Andrew L.
1/5
My experience with this company and its owner, Aaron, for almost 3 years has been quite frustrating to say the least. I believe both tenants and property owners should be aware of several recurring concerns, also echoed by other reviews.
Communication has been a consistent issue from the start. Scheduling a viewing took filling out a form, sending emails, texting, and ultimately posting a negative review online just to receive a single response. Phone calls go to a call center that cannot provide direct help. When I was finally contacted, in response to the review, Aaron blamed his staff first and lastly I was told the property I was interested in would basically be rented to me if I removed my 1-star rating. I was desperate and wanted this property so I did. Keep this in mind with other reviews of this company.
During my tenancy the challenges continued. On move-in day, the property was not cleaned or prepared - floors, walls, carpets, bathrooms, and appliances were visibly dirty. Plumbing & other issues required multiple service calls and time off work. Most emails went unanswered unless I followed up several times, with the excuse Aaron didn’t receive any emails. Even then, direct questions to Aaron were often dismissed or ignored, and I later learned from the property owner that most of my concerns and questions had never been communicated to them. When confronted, Aaron initially deflected but eventually admitted that even a basic follow-up, like a phone call, had not been made. Without the assistance from the property owner I don’t know if anything would have been resolved.
Another issue was around the legally required interest payout on the damage deposit, which Alberta landlords are obligated to pay annually. After repeated inquiries, Aaron seemed unaware of this requirement and only acknowledged it once I provided documentation, even then he tried to insinuate I was wrong. He stated he “forgot,” even though my lease was relatively recent. This gave the impression the interest would not have been paid if not specifically requested. What else is he hiding from tenants/owners?
Maintenance requests submitted through their online form were generally handled within a day, which I appreciated. It seems submissions go to a 3rd party company to handle. However, when the fridge failed for example, it took nearly a week to replace (after several fixes), and Aaron initially suggested user error - contradicting the maintenance assessment and previous fixes.
Another major concern was a rent increase DURING my lease that felt retaliatory after the property owner spoke with Aaron regarding lack of communication, etc. After issues were escalated to the property owner and mostly resolved, I was informed of a $100/mo increase by Aaron - then abruptly told it would be $200/mo instead weeks later after no other updates. The timing and inconsistent explanations raised doubts about the legitimacy of the change "requested by the owner", especially as it was communicated late at night on a weekend, hours before I legally had to be told and for it to take effect. It doesn’t make sense that the increase would double, and then after being challenged it went back down below half.
Ultimately, I ended up purchasing the property as the property owner wanted to sell. Aaron knew the property was going up for sale, so he wanted to book an inspection. We agreed on a weekend but then no follow up to confirm a day & time. I asked days later when it was and I received no reply once again, not even to cancel or update me - a common trend. After the sale went through I received my full damage deposit back, after several communications, it was returned on the last possible day allowed by law, and the required interest payout was not included. Aaron was contacted again and I was told it would be sent the same day. Days later it was still not sent. I chose not to pursue it further, but it served as one final example of Aaron's lack of follow-through and professionalism.
