TWUSEA | Westdale Parke formerly Greystone Park Apartments | Austin, TX

Westdale moved me out of my apartment for a month while they 'fixed' the problem. All of my belongings were covered in plastic and I was told not to return because there were workers and it would be a safety hazard. I actually took samples of the mold and sent it to a lab to find there were 3 kinds of hazardous mold growing there - one a carcinogen. The first person to come to my apartment after I told them of the problem was a contractor, who cut and dry said that the ducts had to be cut out of the ceiling and replaced - you can't destroy the mold and the only option was to do a full replacement. After reviewing this with the manager, I suppose she thought it was too expensive - she had her 'maintenance' crew work on it instead.

Of course, I came into my apartment any time I could to see what they were doing, progress, etc. I was promised that the ducts would be cleaned by a professional company with the highest technology for removal, filtration, etc. Instead, I documented photos of a Webber duster and a wet/dry Vac that the maintainence crew was using to scrape the ducts with. I was so furious about the situation, but I thought maybe I would come back the next day and see something more progressive.

I then returned to find bottles of Killz all over the place and white primer. They had spray painted over the mold, replaced the vents and called it a 'done deal'. EPA has very strict standards for the removal of black mold, and spray painting over it to make it look like it's gone is definitely not in regulations. I was fed up, afraid for my health and fortunately was able to seek legal services. As soon as Karen found out about this, she was quick to be a pleaser. She's the most unprofessional manager i've ever met- Worst customer service i've ever experienced. Self-centered and doesn't care about anyone. She would literally yell at me until we came to a resolution of breaching my lease without penalty.

The best part is - During this month I was uprooted, plastic covered and having strangers in and out of my home - I came to find my apt. door unlocked with all of my belongings in it. The windows were open, and once the stove was left on high heat in my kitchen overnight-fire hazard. I don't even know why this was.

I never even mentioned that I pre-signed a lease SIX months before my move in date and my apartment wasn't ready for move in on my move in date - I had nowhere to live for three days then, too because my old lease was terminated. They do NOT allow you to see your unit before move-in, either - so dont expect it. They tell you to arrive with your belongings at 5PM or later to move in. So we did - we had our Uhaul all packed and ready to go! They did not tell me that the apartment wasn't ready with a phone call - it wasn't til I got there that they said anything. They put your move-in time so late because their office closes at 6. So good luck talking about the apartment condition on the same day. It's crooked.

For all of you considering this complex - it honestly is ill-managed. It is the equivalent of two complexes worth of apts with one set of management and maintenance. They simply can't keep up with everything and are terrible with customer-service. I know some of you are questioning the truth behind these stories - but if you need pictures for me to prove this terrible mold problem, i have PLENTY!

I would reccommend if you have a detrimental repair such as what happened to me, to make sure you send a certified letter with documentation from the Post Office to cover yourself - it is difficult when you start to get into he said/she said things with no proof. Austin Tenant's Council and the EPA are good resources for people struggling. Talk about exhaustion.

I loved to be able to walk to the UT shuttle, but I finally decided to move a little more North and get a better quality apartment with good service. I still take the shuttle, but I drive into Far West. Best of luck - I hope you never have to deal personally with Karen and if you think your apartment is the one that I used to live in - LET ME KNOW!!! YOu deserve to breathe clean air.