Carlton Arms North

Prospective Resident 84179

Prospect • Visited 2010

Rude Office Staff!

Upon arriving at Carlton Arms excited to view their models, I was greeted by a very rude and disrespectful office personnel. With a very bad attitude she approached my daughter and myself to find out what we wanted. She abruptly proceeded to tell us with indifference and disgust in her voice and body language that it is wet outside so she can't show us the apartment. Amazed that after driving one hour, it appeared she just didn't want to get her hair or makeup wet! What a shame! It appears to be a well kept complex, but after that greeting I wouldn't want to have to deal with them on a regular basis! We left and will not go back. Being in sales myself, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't rent to many more with her bad attitude! Management should correct the situation.

Current Resident 614562

Resident • 2010

Outside beautiful, Inside needs work.

We've lived in Carlton Arms for almost 3 years now. The outside is absolutely beautiful and well maintained. We've never had any sort of bug problem, and we have a dog in the apartment. However, we can never get a parking spot in front of our apartment. We always have to park in front of the buildings on either side of ours. It's irritating because we see other areas in the complex where there are always free spaces. I don't mind walking, but I just don't understand where all these cars are coming from. There's a truck parked in front of our building that's been "for sale" for the better part of 6 months and hasn't moved. I have two big issues with this apartment. First, the kitchen and bathrooms are horrid. Neither of them have been updated in 20 years. I'm 25, and this crap looks older than I am. The kitchen cabinets don't even have matching handles! It appears they just replaced them with whatever they had around at the time they broke. We call the oven "-----'s Oven" because it's stainless steel and will burn us from the outside! It isn't level, and the controls are analog, i.e., my alarm clock is more advanced than this oven. The bathrooms are as much of a nightmare. There has been mold in the bathroom from day one, and it isn't budging. The shower in the master bedroom is plastic-y and it is impossible to clean the bottom of it. And I'm not whining because I don't like to clean. This is seriously impossible. I have tried every cleaning product under the sun. The icky wall paper went out of style before I was old enough to care. The absolute worst thing that grosses me out the most: the mold!!!!! I have to Tilex the bedroom window and sliding glass doors. They condense on the INSIDE of the house. Daily. And if I have to clean the mold like this, it only makes me wonder how long that's been going on. It's probably seeped into the walls around the windows. I shudder at the thought. The sad part is, this is probably the best value and safest place around. There's only one way in and one way out. There is a guard at the entrance 24/7. The guards patrol at night. We had an incident where a neighbor was dumping garbage and dog feces on my car last year, and they really did keep an extra eye on my car. They all know me by name now. The maintenance guys come out usually within 24 hours of calling. I know this because our a/c continues to break, and they continually come out to fix it. I just wish they would replace the a/c so we wouldn't have to keep calling them. They are very nice though. Renzo is the one that always come to our apartment, and he is very friendly. There are lots of little cleaning ladies that drive around in golf carts all day. Once in a while I see once clean the entrance to our building. They do not seem as friendly, but one time a guest of one of our upstairs neighbors vomited over the stair rail, and kindly left it in front of our door. The cleaning people came out and did everything they could for the stain and the smell. It is so beautiful on the outside. Why can't the inside be just as nice? Maybe we just got the oldest, ugliest apartment in the complex...

JazZ09

Resident • 2009 - 2010

I didn't know that apartment places in overall can be this good. Very nice community, very safe, clean, no noise except if you live in buildings that are next to the main road (Fletcher Ave.) then you can hear cars passing by, but I got used to that!

nu2tampa

Prospect • Visited 2009

Looks Good

I recently moved to tampa from NJ.I have no friends here and googled for good apartments near brandon and temple terrace. Finally saw this apartment in apartmentratings and found interesting and visited once. Also visited sabal park ( sabal park drive) , korman residential ( river chase) both are stinky. Korman was really disgusting. Though lakewood place ( brandon) was OK, i preferred Carlton Arms because of its quiet atmosphere,maintenance. I just signed on leasing agreement and will be moving by end of this month. So far it looks good, hope it would be good. Lets see what would be my comments after moving there. nu2tampa

CoreyandCat

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Going to miss this place...

I have lived in many different apartments in Tampa, Fl throughout my life and this apartment complex is by far my favorite. I used to live here when I was a teenager and moved back in with my wife and first child. There are many things that make this place the best. First of all, the staff is excellent! It really does make a difference how the staff treat their residents. The office staff are very kind and always willing to help, and the maintenance crew are quick to fix things in the apartment and will also help you outside too. I can't praise the ladies in the office enough. Second, the place is gorgeous! I love the lakes and the trees all around the community. And even though the community is older they take very good care of things. I am a lover of brownstones too and it just feels like home. And third, the other residents are great. For the most part the other people here keep to themselves. We have never had a problem with anyone, and everyone has been nice. So you may be asking yourself, "If you love it so much then why are you moving?" Well, my wife has family out west who are willing to help us out with our daughter. So we are moving there and only hoping to find an apartment complex like this one.

