Arnel Managment slumlords severe problems with management and complexes Fullerton California

My husband and I moved into an Arnel Management run complex in Fullerton, CA (The Homesteads) in Jan of 2003. The rains started coming down a short while later and our apartment immediately began leaking. We came home one day to discover my husband's antique leather table destroyed with water damage.

We contacted maintenance and it took them about 4 hours to come and help us because they were dealing with leaks all over the fairly large complex. Our entire living room had to be covered with plastic and was completely unusable for months.

In subsequent rainstorms we had leaks in the dining room, kitchen, and one of our bedrooms. Finally the ceiling cracked in the kitchen and we begged the manager of the complex to repair our roof.

Months went by and nothing was done. Finally we contacted a lawyer who instructed us to get physical exams and to formally request that the company fix our apartment. They replaced the drywall ceiling in the kitchen and 2 hours later it creaked again because the roof beam was rotten. We called the manager and complained and asked for the entire apartment to be properly repaired. They said nothing. At this point our lawyer told us to contact code enforcement.

Code enforcement came and told us that the structure was seriously compromised and that there was evidence of mold. My physical exam showed exposure to mold, of a type which I am highly allergic. Our lawyer then told us to give our notice and move out immediately due to the inhabitability of the situation.

Afterward the company has harrassed us through a collection agency saying that we owe for the balance of the lease. They charged us a late fee for the month following when we left despite the fact that we gave notice a week prior that we were leaving.

The company tried to collect over $7000 from all 4 individuals on the lease (if we had all paid they would get $28,000) despite the fact that the apartment was not rentable for 3 months while they made repairs.

You will never see your security desposit again once you move into one of their properties (a class-action lawsuit was filed regarding this) and the parking situation is ridiculous.
I too had my REGISTERED CAR towed one night. It was in an open stall and when I went to get my car in the morning, it was gone! Well, I just about flipped out. There was another car parked in the spot.

As I was standing there the apartment manager's boyfriend walked by and got into the car that was parked where mine had been. Apparently there had been no parking the night before and a car of a "former tenant that was visiting without a guest permit" had been towed. I was dumbstruck at his stupidity... I mean, he just told me that they had my car towed so he could park. He didn't realize that it was my car until I started yelling.

Unfortunately there was nothing I could do but pay the $250 to get my car out of impound ASAP. I was furious because there was some bumper damage to my Mercedes because it was improperly towed. I contacted Arnel Management and spoke to Candy's supervisor and they said they would look into it.

This company didn't do anything in regards to it's irresponsible practices and is now seeking $3500 from each of us. My husband and I plan on taking them to court later on this year. Beware of this company. You might find yourself in a similar situation.

Natalie
Santa Ana, California
U.S.A.