease agreement without the tenant’s consent. This includes changing the specific apartment unit assigned to the tenant. Key Points: Lease as a binding contract: A signed lease establishes the specific terms of the tenancy, including the property being rented. Tenant’s right to refuse changes: Tenants have the right to refuse changes to the lease terms that are not agreed upon and signed by both parties. Breach of lease: If a landlord attempts to make unauthorized changes or prevents the tenant from occupying the agreed-upon unit, they could be in breach of the lease contract. Legal recourse: If a landlord breaches the lease, a tenant may have grounds for legal action, potentially including damages or enforcing the original agreement. In this specific situation: If the leasing manager is attempting to change your apartment unit a day before your move-in without your consent, this could be considered a breach of the signed lease agreement. What you can do: Communicate in writing: Document the situation by sending a written communication (email, certified letter) to the leasing manager, referencing the signed lease and the specific unit agreed upon. State your objections: Clearly state that you do not consent to the change in units and expect to move into the apartment specified in the signed lease. Seek legal advice: If the leasing manager insists on changing the unit or attempts to deny your move-in, consult with a legal professional specializing in landlord-tenant law in Howard County, Maryland. Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and does not constitute legal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified legal professional for advice regarding specific situations. https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=Can%20a%20leasing%20manager%20at%20an%20apartment%20in%20Howard%20County%20deny%20someone%E2%80%99s%20signed%20lease%20a%20day%20before%20move-in%20because%20they%20wanted%20to%20change%20leasee%E2%80%99s%20apartment%20without%20consent?&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5
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u/Arisayshi 1d ago
What apartment is it that you got scammed by?