Lake Carlton Arms

Current Resident 995265

Resident • 2015 - 2018

Been living in LCA for three years now and it's not too shabby, but I'm not too pleased either. Whoever says you can't hear your neighbors must have mimes for neighbors because you can literally hear anyone going in and out of the building because of their front doors. I've had to park an entire block away from my actual building because PARKING SUCKS! Why should I be punished monetarily because they keep adding to the community with people who have SEVERAL cars!? They should have resident and guest parking like any other apartment complex. Maintenance works fine with emergencies inside your apartment but anything outside of the apartment like broken lights or sprinklers are basically ignored for as long as possible although you've filed complaints multiple times. Beyond aggravated with the LCA at this point, but they know you can't go anywhere else because everywhere else in Tampa sucks and anywhere decent is way out of your price range. Rent here for a studio is $755 PLUS your electric and Internet, which makes it around $860 for me.

Donald_W824

Resident • 2018

Living here you have absolutely no privacy. Maintenace comes into your residence unannounced and frequently. Office does not call to notify you when people are coming into your residence. Understandably I'm just a renter but would like to be notified when people are coming in and out of my apartment!!!!

Angela_G

Resident • 2013 - 2017

Hi i love lake carlton been here aboit 5 is super clean..extremely quiet due to the soundproof apartments and bug free which is important when your living in grounds are kept immaculate and the maintenance immediately come to fix any problem asap..i just upgraded to a lakefront townhome .i move to that unit in 3 staff os super friendly and this place is very the jogging paths along the lakes and i have a great deal on the 20 dollars per is the best apartment complex in the entire state of just for the gorgeous natural beauty but also the sound prood units ..the walls are made of solid concrete..completely zero bugs in unit ever and also i can go jogging outside everyday and never get mosquito bites either..i would recommend this place to anyone with 5 stars for this place sincerely groberg

Current Resident 675833

Resident • 2017

I have been trying to live here for five years, and I finally have the finances and the luck of availability on my side. The reasons I love this complex are the 24-hour guard at the entrance, the indoor entryway into the units, and the fenced in patios. I have a therapy dog and she loves being outside. Since she is a lab, she needs room to run. And the patios are large enough that she has the space that she needs. I was originally unexcited about the aesthetic of the apartments themselves - the kitchens being outdated was my biggest gripe. But FINALLY they have started updating the units! I did have to mention my desire for the upgrade about a dozen times before they said they would make it happen, but the fact is that they provided me with this. This does seem to be a bit of a theme with the office staff, though. I love Damaris. I'm not sure if she is their administrative assistant or an office manager, but she is the one who runs their emails and answers the phones, and she is always greeting the guests with a smile. The leasing agents seem run down. Like I said, I have been trying to live here for five years. So I have had a lot of experience with having to deal with many different agents. I remember I called once at 4:30 (this was a few years ago) and asked if I could come see the property. The lady on the other end honestly said, "Well we like to leave here at five, so I don't think so." That was outrageous to me, but whatever. I just know that if there is something you want from these people, you have to ask. They will not offer. And this includes touring the units. They will sit with you, show you floor plans, and give you paperwork, but they will not break out the keys until you say, "Okay, I want to see the models now." And even then, they may give you a hard time. I don't know why this is. But, now that I am leased, I am not too worried about it. I will happily contact Damaris with any questions or concerns, with confidence that she will help. Overall: The apartments are beautiful, now that they are completing upgrades, and the leasing agents are subpar (and have a bit of an attitude sometimes). But I am excited to move into an apartment that feels like a home.

godmotherlimo

Prospect • Visited 2016

We Are Waiting And We Know It's Worth The Wait.. We Have Complete Confidence In Lake Carlton Arms Lutz. And We Also Know We Will Wait As Long As It Takes... Besides all we are doing is stashing money and packing slowly by getting a storage unit. We know that finding the right place means a lot to us.So We Touch Base with Miss Hope about 1 a Month And we know She knows what we are looking for. Honest and Sweet. Once we become tenants we will NOT MOVE LOL. unless we decide to get a house. If you are feeling impatient about waiting we understand but we knew what we were getting into and we know we will wait till Miss Hope finds Our dream location on the property..

