ComplaintsforThe Wooten Co., LLC

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Me and my roomate moved into a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment in Building D of ********* apartments in September of 2022. There have been numerous issues with this apartment since the move in date. There were several instances of normal wear and tear/damage that should have been corrected before move in. The panels of the bathtub detaching from walls, sinks are rusted, plastic kitchen drawers are cracked and have missing peices, cabinets missing handles etc. We were told that corporate deemed most of these things to be ineligible for repair/replacement. These are all things that are only mildly inconvenient, so we let it go and went on with our lives. Fast forward to 3/2023. A notice was sent out that there was going to be "building improvement" construction beginning on 3/20/23. This notice stated that the construction would last ~ 2 weeks. On 3/31/23, another alert was sent out that they would have to close the back side of the building D parking lot "over the weekend and possibly all of the next." Construction lasted for weeks beyond what was communicated. Some of the parking lot was torn up in the process of this construction. A pile of gravel was left for months and it was eventually evened out, but never repaved. Sometime during this construction, they began to tear holes in the sheetrock of the hallways. Insulation has been left exposed ever since. Tarp was used to cover some of the damage, but not all. The next issue began on 08/22/23. A dangerous building warning from the city of Springfield was posted on the back entry door. It stated that the balconies were dangerous. It was also later added that the damage to walls needed to be corrected. They never communicated anyting regarding this to the residents. After ~2 months, balconies were torn down. We were only informed on 12/6/23 that they would not be replacing the balconies, but putting in a window, despite the fact that I had sent several emails about balcony construction that were responded to.

  Business response

  12/16/2023

  We are in review of the complainants statements regarding Building D of ********* Apartments. Records reflect the complainant occupied the building September of 2022 and recently renewed September of 2023 during the period claimed in this complaint. During this initial move in process items not replaceable were notated on the move in checklist to prevent any charges upon move out and consist of normal wear and tear. Records further reflect only 4 work orders have been reported since occupancy with none currently outstanding. This building was constructed in 1972 and has required recent improvements to properly maintain the community. This included extensive plumbing improvements Spring of 2023 to the city sewer and sanitization which is located below ground. Beginning late summer and early fall we began building improvements to the decks and exterior of the building. This process is dependent on the expertise of engineers, construction companies, and city approval with required building permits. During this review and repair process Scottsdale Apartments and the City have followed required code enforcements. Although notices were posted to the building by the City, this is required during this type of repair due to the extent of repairs in process. Due to significant code changes over the course of 51 years the buildings location and current set back ordnances required the balcony improvement to consist of removal and replacement with new windows. Significant improvements are in process and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your patience and understanding on this matter. 

  Customer response

  12/18/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The Missouri Landlord tenant law states that landlords should make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear. You’ve just stated that there is wear and tear in the apartment, so you are responsible for repairing/replacing said wear and tear. I would also like to know the specific city codes that prevented the balconies from being built, as I called the city and they stated the construction was approved for the new balconies. If new balconies are not to be built, I will be needing compensation for the items purchased for the balcony stated in the lease. This included several now dead plants, a table, 2 chairs with cushions, an electric grill, gardening materials, and lights totaling to about $600. Another option is you can pay for storage for the items since you have taken away the space they were purchased for. All other residents should be compensated as well. 

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ******

  Business response

  12/19/2023

  We are in receipt of the additional statements by the complainant. The repair and improvement process related to the balcony replacement of this building began 9/1/2023 with the attached notice. All items on the balcony were requested to be removed by 9/4/2023 and the replacement process began with the City, Construction Company, Architects, and Engineers on 9/5/2023. This permitted project resulted in the replacement of the balcony with a window. Specifically regarding wear and tear, this was in reference to the original complaint regarding the move in condition of the dwelling. The move in inspection can be found within the complainants resident portal. Those items identified do not necessarily result in a replacement as it may be a cosmetic related note due to the age of the apartment location. By documenting this upon move in, this prevents charges for those items upon move out. In the event the complainant has a service request related to the ongoing maintenance of the dwelling they are welcome to notify management by portal, tenant email relay, or phone. Currently we do not have any open work orders related to this dwelling. Regarding the rental amount of the apartments those units on the 1st floor did not have balconies. This was specific to 2nd and 3rd floor apartments however additional rent was not charged for units with balconies. There is currently no rental reduction as the 1st floor units have the same base market rent. We hope this answers your questions as we continue to improve our community. 

