Cornerstone Apartment Services

I signed an apartment lease with RedPeak property Management Company on August 30, 2016 until October 30, 2017 at 929 Marion St. Unbeknownst to me and the other residents, RedPeak sold the property approximately three weeks ago to Cornerstone which was on/around June 5, 2017.

I was SAD and HORRIFIED! My heart was BROKEN because I had a WONDERFUL relationship with the RedPeak management staff. As a matter of opinion, RedPeak is a TOP NOTCH property management company due to the fact that they CARE about their residents. RedPeak staff is not perfect as NOBODY is perfect; however, they do exhibit CARE and CONSIDERATION towards their residents.

I had an agreement with the RedPeak at 929 Marion that I could TRANSFER to a one bedroom apartment when one became available. My current lease for the studio apartment would cease to exist and a NEW lease would be executed for the NEW apartment. Furthermore, RedPeak would NOT assess ANY break lease fee. RedPeak stated that I all I had to do was submit a new deposit of $300 plus undergo a second credit check.

In other words, RedPeak agreed to work with me. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to lease a larger apartment on TWO (2) separate occasions with TWO unaffiliated property management companies. Subsequently, according to my TWO experiences the agreement with was standard practice. NO PROBLEM excellent customer service for current residents.

On Monday, June 26, 2017, I saw on Cornerstones website that The Stanley Apartments, fka as 929 Marion, had a vacancy for a one (1) bedroom apartment and it would be available for occupancy on Friday, June 29, 2017. The advertised rent was $1395.00. Subsequently, I submitted an online application that same day I called Cornerstone property management office responsible for The Stanley and I spoke with Ashley. Ashley put me on hold to verify that it was okay.

Ashley NEVER implied or outright stated that this was in violation of my lease. You would think that as the manager she would be aware of Cornerstone's rental policies. Of course, Ashley later DENIED that such she did not say such a thing. Therefore, I scheduled a viewing for 4:30 p.m.

I got permission from boss to leave EARLY and work later the next day. I am a WORK white collar professional so I have a little leeway in my schedule. The VACANT apartment is down the hall from my CURRENT apartment. I met Alex at the VACANT apartment for a viewing.

I wanted the apartment. I gave Alex TWO checks. One check, in the amount of $45, was the application fee. Moreover, according to Alex, the application fee was REFUNDABLE because I am a current resident.

The SECOND check, in the amount of $600, was the deposit. I asked Alex if Cornerstone could negotiate the rent to $1395 and Alex emphatically stated that Cornerstone would with work with me. Alex stated that he would start the bid at $1300 but most likely Cornerstone would concede to $1350. I agreed.

I told Alex that I wanted to move in on July 8th. Alex suggested that I move in this weekend beginning July 1, 2017; however, this date would not work for me. On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at approximately 3:00 p.m., I received a call, at MY job, from Ashley and this man whose name I cannot remember. This man stated that HE was the property manager for The Stanley - I mistakenly thought Ashley was the manager.

Contacting me on my work phone was NOT copacetic. Cornerstone has ALL of my contact information and my cell phone is listed the FIRST point of contact. I did NOT receive ANY calls on my cell phone as my phone is ALWAYS right next to me. I surmise that he just wanted to confirm that I worked at this particular state regulatory agency.

Ashley stated that she did in fact tell me that she had to check on my ability to transfer and then get back with me. I do NOT remember her telling me this. Then Ashley proceeded to inform me that I could not have the apartment UNLESS I paid a break lease fee equal to TWO months rent (1125.00 x 2=$2350.00/break lease fee) + $45.00 (application fee) + $600.00 (deposit/new unit) + $1395.00 (rent for NEW unit). After speaking with Ashley, this man who calls himself the property manager begins to talk to me as if I am an ***.

The man states that he was sitting next to Ashley when she told me that she had to check on it. Yeah, rightI was not born yesterday. Why in the world would I schedule a viewing, LEAVE WORK and give up $645.00 not knowing that I may not have the ability to transfer? This is a WASTE of MY time This is my question: IF the man is the property manager why did he not speak up then?

He is the manager and should be well-versed in Cornerstones rental policy(is). It took them over 24 hours to spin their story I perceive what Ashley and the man cooked up was an UNETHICAL business practice During the conversation I accidentally slipped and said ONE (1) curse word but I IMMEDIATELY apologized by saying excuse me. The man really began to say that he did not appreciate me talking to him that way as if he did not even hear me say excuse me. I disconnected the call.

One of my mottos that I live by: Just because you can, does not mean you should. Why would ANY property management company NOT want to foster a good relationship with a current tenant. Summary: I cannot afford to pay $4290.00 = ($1125.00 + $1125.00 + $600.00 + $1395.00 + +$45.00) to move DOWN THE HALL from my current unit.

I really, really wanted that unit. My heart is BROKEN.