A Lease I Regretted Almost Immediately
August 3, 2026 - Review from Apartments.com
If you're considering signing a lease at Retreat at Waterside, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere.
I was initially attracted by the lower monthly rent associated with a longer lease term. Unfortunately, the cost savings quickly proved not to be worth the headaches. The appliances provided in our unit were noticeably cheap and prone to problems. Midway through our lease, our dryer stopped working entirely. It took roughly a month and multiple replacement attempts before we finally had a ...
functioning dryer again. During that time, the inconvenience was substantial, yet there was no rent credit or compensation despite being unable to use an amenity included in the lease. To add insult to injury, the old dryer remained sitting outside our front door for months afterward.
My broader impression was that management was far more aggressive about enforcing fees and penalties than about addressing legitimate resident concerns. Whether it was valet trash requirements, parking-related issues, or other charges, there always seemed to be a willingness to pass costs onto residents but much less urgency when residents needed assistance.
The move-out process only reinforced that impression. We were charged for a broken microwave handle that failed during ordinary use. The appliance itself appeared to be of such low quality that the handle simply broke from being opened and closed normally, yet the replacement cost was taken from our security deposit.
The most troubling experience occurred after I moved out. When I finally received the remainder of my security deposit and deposited the check, the check bounced. A bounced security deposit check is something no former resident should ever have to deal with. Since then, I have made repeated calls to the leasing office seeking a resolution. Each time, I have been told that they are "waiting to hear back from accounting." Despite these assurances, the issue has continued to drag on without resolution.
At every stage of my tenancy, from maintenance issues to move-out charges to the handling of my security deposit, I came away with the impression that resident satisfaction was not a priority. There are too many apartment communities in the area to accept this level of frustration and poor customer service.
My advice is simple: in this economy, protect your time, your money, and your peace of mind. Based on my experience, I would not recommend Retreat at Waterside to anyone looking for a place to live.
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