  Customer response

  12/19/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Again I will state, the Missouri landlord tenant law specifically states that landlords should make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear. The cracks and pieces of the kitchen drawers missing are not cosmetic damage. They prevent proper functioning of the drawers. The rusted sink is a harbor for tetanus bacteria and could become dangerous. This is grounds for replacement. The plastic walls in the shower becoming detached from the actual wall make black mold more susceptible to growth. None of this is cosmetic. You are deliberately neglecting to replace it. I also requested the specific codes that prevented new balconies from being built and these were not included in your response. I suspect this is because you are lying. If this is not the case, please supply the codes so I can verify that this information is correct. Despite the fact that we are not charged for a balcony, it is included in the legally binding lease, so I will require compensation for the items purchased for said space that again, is included in the legally binding lease. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ******

  Customer response

  12/20/2023

  I believe the that The Wooten Co is misleading and lying to its residents. Their vague responses and lack of answering my actual questions lead me to believe this further. They refuse to provide me with city codes they say prevented them from building the balconies. I have contacted the city of Springfield who states that the construction was approved. 

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Company is property management company whom failed to forward information about debts for apartment we resided for 6 years they failed to send information on damages to the address we left on the renters portal that I had complied with. There was no official contact other then one call about misdirected packages but no mention of anything owed they sent to collections prior to any official notice given for the items they expect us to pay for they iclude linoleum that was layered onto of old linoleum carpet that was 6 years old a non existing microwave plus more that the collection agency was ugraciously limitedly informing us of. I belive there should be a right to dispute that was never afforded to us. My fiance and myself on limited means, her being disabled, and in my experience they have redone the same to all the apartments in the same manner that were vacated in our stay there.l am feeling they are looking to pass the cost of upgrading the apartments and passing the cost to their former Tennants.

  Business response

  11/07/2023

  We are in receipt of your Better Business Bureau complaint dated November 3, 2023 regarding your move out at ******* Landing Apartments.  You stated that we never sent you a copy of the charges for you to review. The resident activity shows we sent via email and mail the financial statement with all the charges to you on August 15th.  We also sent a repayment plan offer to you via email on September 15th and the resident activity communication shows that you opened that email. You can clearly see that the full ledger and financial statement were attached.  We did not send your file to collections until October 27, 2023 after the above listed attempts to inform you of the charges.  Your complaint states you would like an explanation of the charges I will do my best to explain them for you. Several charges in the move out inspection were due to damages beyond reasonable wear and tear. The nicotine from smoking inside the unit was beyond cleaning which caused cabinet and countertop replacement, contract paint, and air ducts had to be cleaned. The carpet had to be replaced due to heavy pet stains and due to damage to the top of the carpet. The carpet charge was prorated due to age the total cost to replace is $2010.27 and you were charged $631.80. The pet addendum you signed states that  In the event the flooring must be replaced due to pet damage, resident will be charged for all costs related to removal, kilz, or other treatment of subflooring and all material & labor related to flooring replacement. You specifically mention the charge for a microwave that charge is being removed we will notify the collection agency. If you need further explanation of the charges I have provided the move out inspection, move in inspection, financial statement, resident activity and pet addendum for you. You still have the option to dispute these charges. You could to this in writing with the collection agency.

