Harbour Ridge – Realstar

My bf and I recently moved from our one bedroom to a two bedroom within the same building. Understandably the rental office wanted the two bedroom rented ASAP. As we were unable to pay rent on two units we agreed to take the 2BR from the middle of the month to help the budget a bit, and decided on a specific date. From here on is where things get a bit bumpy. They needed us to do certain things prior to the move (paperwork etc) however they never communicated to us timeframes. Then suddenly we’re being told if they don’t have XYZ done RIGHT NOW the deal is over. A sound business practice is to clearly define deadlines, time frames and anything that is time sensitive. This was not our experience. One person in the office asked for certain information and forms completed a certain way. When we handed them in we’re told they’re not sufficient by someone else. The right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.
Due to delays in their preparing our new unit we were a day late in getting the keys. Not a huge deal. A bit frustrating but not a big deal. We still have our other unit so it’s not like we were without somewhere to be.
We started moving our stuff right away, however because we’ve still got the second unit until the end of the month we weren’t breaking our backs to get it all done right away. We both have busy schedules and work full time so taking our time to move things was welcomed.
Then I get an email asking if we can turn the keys in for the old unit 10 days before the end of the month so they can have time to paint and prepare it. I explained that wont’ likely be possible due to our schedules and other commitments. I’m then told if not that day the keys have to be turned in the day after. I understand they want to rent the unit ASAP, however they never mentioned to us wanting us to hand in the keys 10 days early. Had they asked about that we could have determined a date and discussed us being compensated for those 10 days since we have paid until the end of the month. We’re not completely unrealistic and would have been happy to come to an agreement with them. However instead they have opted to give us a day’s notice that they need the keys turned in before the end of the month.
To be clear, I have changed my rating from 4 stars to 2 based on this more recent experience only. Overall we’re both really happy here: we like this building (it’s clean and well maintained) and our neighbors. Our supers are fantastic. Any maintenance issues are dealt with quickly. We like the close, community feel here and aren’t willing to let these issues deter us from enjoying our home. Hopefully from here on our dealings with the rental office will be minimal. Needless to say, all things dealing with this move have not been handled as professionally or as effectively as they could have been on their end.

Not many times in my professional or personal experience have I dealt with a group so inept or unprofessional. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this business. They are unqualified, disorganized, and have no clue about running a property management business. Choose from the other many reputable real estate management companies in Halifax.