DO NOT RENT HERE - BE HAPPY - DO NOT RENT HERE

this review was originaly posted and can be viewed here:

http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/AZ-Tempe-Galleria-Palms.html

Here is my inspiration for creating this blog:

DO NOT RENT HERE - THEY ENJOY TOWING CARS - POOR MANAGEMENT - OVER PRICED - DO NOT RENT HERE

Date posted: 10/18/2007 Years at this apartment: 2005 - 2007

My fiance and I own three cars. We have been in the process of trying to sell two of them. I have let registration lapse on one of them. The same car has a flat tire. We typically drive one or two of the cars, and usually not a third. Since the car was there, with a flat, for a bit of time and not moved - the manager decided to tow the vehicle with their partners ACT Towing - which they have a nice agreement with in towing any vehicles out of their parking lot.

Now - here is what happened - we were given a warning about the vehicle and not being registered and how it may get towed about two months ago. I promptly explained that we are considering selling the car, and that it it pointless to spend the money to register the vehicle if someone else will be buying it with no penalties incurred because of the lapse in registration. I had already checked with MVD, and they confirmed that as long as it is not being driven, and insured - I can take as long as I need to sell it, with no penalties.

I explained this to someone at the management office, who apparently does not work there anymore. Not my problem. Since I have been here for over two years, it is the business of the management complex to keep track of these kinds of warnings, and how their tenants tried to resolve it.

We received another notice 4 days ago, then one 2 days ago - absolutely did not have time to stop in the office - I have a full time job and also run a real estate investment company and upon arriving back to the apartment, car was gone.

Called the office - was told it was towed. Manager authorized it and cited it was on my lease. I explained situation again - and she said there was nothing she could do about it. Just call ACT Towing and get my car back - and threatened to have the vehicle towed if the vehicle came back unregistered. Since when did the management at Galleria Palms become DOT' Apparently the management company does not care to handle each and every case as a unique one, and they use the blanket policy to cover themselves. Give me a break, my car was not on cinder blocks with plastic on the windows or on a jack for weeks at a time. I have seen all of that in the parking lot within the last two years.

I do not want to see broken down and junk cars in my parking lot. The vehicle we own is far from that, and just had a flat tire - and was not moved. Driving out of the apartment complex this morning, we had noted several vehicles that are in desperate need of towing if our vehicle qualified for it.

My fiance had rented at Galleria Palms when it first opened, and suggested it when we were in transition because she had an "OK" experience there. NEVER AGAIN. The quality of tenants moving into the complex has dropped, as I can see who lives around me. The college crowd has not changed since we moved in - and that does not bother us. It can be loud and noisy. You will also here bottles being broken and drunkards arriving from the club throughout the week. Yes, it happens everywhere, and these things won't change. Also, crime happens everywhere and you will also find it at Galleria Palms. I see broken glass next to cars all the time. The point I a making here is that it happens frequently at Galleria Palm, and they are not immune to society's delinquents. Tempe is also a college town, full of party people - so consider doing your due diligence and research before signing on the dotted line at this complex. Besides, rents have been steadily increasing, and this place is not worth it. There are bug problems here as well, and I have had to call management on several occasions. We are clean people and do not leave food everywhere.

Do not let the pretty little fountains spouting joy and happiness in the front of the complex fool and seduce you. You will quickly come to the realization that it is a sham to get your hard-earned cash.

The landscape and maintenance guys are all good people. I see them diligently working around the property taking pride in their work. They need to be a bit more careful with their golf carts whipping them around the lot like tanks, but other than that, I have no complaints. They are good hearted people - and I see that up close, and from a distance.

Speaking of from a distance, you can see the phoniness of management from a distance. LET ME REMIND YOU - THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF REDUCING COSTS, INCREASING REVENUE AND FINDING CREATIVE WAYS OF GETTING YOUR MONEY. At the end of the day, when it comes to customer service, and retention, they don't care. It is a hit and run sale, and you will be stuck until your lease is up. I don't have exact estimates with me, but I can say that I have probably spent upwards of 18 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN RENT here. Do they care about that kind of customer' The answer is a BIG FAT NO.

When speaking to the Galleria Palms manager Misty and her supervisor Mary Jacobs who represents the company who owns Galleria Palms, Kennedy Wilson, Inc - they both mentioned to me that there is absolutely nothing that Galleria Palms can do to help me. They offered no kind of resolution and didn't even bother to let me offer solutions to get the car back. It is sitting in some impound right now and I have to spend time and money in getting it back, because Misty made a smart, unilateral and executive decision to get the car towed. Real Smart! This will cost them loss in business in the thousands. How smart is that' Let it be known for the record I have spent probably over 18 thousand dollars here and they can't help that kind of customer' Someone who does not write bad checks - and is never late'

I will be sure to bring this to the attention of senior management at Kennedy Wilson, the Executive Group, Regional Leaders, and Business Unit Leaders who oversee the region in which Galleria Palms is located in and let them know that this is unacceptable business practices and a terrible way to treat great tenants.

I will also vehemently tell everyone I contact including local and regional real estate partners, business contacts, as well as personal contacts, who are in search of a reputable apartment complex and management company to STAY CLEAR AWAY from Kennedy Wilson properties and Galleria Palms in Tempe, Arizona.

If you ever consider renting here, contact Mary Jacobs and let her sell you on why you should rent from Kennedy Wilson Properties:

Phoenix
10220 N. 31st Avenue
Suite 127
Phoenix, AZ 85051
Tel: 602-861-7037
Fax: 602-331-7367
Contact: Mary Jacobs
Managing Director

If after this review you are still considering renting from Galleria Palms and are starting to fall for the allure of the fountains and the pseudo-beauty of the clubhouse which you can't even use for special events for your family - call me fast and I will help you snap out of the hypnosis.