• Initial Complaint

  09/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company has been horrendous. I personally have lived under Wooten for 4 years at least, moved to ** ****** last year after moving out of *******. In my time they have gone through at least 3-4 property managers, which can only be indicative of their inability to have a good hiring process, much less do they seem able to find someone capable of dealing with their positions low pay rates/high responsibility. I have 4-5 work orders that are outstanding and have been for the last year. I have a door with a hole in it since I've moved in, my bathroom ceiling has mismatched paint due to patchwork the maintenance person had to do to cover up mold. My hot water in the kitchen runs incredibly slow and since there is no dishwasher or even a dishwasher hookup, this makes doing dishes a near Herculean feat to do in a tim**y manner. Also, the back door now leaks and has been doing so for months at least. The water comes in between the wood trim and our sliding door frame. So now we have to leave tow**s by the sliding door area to take care of the water that will inevitably ruin the carpet immediat**y next to it. I have been calling about these work orders for months and have only been told "they will get back with me" about everything. Not only has no one sent any form of communication, there has been nothing done. This is incredibly terrible management from the property owners end. I have pictures for everything. And I think I am owed not only compensation for the negligence and inability to take care of their own properties, but an honest explanation as to why they haven't even tried calling me back or why they keep pushing off work orders to just have maintenance work on moving people in as the first priority over people who have made every payment perfectly on time and never caused an issue.

  Business response

  10/13/2023

  We are in receipt of the complainants statements and reviewed the account. We apologize for the d**ay in repair as we recently experienced increased turnover while dealing with staffing shortages. Upon our findings we began repairs mentioned within the complaint to include the door, bathroom, paint, and water leaks. Improvements to the water in the kitchen have been made by replacing the plumbing fixture. This community is a historical project and located within a historical district. Although we may not be able to increase overall water pressure we have contacted a plumbing company to research this further. We are currently interviewing for a replacement Manager and during this transitional time have assigned (2) seasoned full time Managers on-site since August 3rd. We hope you see continued improvement in your satisfaction and will stay in contact until we have all concerns addressed. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I moved into ********* Apartments through the Wooten Company on August 16th, 2021. On July 30th, 2021, I paid a $400 ******* before moving in…it came out to $406.95 due to the $6.95 fee to pay it from my bank account. On day of move in August 16, 2021, my roommate paid her portion of the ******* which was also $400 in a cashiers check. ********* uses a company called ** **** who came after my roommate and I for $1,486.19 for restoration fees after the move out May 30, 2022. At time of inspection we were told we would get paperwork stating whether our ******* would be returned. We received an email stating we owed money for damages and our ******* will be used to cover a portion. However, around December of 2022 ********* sent ** **** new paperwork stating I currently owe them $1,115.64 for a “**** *******” which is something ********* signed on my behalf before I moved in dated 10 August 2021. I have tried to reach ********* myself multiple times but they will not speak to me and will not pull the debt from ** **** even though I have submitted paperwork showing owes amounts were paid in full. My mother who was our guarantor and my roommate signed every single paper I signed and neither of them have this collection for debt. It is only in my name for something I never signed.

  Business response

  09/15/2023

  We are in receipt of your Better Business Bureau complaint dated September 13, 2023 regarding your move out at ********* Village Apartments. You state you paid a $400.00 *******, per the application criteria that you signed this was a $400.00 restoration fee and is non refundable. I have attached this for you with the section highlighted. You stated in your complaint that you were told you would get paperwork stating if your ******* would be returned. As stated prior the $400.00 is a non refundable restoration fee. I found no email or documentation that was sent to you or your roommate making any statement regarding a possible ******* refund.  The pet addendum that you signed at move in states residents are required to purchase and maintain an active $1000.00 bond through **** *******.  This is an application through **** ******* that you have to fill out and make a payment to purchase. I am attaching this along with the pet bond that was purchased by you on August 10, 2021. When reviewing the move out inspection, performed by site staff, there was significant pet damage to the carpet. Per the signed Pet Addendum it states “in the event of flooring damage related to pets the complainant agrees to restore the flooring to its original condition to include labor, pet odor treatment and replacement”. The move out inspection attached reflects this damage.  We did file a claim on your **** ******* and they sent us payment in the amount of $1000.00, which is the bond amount. This was applied to the balance of $1468.19 that left you a balance of $468.19 owed to ********* Village. You paid this to * * **** based off the letter you provided from them. The new collection from ** **** is referring to the **** *******, as stated in the section highlighted, “If a claim is paid by the Surety to the Landlord I will be required to reimburse the Surety for the amount paid” per the Enrollment Acknowledgement you signed, which is attached. **** ******* is a third party and ********* Village has no control over their collection activities. Any additional questions you may have regarding this collection will need to be directed to **** ******* and * * ****.