Current Resident 874629

Resident • 2007 - 2009

Traffic Nightmare

I have lived at this apartment complex for 2 years - lets cut right to the chase...the traffic flow through the complex is a NIGHTMARE, the roads inside the complex are very narrow and it is difficult for 2 cars going opposite directions to maneuver around corners and curves and not to mention trying to exit onto Fletcher Ave. without a traffic light, you will sit for more than 5 - 10 minutes trying to enter or exit during heavy traffic times. Watch out for the majority of the tenants that ignore the fact that there are sidewalks to walk on and insist on walking in the middle of the roads and will not let you pass in your car without giving you dirty looks. Bathrooms are very small - laundry facilities on site get very crowded and at times you have to wait for an available washer or dryer to finish your laundry, which is very frustrating. On the plus side - maintaince is excellent - grounds are kept very clean and trimmed - office staff is very friendly and rent is very reasonable.

Current Resident 516977

Resident • 2008 - 2010

Nice place to live

I have been and am enjoying living at Carlton Arms North. It is an older property, but my rooms are huge, and I have been able to decorate them the way that I want, without worrying about being charged some ungodly amount. The maintenance here are very nice, and are as prompt as they can be, taking in consideration that this is a very large apartment complex. The landscaping here is breathtaking, and you can always count on seeing the grounds guys working their butts off all day long to keep it that way. The office is missing a couple of smiling faces, and a lot of the friendliness/warmth is gone, but the ladies in the office seem ok. I have enjoyed the couple of years that I have been here, and I love the fact that people here mind their own business, and yet are very friendly. I have met many good people here, and have made new friends that I plan to keep if and when I ever move away. All in all, I consider this a great place to live!

lazyme2

Resident • 2009

Peaceful & Beautiful

I live at Carlton Arms North and it is the best place in Tampa to live. The office staff is very pleasant and accommodating. Maintenance is quick and professional and the grounds are very well kept. You get garbage picked up at your back door and mail delivered to your front door. Convenience is an understatement. The views are breath taking and we are able to go boating on the Hillsborough River and fishing is great. I tell everyone I know how wonderful it is to live at Carlton Arms North. My rent did not go up this past year and that was unbelieveable! I can park my car in a covered parking area and it is also a great place to walk. We have staff that roams the property at night on golf carts. They do not let anyone in on the property unless you have the person's name and apartment number. They are very strict about the rules, which is a big plus. This will be my home for as long I live.

Current Resident 247158

Resident • 2009

CARLTON ARMS NORTH LAKELAND

If you like to live with ------, CUBANS and ARABS this place is great.

tjasmina

Resident • 2009

Not bad!

I have been living in Carton Arms North for a year. First thing that really bother me is that my apartment is right next to the main road (Fletcher) and it is NOISY! I though I would get used to it over time, however I never did. Cars are constantly going by of course, so you can't enjoy a nice quiet morning especially in the fall when it is not humid and you can actually open a window... Also, it is not fair that the same apartment further inside the complex where there is no noise is the same price as mine. Second, inside needs some major updating like kitchen, bathroom...It is so old! However, I have to say that this is a very safe place which was my main thing. Ladies in the office are very professional what got my attention in the first place. Maintenance is on top of everything. No delays! If they would just update kitchens and bathroom...Oh, this place would be on the TOP!

Current Resident 559268

Resident • 2007 - 2009

Love this place

I usually only take time to write reviews if I'm upset, but not this time. I love these apartments. The walls are thick/my neighbors are quiet. Parking is great for my guests and I at whatever time I arrive home. Maintenance is fast, if not same day, usually next day. Pest control works-I live next to the woods and I NEVER see bugs, unless they are already dead. Very spacious apartments. Courteous staff. Beautiful lake views, some with colorful fountains. May be lucky to see wildlife- ducks, rabbits, alligators (from a distance). Very peaceful. Safety has never been a concern here. I know a lady that has lived in this community since the early 80s. The property is always clean an well kept. I recently looked around to see if I could find a cheaper apt. or the same price with 2 bedrooms, but after my search and reading peoples reviews of these places, I am staying where I am.

Current Resident 872805

Resident • 2008 - 2016

Paper thin walls, Can hear my neighbor every time they close a cabinet in the kitchen. