ComplaintsforJacobs Property Management

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My son, ******* **** ******, was hacked from landlord because he is disabled and they have been getting him for late charges. They took advantage of my son. They think he doesn't know. He is on Section 8 housing, pays his rent on time. They got $2000 out of him. Then he never stays home because he came over to help me because I've been sick. My son had a clean place, never did stay in the apartment. He had new furniture, living room box with new kitchenware. The apartment was clean when he took his furniture out and didn't have much. They kept his deposit for nothing. The landlord is very greedy. They have been taking advantage of him because he didn't pay his gas bill but he did pay his rent on time. They put late charges on him all together $2000. They said the apartment was messed up. They want him to pay $220.00 gave it to him for end of move out at end of June of this year. The landlord is hard on people. I feel so sorry for my son because he has three boys. He couldn't buy clothes because they had taken his money. I really think they are trying to use my son because they have taken advantage of him because he is disabled. I know for a fact the landlord is taking advantage of the disabled. He needs some help if you need to call me - ###-###-####. His father is the witness because he went there to check out the apartment because my son pays his rent every month on time and his lights. Like I said he didn't stay there he was out of them because of helping me because I have trouble with my legs. They are trying to get $224.00 out of him for nothing. Mrs. ******* ***** told my son to leave his keys and turn air on. Then they charged him for air and rug wasn't dirty and they know it.

  Business response

  07/31/2023

  To Whom It May Concern:

  
  In response to complaint ID# ******** our company is unsure how to resolve the complainant’s concerns as we have provided them with an accounting of charges applied to the lessee’s previous lease account, along copies of invoices associated for the charges applied and photographs taken at the property check-out. 

  
  After applying charges for a damaged toilet seat, cost of the cleaning of the property that exceeded normal wear and tear, cleaning of the carpet, which is contractually agreed to, and the cost for the initial steps that have had to be taken due to the lessee not maintaining their gas utility services, resulting in the entire meter being removed from the apartment by the utility company (Ameren Missouri) and after applying the lessee’s security deposit against these charges, there remains a balance due of $224.50. 

  
  To expand on the gas utility comment and the one charge applied to the lessees account, the entire gas meter had been removed from the apartment by Ameren Missouri, due to the negligence of the lessee for not maintaining their gas utility services.  On behalf of the property owner, our company has had to go through multiple steps and agencies in order to have the meter reinstalled, which has come with additional charges for contractors to be on-site and permit application fees so that the county can inspect, etc.  It has been a costly undertaking that would have been avoided if the lessee had maintained this utility, as was their responsibility to do so, per the lease.  Thankfully there were no physical damages to the property, as the furnace is operated by gas and thus this home was left without heat for an entire winter season.

  
  Regarding the statements about late fee charges and rent payments, the lessee was a recipient of assistance from the Columbia Housing Authority, but also had a portion of the rent that was their responsibility, as well as cost for water, sewer and trash utilities.  In August 2022 the lessee failed to make their payment in full for their portion of the rent and utilities.  We communicated via email and text messages on a weekly, consistent basis with the lessee on the matter.  It was not paid heed by the lessee and thus snowballed into a legal matter in September and October of that year.  This did indeed result in legal charges being applied to the account, in addition to late fees.  All of these were contractually agreed to and our company communicated with the lessee and their family members frequently on the matter and balances due. 

  
  Lastly, we have no record of the lessee asking for any sort of reasonable accommodation based on a disability.  Additionally, we have no knowledge of any disability, nor would we treat the lessee any differently if we had, as Fair Housing bars us from doing so and our company has no interest in mistreating or taking advantage of any lessee, regardless of any disability or otherwise.

  We uphold our original accounting of the security deposit reconciliation and adherence to the lease contract. We find no reason for adjustment of balance due or refund of any monies to the lessee.  We have provided the lessee with a detailed accounting for the balance due and have put a due date for payment arrangements or payment in full by July 31st, 2023.  As we are responding to this complaint on that same date, we will push back the due date until August 14th, 2023.  Please advise if you seek additional response or information from our company in regard to this complaint.  

  Thank you,

  ****** ******* ******* ***** ***** ********

• Initial Complaint

  06/22/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Over the past years I have been having the same issue with water coming up through the floor. Every year it happens then it drys up and goes away and the issue gets forgot about until the next year. This year they did send someone to look at it, but they promised me they would move me out to a different apartment unit so I did not have to deal with the issue. They would tell me to wait and be patient because they promised they would move me soon. Now the unit I was supposed to be in, they rented it out to someone else. The water issue has caused a mildew issue where the apartment smells. There has to be mold growing. I have a broken hand rail in my unit. They do not clean out the vents. You can see dusty coming out. I have asked that they simply put a new filter in and they wont even do that. I had an issue with my door that they did not fix so I had to do it myself. I have just been experiencing so many issues and the service has just been poor with this management company. There office isn't open and its hard to communicate with them. I have been treated rudely by staff when talking to certain people. I just want to be moved to a different unit like I was promised so I do not have to deal with all these issues any longer.