  Customer response

  09/19/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  My whole point in reaching out is to let people know that I never actually signed the pet **** ******* form. I was not in Springfield the day it was signed and I know for a fact that I didn’t sign it electronically because I had 3 people with me while doing that and they signed all the same paperwork as I did. My cats were not the reason we had damage anyway. The reason there is carpet damage is due to my roomate and her rabbit which the landlord knew about. If anything i’ve paid my dues and this should be towards my roomate who had the animals and refused to pay for them or fixing the damage they did. 
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  Business response

  09/25/2023

  As stated in the original response **** ******* is a third party and ********* Village Apartments has no control over their collection activities. In order to enroll in the **** ******* you have to fill out the application on their website. The amount you are charged for the purchase of the bond is based off your credit information; it shows you made a payment of $100.00 in order to secure your bond. The documents that all three of you signed you are referring to are the lease documents; the **** ******* is not part of those documents. The pet addendum that was signed at move in states resident is limited to 1 pet per apartment (dogs, cats, small caged birds and fish are permitted). No exotic or wild type animals are allowed, i.e.: ferrets, rats, skunks, mice, large birds, snakes, lizards, raccoons, rabbits, etc). The only animal listed on the pet addendum that was previously attached is a cat, the **** ******* was purchased by you and we filed a claim based on the pet damage to the flooring. If you roommate had a rabbit that would have been in direct violation of the pet addendum and your lease. As stated in our previous response any additional questions you may have regarding this collection will need to be directed to **** ******* and * * ****. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Starting with the day I payed rent, 9.3, I sent a maintenance request with my check. Put in drop box.Heard nothing so on 9.6 called it in, nothing happened. On 9.9 found the resident portal, sent in third request. No one came. On **** put another request for maintenance in rent slot, also called office number, got answering service left message. Had a feeling after 30 minutes and no call to say they are coming, I called office number again and had to argue with answering service to contact them again. Also sent another message to portal for maintenance request. On **** made 2 calls to corporate office leaving messages for ******** who is suppose to manage apartments ; she never called me back. We don't have a manager, does that mean no maintenance. If you call the ************************ number you get the answering service. I want maintenance to come.

  Business response

  09/15/2023

  We are in receipt of your Better Business Bureau complaint dated September 13, 2023 regarding your maintenance request at Grandview Village Apartments. In your complaint you stated that you paid your rent on September 3 through the drop box and included a maintenance request with it. You further state that on September 6th you tried to call, on September 9th you sent a request through the portal, on September 11th you placed another request through the rent slot and contacted the corporate office. When the rents were processed from that location we did not find any requests. Then on September 6th there is an activity note that the Resident Manager covering Grandview Village phones tried to return your call and left you a voicemail. I spoke to the manager and she said that she never received another call and there were no voicemails left. On September 9th you stated you had found the resident portal and had placed another request but when I look at the activity history on your resident profile it only shows that you logged into the portal but no maintenance request were submitted. I checked the log we received from the answering service for September 11th no call was documented from you regarding your maintenance request. You contacted the corporate office on September 11th leaving a voicemail. I did not check them until the following day and returned your call on September 12th.Once I was aware of the maintenance needs in your apartment I contacted the maintenance supervisor and had a maintenance tech to your apartment that day. I have attached a copy of the maintenance request that was entered and completed *****************. As of today September 15, 2023 there are no outstanding requests.