Current Resident 815015

Resident • 2016

I love it here. My son is going to a A level really nice school, its quiet and is occupied by working class people. If you like fishing there are 4 lakes. I feel safe, hands down its a reason why there is a waiting list for peolple trying move in to Carlton Arms propertys in lutz, brandon etc period. This alone shows how good the property is period.

mh8626

Prospect • Visited 2016

I called to get information on their property and the woman on the phone was rude and was acting like she was annoyed with my questions. I had to repeat my questions a couple times and I see now in these reviews that is must be the same woman. If you hate your job that much, and don't enjoy speaking/dealing with people then it's time you find a new job. Needless to say I will not be renting here.

Current Resident 642002

Resident • 2016

I just moved in one month ago. I was amazed with the management, the price, and the STUNNING view of the lakes. They were so polite and helpful. My apartment had brand new carpet, paint, and blinds. The I found out we have s basic cable plan that is provided. Then I find out that I just drop the trash in thebins( also provided) and they come and collect it. I don't even have to remember to take my trash out. My lawn is cut for me and after owning a home for the last ten years I am so pleasantly relieved and at home here st Lake Carlton Arms. Way to go LCA team. You guys really are the real deal.

Current Resident 738683

Resident • 2015

We went to check out Lake Carlton Arms today the property was extremely old. When we went into the rental office the agent was very rude and curt. It really seemed as if she was not interested in speaking with us or helping us in any way. We did use the restrooms in the rental office they were old and dirty. My feeling is if they can't present themselves well before you sign the lease then I would not consider this property.

Current Resident 355209

Resident • 2003 - 2015

I lived in apartments for two years and found that I have had mold growing in all windows,sliding doors and bathrooms walls? When I told management they responded with a visit from head of maintenance that try to explain that mold was not bad? And then handed me a piece of paper that he said was from management and his thought it was a bit extreme! It stated that Residents need to wipe down all windows everyday and walls of bathroom everyday, and to utilize a/c fan all day long and to use fan in bathroom to avoid mold issues? Even maintenance said the fan in bath was small and ineffective? I have spoken to many residents past and present and they have same mold issues and was told the same. Management in my opinion is unconcerned with mold issues and all windows were installed in the 70s and not energy efficient. And washers and dryers don't work properly takes a lot of money to get dry.

Current Resident 811343

Resident • 2011 - 2015

Bedbugs still a problem. Do not move in here if you dont want bedbugs invading on you. And they DO know they have a problem but keep it hush hush! They dont even use proper extermination to solve the problem...possibly because of the cost. HEAT is the only way to control these bugs and get rid of them but they refuse to use this technique probably because of the cost of it.

melderisier

Resident • 2013 - 2015

I have lived here for almost 2years and I absolutely loved it; until I had to transfer to another apartment and my nightmare began. Prior to transferring I visited several apartments, 2 of the one I wanted were rented before I could sign the lease. I saw a third one the apartment itself was nice but the carpet in the common hallway was filthy. (Please see picture). I was hesitant because of how disgusting the carpet is. But my leasing agent which shall remain nameless kept telling me that it will be taken care of before I moved in. I visited the aprtment several times with her and told her I did not want to get that aparment and she guaranteed me that it wil be cleaned. I moved in 3 days ago and the carpet was still dirty. I put in several requests before I moved in and nothing happened. I got a call this morning and was told the carpet will be replace in the next 4years. There's nothing they can do about the stain or the smell. NO ONE told me about this before I signed the lease or before I move in. 6 Requests were putting 30days before I moved in, I finally got a call 2 days later. They will tell you what you want to hear and once you sign that lease, all they will say is sorry. I would recommend this place but not after what happened.

Current Resident 809727

Resident • 2012 - 2014

Leasing staff is slow is doing the paperwork, even if you are approved it takes them a long time to answer. Apartments are extremely outdated, and once you move in the staff in the office doesn't even say hello when you come in, no one asks if you need any help, they just ignore you. This community doesn't even have a computer center, they will not let you paint the walls and their multiple gyms and pool clubs are very very outdated. The only good thing is the maintenance, which is excellent and on point. With the rude staff, outdated features, outdated facilities, dark streets at night, there are definitely more options I will consider after my lease is done.

