FPI Management (CA) Saddlebrook Apts. (Longview, TX) Failed to Return Holding Fee for Apartment upon finding I had bad credit, did not offer lease or access to apt. in 2 weeks. Folsom California

On 10/06/2015, upon prior verifying availability by phone, I visited Saddlebrook Apartments in Longview TX to see an apartment I was interested in renting. The office staff was nice and I decided to leave a holding fee for apartment #414 (2nd flr.), pending credit check & a normal wait period. The date of move in offered was 10/23/2015, furthermore, after the $200.00 fee was applied, the first month's rent was discounted to $300.00. So I paid with a cashier's check, to include the $45.00 credit check fee that is non-refundable.

I heard nothing from them for the next two weeks, so on 10/20/2015 I called to clarify the situation and they told me that they found a problem with my credit, that one of the past residences I was at (Brighton Apts. which I will make another report about) had a fee in collections. At this point I provided in an e-mail the following documents about Brighton: a copy of the original lease, a copy of the checks I have sent to them, a copy of the receipt of payment for the lease from Brighton, a copy of Motel 6 fees for 3 days totaling $155.91 & a statement describing how traveling from CA after checking with them 2 weeks in advance, the apartment I was to rent was filthy, unpainted, unvarnished & they hurriedly attempted to put new carpets that morning, I went to the motel at the verbal promise of Asst. Manager that I will be refunded any fees incurred & his promise it will be done in 3 days. The management refused to refund or credit me that sum. The $145.00 they demanded upon leaving was a bogus cleaning fee, I spent a day cleaning that apartment. I called it a loss and moved on, but Saddlebrook is re-opening that old would, putting salt in it and twisting the knife, as I called on 10/26/2015 and they told me they failed to reach Brighton for a response and are awaiting contact. At that time, since they deem my credit bad and refuse to lease the apartment to me, I asked for a refund of the reminder of my fee which is $155.00. They told me I have to wait 30 days for a refund check from "Corporate", at which I said it has to be faster, I cannot wait that long and loan my money to Corporations.

Further phone calls and attempts to speak to anyone have been placated with answering machines. I have sent a letter threatening a law suit to include the name of the office worker involved. I still don't have my money.