  Customer response

  09/18/2023

  On **** I called the manager at corporate to report that my oven wasn't working, it was never tested. She didn't take the call I had to leave a message with voice mail. Friday **** I didn't hear from anyone so I called  and had to leave another message because she didn't answer. I had to add that there was standing water in the drain and that I need a stopper in the tub. On Monday morning early maintenance arrived and he fixed the stove, after testing found it wasn't heating and he unclogged the drain and put in metal stopper. There previously was no stopper. He said it may not drain very well because there's a problem inside the drain.

  It appears this company is short on help for maintenance and comes up short on communication. With  help from BBB things got done. Thank you.

   

  Customer response

  09/20/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  08/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 25th, 2023 **** ******** moved out of her apartment which I had put down a $400.00 deposit, Sabrina Bonnette, her mother who still lives in the area. **** put down more money to fulfill required deposit and at least a $250 if not $300.00 pet deposit. She has records of this and will be sending them shortly. Today Aug 28 his less than reputable company sent **** a fraudulent and egregiously erroneous financial statement trying to charge $1475.00 move out fee when the walk through was completed with no discrepancies noted. The statement also neglects to show the ACTUAL deposit made in November 2021 so obviously there is problem with their accounting. I know they have a very hard time keeping employees due to the deceit, greed, and fraud practiced on a daily basis on unsuspecting human beings who just want a roof over their head. They raised the rent twice in 2 years and took 2 months to repair heater, then a month or more on the A/C being out during the summer, failed to address an issue with a dog being left out in the cold and heat and animal cruelty reported on the balcony above and urinating on her patio. Request your assistance to resolve this horrendously false financial claim.

  Business response

  09/05/2023

  We are in receipt of your Better Business Bureau complaint dated August 28, 2023 regarding your move out at Briarwood Village Apartments. You state you paid a $400.00 deposit per the application criteria that you signed, this is a $400.00 restoration fee and is non refundable. I have attached this for you with the section highlighted along with your tenant ledger. You stated in your compliant that you paid a pet deposit of $250.00 to $300.00. The pet addendum that you signed at move in states we charge a pet deposit of $1000.00 or you have the option to purchase a pet bond through FlexDeposit of $1000.00. I am attaching this along with the pet bond that was purchased by you on November 11, 2021. When reviewing the move out inspection performed by site staff there was significant pet damage to the carpet. Per the signed Pet addendum it states in the event of flooring damage related to pets the complainant agrees to restore the flooring to its original condition to include labor, pet odor treatment and replacement. The move out inspection attached reflects this damage. Regarding the rental increases you state that you had 2 during your tenancy at Briarwood Village however, you signed one lease renewal with an increase of $35.00 then gave your notice at the end of that lease term. Rental rates are increased based on the current market rents for this area and are reviewed on an annual basis.  In review of the maintenance requests for the Furnace and the AC I have found the following information.  The furnace and AC service request were reported and completed as follows  December 6, 2021 and closed on December 7, 2021, April 21, 2022 and closed on April 22, 2022, and on October 18, 2022 and closed on October 24 , 2022. The next furnace request was opened on January 9, 2023 and closed on January 9, 2023, and on January 13, 2023 and closed on January 13, 2023. The first AC service request was on October 20, 2022 and closed October 20, 2022, May 30, 2023 and completed on June 10, 2023, and the last service request regarding an AC was on May 7, 2023 and was completed on May 22, 2023. I did not find any service request for the furnace that was 2 month or a month or longer for an AC repair. I am attaching a report that I ran starting the date of move in through your move out date reflecting the above information. The final item regarding the dog left out in the cold and heat I found no incident reports on file or complaints regarding this.  After a review of the move out inspection we have removed the charge for the contract paint of $350.00 but the charge for the carpet of $1100.55 and the charge for the drip pans of $34.75 will stand leaving a balance of $1125.30. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I've lived in one of their properties for several years. It's been an extremely frustrating experience, the property manager will not respond to my emails or phone calls, I have tremendous difficulty reaching anyone at corporate when I try. Please help.