Current Resident 176736

Resident • 2009 - 2014

I lived at Lake Carlton Arms from 2009-2014. I actually just moved out a few weeks ago. My experience there, in a nutshell, was excellent. The Pros: affordable; decent-sized apartments for the money; maintenance responds to requests super-quick; grounds are well-kept; plenty of parking; helpful ladies in the office. The Cons: old-fashioned interiors (appliances and kitchen decor need to be upgraded); no ceiling fans; some apartments lack washer/dryer and washer/dryer connections; location is not in the most exciting area and far from a lot of things. I moved out of Lake Carlton Arms simply because I wanted a more updated apartment and I wanted to live in an area more accessible to shops, dining, etc. Even with that said, I have recommended this apartment complex to several people, especially those who need something affordable. It was a great experience for me!

Prospective Resident 79476

Prospect • Visited 2014

Very limited vacancies on 1 bedrooms with a waiting list. 7/8/14,7/15/14 small S-1 only one available You might be waiting longer than you expect.

Current Resident 174810

Resident • 2014

I have been without a properly working AC for over a week. I have submitted over three reports and the last maintenance note I received was yesterday about some new paint and how they would be back today to continue. (By the way they never came back today). Not once did I mention issue with paint or anything even closely related to that and I don't understand how I still have no working AC. Three reports and one note is all I have out of this and I honestly do not have the time to keep going back and submitting the same report with the same issues. Let me explain a bit more about my track record with this AC unit. Moved in Jan, and for the first two months it worked fine. One day it stops. They come and "fix it". Next day it stops, they come again and fix it. Following week it stops. It takes them a week to fix it. After that last fix the AC unit was at least triple its original sound, leaked way more than it normally did, and my power bill spiked up. It leaks so bad that it floods my downstairs neighbors plants and they complain to me. On top of that it leaks inside from the main vent in the hallway (I guess thats a vent?). It has fully soaked the carpet several times. Whenever I am home I try to put a cup out to prevent it, not for the carpet, but for my cat whom keeps getting sick off of it. Whatever is leaking is brown. Nasty. I am hoping it is just dirty water and nothing serious for the cat. It has been a week since my first report on this latest break. Still no AC. On top of that I now have new problems with the apartment and I am really tired of all this running around. Now the AC "looks" like its working. There is very little cold air coming out and to better explain: It has been on quite a bit, it has been set usually around 74-76 degrees. It has not gone below 78 degrees for the last week. In fact I feel lucky if it goes under 80. Another side issue I have been having is my fridge and oven shut off. I swear if one more maintenance person tells me "thats what its suppose to do" I will kick them out of my apartment. The fridge shuts off so long that when i open it all the food is warm. The oven shuts off so long that when I open it the cake thats been sitting in there for an hour is not cooked even the slightest. The stove top set on low will randomly turn red and burn food like its on high. And when I told the several maintenance and office staff I was told "thats suppose to happen". Now maybe I am not explaining it right, maybe they dont fully understand, but I am hoping this email may assist in these issues. I have been trying to email them, call them, ect, and my emails bounce back and the numbers they gave me arent real. I strongly suggest against this apt complex

Current Resident 368713

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Overall my husband and I enjoyed living in these apartments. We are moving out because the Brandon/Valrico area would be a better location for us and it's cheaper. Whenever I had a maintenance request, it was always fixed within 24 hours. The neighbors are friendly. However I will say that people speed through the parking lot and run stop signs often. I've actually witnessed a wreck from someone running a stop sign. Some staff were rude to us when we gave our thirty days notice and others were nice, so if you find a staff member you like then try to just keep corresponding with them. Also, we never had problems with rude staff, until we gave a 30 days and we followed all protocol and have been good residents. Be careful as well, because they wanted to raise our rent $32 a month more. There hasn't been anything new done to our apartment, besides painting on the outside, to be deserving of an extra $30 a month.