  Business response

  06/30/2021

  To Whom It May Concern:

  
  This letter is in response to the complainant with an ID of ********. We were made aware of water intrusion taking place in complainant’s apartment in late March of this year and we acted swiftly to have water extraction and drying measures implemented (water was removed and air movers and dehumidifiers were placed and left in the apartment for the resident to keep on to ensure drying measures). We engaged three different contractors to assess and submit proposals to correct the source of the water intrusion and reviewed them with the property owners. They elected to proceed with Foundation Recovery Systems to have extensive exterior dirt work performed and an exterior drain system installed. This cost $7,996.00 and was completed on June 4th. Prior to the completion of this work, we sent ServiceMaster out to assess for potential mold spores and none were detected. It was determined from their visit that we should replace the carpet and pad, due to it getting so wet. We gained approval to do so and had set up for this to take place over a two-day period to assist for the complainant to have furnishings moved. We then experienced another massive rainfall event of record numbers (6”-8” in a 24-hour period) and the apartment took on more water. We halted the carpet install and we had FRS go out to assess drain work performance and they submitted a follow up proposal to have an interior sump-pump installed to waterproof the apartment. The proposal is for $8500.00+. We communicated with the owners and have gained permission to have this installed. We have given approval on this work today and we are awaiting word on scheduling. Upon completion of the interior sump-pump install, we will re-engage a carpet install.

  
  We do not have another property to move the complainant to that is within this property owner’s portfolio, however, we have extended an offer to terminate their lease. We also are going to apply a rent credit at the completion of the carpet install to account for costs they may incur for moving of furnishings.

  
  In response to the other items mentioned, we have it noted that the stair railing needs repair and we have a work order entered to take care of that. I do not have record of a request for an air filter change; we oftentimes will advise residents that they are welcome to purchase and install air filters, if they would like, but we will also replace them, if asked to. We have a completed work order from February 2021 where the door to the apartment was worked on, installing weather stripping and adjusting the door to fit more squarely and tightly.
  

  Regards,

  
  Amanda L. Jacobs
  Vice President

  Customer response

  07/08/2021

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The inspector said he could smell the mold and the apartment still floods.  No one from the office has contacted me at all.  In addition, there is some kind of critter living under the front stoop. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

  Business response

  07/14/2021

  To Whom It May Concern:

  
  In response to the complainant’s rejection of our first response, the carpet and pad in the apartment will be replaced and is queued up to take place promptly after the internal drainage system is installed.  We have had water extraction performed and drying equipment placed after the heavy rain events.  The installation date for the internal drainage system is slated for July 26th, 2021.  This system will resolve the additional water intrusion that they have experienced.  We are at the mercy of the foundation company’s schedule and we have asked to be on their “move-up” list in case of an opening prior to that date.  The carpet and pad installation will be coordinated with the complainant directly to accommodate as much convenience as possible.  We have been in contact with the complainant several times regarding this concern and have had multiple phone calls and text messages with the complainant, both from our office directly and also in response to contacts from the complainant.  We will have maintenance assess for potential fill-dirt or otherwise to deter any animal from getting under the front entrance concrete slab; we will also have the foundation company re-assess this area to see if this is an issue that needs further attention. 
  

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  07/15/2021

  Complaint: ********
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I have been told not to call them on phone only tx. Ida works there told me on the phone were going to be kind to one another I said that's who I am. Ida says you know " I can get bad all by myself". Then hung up on me and said we tx only. There is an animal living under stoop lead to My basement coat closet. I sent picture. I got 0 response. After last rain before 4th of July, foundation company redirected gutters out in the yard. Flood 3 different apartments and mine. I called early Saturday the 3rd woke up Amanda the " director " to let her know carpet was wet again coming in same places as before. Amanda canceled the carpet installation. Jacobs did response to all othe apartments that had water in them.. finally I called Jacob's on Friday the 9 of July,ask how come NO one has come to have the water extracted from my carpet. Ida say well if you ask nicely ill consider sending someone out. They have know about this for years.. I have a critter underneath my front window.. I'm a little nervous about this,, scared ill come home and its in my apartments with my emotional support animal.
  Amanda said when I called her to say carpet was wet again had to send pictures cuz why? The owner jacobs foundation company had a meeting said it was fixed. Amanda said I did say it was fixed to the owner. Because she said I said water was only coming in my backdoor and bathroom by the tub, the tub very low. She didnt hear me I guess. They will not talk to me . I have something living under my apartment. They think they know it all. They are rude and ruthless to save a dollar. I contacted foundation company talk to Dustin he gave me his card. Said have questions call. So I tx. Telling him about the situation after the rain. Well he contacted jacobs, they sent me a tx telling me I am NOT allowed to tx and don't contact him again. They've done nothing. Housing inspector says it smells a lot more mold and says there more than likely spores.then they month be fore when he failed it the first time.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  ****** *****

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