  Customer response

  08/07/2023

  I was finally able to get a hold of somebody, I feel  he did a satisfactory job handling  the miscommunication; it would  be nice if there was more clear communication and timely email  responses from property management in the future. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was living in Republic Palms Apartments owned by The Wooten company. In July 2020 I was relocated for work due to Covid, we emailed the apartment manager advising him of this. In January 2023 a company called Iq Data International which has hundreds of complaints of their illegal activity place something on my credit report. Republic palms said I broke contract, due to Covid there was special guidelines and laws set in place to prevent retaliation in this action, which they took three years later. There were notified of the move. Iq Data international stated this account was opened in January 2023 which is incorrect as well. Also going to file a complaint with Missouri attorney general, all media outlets ( emails) , regarding republic palms illegal actions during Covid. The amount they are saying started out as $3150, now since Iq Data has it they are charging illegal interest and fees totaling over $4000.00. People need to be made aware and not get screw by this company like I have. Complaints filed with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to investigate the illegal actions of IQ Data International. Emails sent to all Media outlets so hopefully people see how these companies are operating illegally. The say there was damage to the apartment, it was lived for several years and no adjustments were made for everyday use as the contract indicates. They wanted new carpet and charge us for the repairs they made.Again proof they screw and act illegally, people to know before the move here.

• Initial Complaint

  01/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Wooten made no attempt to bill me before this point at they mailed the bill to the address that I moved out of with them as shown in the photo, on move out I paid the fee for early termination. It shows they also mailed the bill past their 30 days to do so. I lived in another Wooten property for two years and they did not contact me about this bill and they claim that ****** has no responsibility for the charges and he is on the lease as well.

  Business response

  01/23/2023

  In review of the statements brought to our attention we have thoroughly investigated this case. The complainant occupied an apartment at ******** ******** ******* ** **** * ******* *** ************ ** ***** with an ****** ******. They moved into apartment *** on 9/7/2017 and the move-out inspection/paperwork was completed on 4/30/2018. ********, and ******, each paid a $100 Security Deposit and this has been reflected on each renewal. This $200 Security Deposit is applied towards any damages, above normal wear-and-tear, on the apartment. The following items, which were noted as damages during the time that the complainant occupied, were noted during the move-out inspection on 4/30/2018: Apartment Key: 1 key was not turned in; charged $12.50, Minor Drywall: 1” hole in wall that needed to be repaired; charged $50.00 for labor/materials, Countertop: Burn damage on countertops, needed to be replaced; charged $585.16, Rent due for failure to provide a 30-day Notice: Fee equals 1 months’ rent; charged $545.00, Rental Agreement Buy-out Fee: Fee equals 2 months’ rent; charged $1,090.00, Utilities: Last utility bill owed; charged $94.99. Total damages: $2,377.65 minus the Security Deposit that was applied: -$200.00. The remaining amount due was: $2,177.65. A renewal lease was completed and signed by all occupants, on 11/4/2017, for the lease term dates of 5/1/2018-4/30/2019.  This was a legally binding agreement that the residents would be occupying the apartment for that lease term. In the Rental Agreement it states – Notice of Termination. Resident shall give Landlord thirty (30) days written notice of intent to vacate on or before the first day of the month prior to the expiration of lease term, or any extension or renewal thereof. Failure to do so will results in repayment of any specials. Verbal notice is not sufficient under any circumstances. Owner’s written form for move-out should be used. If owner’s move-out form is not used, Resident shall be responsible for obtaining written acknowledgment from Landlord representative that move-out notice has been received. The complainant did not sign their 30-day Notice of Intention to Vacate. The complainant also signed a “Lease Termination/Rental Buy-out Fee” Addendum to Rental Agreement. In this Addendum it states that if the resident is breaking the terms of their Rental Agreement that they would be responsible for: A thirty day written notice of intention to vacate, last month’s rent, a buy-out fee equal to two months’ rent, and security deposit applied to any outstanding charges. After the $200 Security Deposit was applied to the balance, and move-out was processed, a Security Deposit Refund (SDR) Information Statement was mailed out to the complainant on 6/27/2018. Due to “Notice of Intention to Vacate” not being completed by the resident we did not have a forwarding address. The SDR was mailed to the apartments’ address, **** * ******* ** *** ***, in the hope that the resident had completed an address change with ****. The complainant had not reached out to our corporate office to pay, in payment or in full, balance due. In October of 2022 we placed ******** ******** & ****** ****** account with IQ Data for Collection Recovery. The Principal amount due at that time was $2,177.65, the same out as the move-out charges. Although we admit no negligence regarding our operations we hope this satisfies any confusion the complainant may have had regarding their balance.  If they have additional questions we, The Wooten Company LLC, can be reached at ************* The ledger has been provided for more detail. If the complainant would like to pay their balance with IQ Data they can be reached at *************