Current Resident 931328

Resident • 2010 - 2013

We moved here in 2010 because the apartments were a nice size and they were cheap. Our starting rent was $705 for a 2/2. Upon moving in, things were going well until we met our creepy neighbor across the hall who would hit on all of our female friends. He even let himself into our apartment (and he was drunk) while we had people over for a Christmas party. Our mail is constantly getting switched with someone down the street and no matter how many times I mention it to the mailman, it still happens. We ordered things from Amazon and they were stolen from our front door. We suspected the new neighbor's child but didn't say anything until we saw him reading one of the books we ordered a few days later. The father stuck up for his son even though he didn't know where the kid got the book from. A few months later I had to keep calling the office and security because the same boy and his friends were playing with air pellet guns in the vestibule. My final straw was when I was getting my mail and got hit with one of the bullets. I was almost 8 months pregnant at the time. The office didn't handle it until I threatened to call the police. Luckily that father and son moved out shortly after. The staff does not communicate with each other; one person will say one thing and them when you go in it's something else so always get the name of the person you talk to. The complex is horribly lit the further back you go and people speed through like they're on Dale Mabry. Our final issue (I hope) was when we went to turn in our 30 days. We ended up having to pay for 3 extra days and when they were figuring the amount we had to pay for October it took 3 different people and then they had to have the manager, Charlotte Brown, come out. There is so much scribble and cross outs on the form that I still don't fully understand. The main reason we moved out is because our rent went up over $100 in 3 years and we didn't get anything in return. No updates, no washer/dryer, nothing. Pros: Large apartment Pet deposit goes down every month Free clubhouse rentals Several pools Friendly and fast maintenance workers Cons: Outdated No communication between staff Rent goes up too much Constant and pointless roadwork Laundry centers have machines constantly out of order Only way to get money for laundry is to put it on a laundry card and the only machine for that is in the office which is only open 9-6 which is when most people, like me, are at work

Current Resident 794275

Resident • 2013

I have never had a more accomodating, friendly, and professional complex! The office ladies know everybody's name. My move in went so smoothly, communication is fantastic. Love the details of my apartment, from the seperate light/fan for the shower, two closets in the bedroom, design of the rooms, valet trash and patio is all so comfortable. I have NOT heard any noise from any neighbors! also very well lit at night, quiet and the residents here obviously take pride in their community. Moving here was such a great choice, very happy in my place!

Kevin6363

Resident • 2000 - 2013

I have been in the same apartment here for 25 years. The staff is great and no one misstreats you here. I also love how I can do things like bingo on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week.

Current Resident 516759

Resident • 2010 - 2013

A complete dump! I moved out of this rat hole three months ago, and I knew we weren't going to renew our lease. We lived here for two years and found a better apartment in Brandon. I went into the office numerous times, wishing to see how much our rent would have gone up at our renewal, but I was told that I would have to wait for the letter to be mailed to me. I also requested that I wish to move out, but once again, then said for me to await my letter in the mail. It had arrived 27 days within our move out day, hence, we had to pay an additional three days to not break out lease, because of their incompetence. This place is a rat hole. No security, constant break-ins, horrid facilities, a laughably old apartment, a joke of an A/C unit, and I could go on and on. Please don't move here. Look elsewhere. Also Charlotte Brown is a fat idiot.

skory

Resident • 2013

I lived at Lake Carlton Arms from January 2007 through May 2013. I moved into this complex because it was very inexpensive for the size of the apartments and it was safe and well maintained. I obviously liked this place because I stayed so long, it was quiet, friendly and I thought it was nice that I could walk my dog without ever leaving the apartment complex. I moved out of LCA during the summer of 2013, my lease was up in June. I knew that I would not be renewing my lease in April and I went into the office at that time to sign the non renewal notice. At the time that I went in one of the leasing agents told me that it was TOO EARLY for me to sign the form and that I would need to come back. She then told me that as long as I submitted the form prior to 2 weeks after my move out date that I would be fine. This sounded strange to me but since that was her job I believed her. So at the beginning of June I submit the form, and they tell me that I have to pay rent until July because I didn't give them 30 days notice. Not one person in that office would explain to me WHY I wasn't allowed to sign the form when I went in to give 45 days notice nor would they work with me to lessen the amount of rent that I needed to pay so that I wouldn't have a "skip" on my credit report. Supposedly Charlotte Brown, the executive director was consulted, but in reality they don't let anyone see her, so I doubt she even knows about the situation or that one of her agents is GROSSLY misinforming tenants. My husband and I are going to pay nearly $600 more to stay in an apartment we have completely moved out of already just to spare our credit. Be warned if you do live here that there are a large number of ladies in the office who are not competent leasing agents what so ever and that the customer service is most often horrible, you'll get different stories from different agents and often times when explaining problems to them they act like you are speaking another language or they don't listen to you and give you the wrong information and refuse to answer your questions. This apartment complex would be amazing if more than 10% of their staff were competent. The other not so nice aspects of living here were the communal laundry rooms, the machines were always breaking or malfunctioning, sometimes you couldn't tell until you'd already put money into them. The front office was decent about refunding your money but you really had to complain and even then they would only refund a portion. All of the appliances in my apartment were original, and probably dated back to the mid to late 80's, my stove was the only piece that was reliable. The dishwasher was completely useless, we handwashed dishes and put them in there to dry only, and my garbage disposal broke at least once per year. With the garbage disposal I was finally able to get them to replace it but only after I had lived in my apartment 3 years. My air conditioner worked well but generally needed to have the lines flushed and coolant added every summer when it started getting hot, maintenance was always quick to fix the AC. I also ended up with horrible neighbors and the complex didn't care, everything from guys throwing cigarette butts on my patio, obnoxiously loud smelly people who left all sorts of junk in the communal atrium and threw their junk mail on the floor, to the lady who fed raw putrid chicken bones to my dog making him sick twice before I figured it out. The office says that if you report these things that they will handle it but they don't take any action so don't rely on them. I would recommend living here but be very aware that the office is difficult and inconvenient and will cost you money, also plan on moving after a couple of years, the rent you begin paying will be raised $20-30/month each year which is ridiculous because there is no added value.

