Laura M.
Before signing a lease, I’d ask detailed questions about sound insulation and how quickly management responds. I lived on the bottom floor, and ordinary sounds from upstairs were often disruptive. Walking across the floor, coming home, or getting ready for work was clearly audible. When my upstairs neighbor walked around at about 5:00 a.m., the noise and vibration startled me awake, even though they weren’t doing anything unusual. I’m not an especially light sleeper, and the problem was the building’s poor insulation, not excessive noise from other tenants. The upstairs washer and dryer were also loud enough at times to sound like heavy machinery in my bedroom. I also dealt with management and maintenance problems. A vehicle gate malfunction trapped residents inside and took about two months to repair; it was left open during that time. Trash bins overflowed, sometimes for more than a week. Communication about a change to the rent payment system was confusing, and I was held responsible despite following the instructions I’d been given. Lease rules and fees were enforced very strictly: breaking the lease cost $4,600, while monthly rent was $1,350. Noise, safety, sanitation, and maintenance problems didn’t get the same urgency. Some tenants may find the property workable, but anyone sensitive to noise or expecting timely action on safety and maintenance should be careful.