• Initial Complaint

  11/08/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I transferred from the ******** ******* ********** to another Wooten property called ***********. In the transfer of apartments, I had a Manager Walk-Through which noted no significant damages or concerns that were flagged for the transfer to occur from one property to another. After moving, I received an itemized ledger from ******** with several discrepancies and a demand for compensation for repairs and restorations outside of what a tenant should be responsible for. They are attempting to charge me over 2700 dollars for things I do not agree with, including a stove replacement, when the stove was working when I left. Air duct cleaning, vinyl flooring in the bedroom when there was no vinyl in the bedroom, a full restoration paint job, when the walls were clean, stain free and undamaged but from 2 holes from my tv mount and minor holes for pictures as is typical of apartment wear and tear. They are attempting to charge me for pest control when there were no pests or bugs present and full carpet replacement. While I admit there was 1 significant carpet stain area, the carpets were cleaned upon moving out to the best of my ability. There is also a matter of them excessively charging late fees 3 different months due to their own accounting errors and to which I have documentation that it was their error and yet I was made to pay the late fees to keep my account current with them. I have replied to them with a dispute of their accounting and charges as well as receipts and communications to support my dispute, but I would like the support of more than just myself as an idividual fighting against a large company.

  Business response

  11/10/2022

  The complainant reached out to us on 11/7/2022 via e-mail. We reviewed their statement and file extensively. We responded, with an e-mail letter (and mailed copy,) addressing these items on 11/9/2022, after we completed the review. This response is attached for review. The resident had been pre-approved to transfer to another property within our company, but had been made aware that any damages found at the final move-out inspection could be subject to charge. It was agreed upon that resident would be responsible for any damage beyond normal wear-and-tear, with examples provided. The transfer agreement was signed on 8/8/22. A Notice to Vacate and Acknowledgement of Departure was issued, stating that a final move-out inspection was set for 9/7/22 @ 3:45pm.  Upon move-out, damage and a strong odor was found and documented in the inspection. The complainant was provided electronic access to review all photos within their Resident Portal. The attached move-out inspection reflects the damage found. Once the move-out statement was finalized the complainant was sent an e-mail and mailed a physical copy. Although we do not admit any wrong doing, in good faith and fairness, we revised the move-out statement to reflect the removal of other small damages and late fees, but we stand by any charges associated with removing/replacing carpet, prepping unit, and removing of odor permeating the apartment. We have attached an updated copy of the financial move-out statement that shows balance due was originally $2,793.44 to $2,207.81. We can provide all documents, listed in the letter to complainant, if necessary.  In the event that the complainant wishes to get additional information, or needs assistance with payment options for balance, we recommend communicating with the accounting department at *************

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