First Site, LTD Wrongfully keeping security deposits of unsuspecting college students Normal Illinois

First Site is a company that primarily rents apartments to college students.  I've rented three places from them as there is little choice in this college town of Normal, Il.  My primary complaint came from the last place we rented.  It was a wreck of an apartment over a downtown business.  As the lease was coming to an end, we were told that they would not be renewing the lease as this apartment was not being re-rented again.  The city of Normal would be taking it over, rehabbing it, and turning it into office space.  We were also told that we would be getting our entire security deposit back since there was no need to clean or paint.  We were told this by Ulisis.

On move out day, two inspectors came by to check out the apartment, clipboards in hand.  I inquired about why they were inspecting as we were told there was no need for that.  I was told they had to go through the motions anyway. 

Well, two weeks later, not only did we get a notice saying they were keeping the security deposit, but I owed another $211 for cleaning, painting, and blinds replacement....On a unit that wasn't being re-rented!  I complained by mail numerous times and each time they told me the charges stand.  Numerous requests for receipts from the painting company or the cleaning company went unanswered.  When speaking to Jimmy today, all he kept repeating is that he had to go by what was in writing.  He denied his employees said what they said...he is a drone and a stooge.

After reading Yelp reviews, Google reviews, YP reviews, I am convinced this company is perpetrating a fraud on college students and their families.  Most people don't live near the school, so the thought of making several trips to small claims court to recover $200-$300 is not possible.  They are very quick to send you to collections and ruin your credit, so to avoid that, you have to pay....they've got you.  Almost all the reviews are about security deposits.

If you're at Illinois State and in need of an apartment, do not rent from these liars at First Site.  Find anyone else to rent from.  You will only be sorry.