radiantblur

Resident • 2013

I have nothing but good things to say about that place. I have lived here on and off for 4 years and absolutely NOTHING beats this complex... It's like it's own little community, it's beautiful all throughout, there are A schools in the area. The only con is that it's so far away from everything and that's why I am moving. Charlotte, the property manager, has been super nice and helpful to me throughout the time I spent here. I know I will miss this place terribly.

Current Resident 420750

Resident • 2013

I typically do not write apartment reviews it is just something I never really agreed with. However, I had to take the time out of my day to write a review in reference to the level of customer service Lake Carlton Arms Lutz does not provide. I have been living here for two years in the complex s biggest floor plan which is the 2 bedroom 2 bath townhome. I love the community very quiet for the most part, beside the federal agents busting the door off of the townhome beside me last year. I only ever dealt with the office staff during my initial leasing process. Anytime something needs to be fix I log online and complete a service request. Recently, I decided that my floor plan was becoming way too expensive. I put in a notice to transfer into a smaller apartment. I never once heard back from the leasing assistant I had to call twice a week for an entire month before I spoke with the manager. Who told me I could not move until an apartment inspection was done. She had already done the inspection without my knowledge. Can you believe they charged be 1,200 for damaged carpet due to pet stains? But the carpet was not brand new when I moved in at the time. Then I had paid my rent up for four months and she refused to take one of the rent money orders to apply it to the carpet balance. After an entire month of, arguing and going back and forth with the lady we finally worked something out. However they still made me put in a 30 day notice when I initially gave my noticed to vacate on 4/1/2013. Pros 1. Reasonable Rent Prices 2. Open Floor Plans 3. Great Maintenance Staff Cons 1. Poor Management and Customer Service Skills 2. Only one entrance for an apartment complex that has over 1,900 units 3. Out dated apartments (only some are updated) 4. Wash and Dry Centers are out dated 5. Parking

incandescent08

Resident • 2012 - 2013

An utterly crappy apartment complex. If you wish to reside in at a place that is essentially falling apart, this is your future apartment complex! The main problem with Lake Carlton Arms is the age of their apartment units. They're at least thirty years old and all of their appliances haven't been updated since then. When your rent increases after a year of residing there, they make no effort in updating the units. Our stove caught fire earlier this month and the only thing the office management had done was send a maintenance person to look at the stove, clean it out, then place new stove drip pans on the unit. They blamed it on grease, but we keep our apartment spotless. Maybe it has to do with the appliance being over 30 years old!?!? They don't even bother to do anything great for the complex to begin with. Don't even get me started on the useless road repairs. It's a major inconvenience and the money could be better spent on putting new appliances in the units. Also, the other month, maintenance came to our apartment building at eight in the morning and began to install a new door in our building's main vestibule. It took them eight hours to do it!! So, for eight hours, you heard nothing but slamming, a drill and people shouting in Spanish. This apartment complex is a joke. For almost $800 a month, don't even bother with this place. The people in the office are useless and I gave up dealing with them. Charlotte Brown, the complex manager is a joke. I've seen gas stations better run than this place. Please, for the love of God, don't move here. We surely regretted it.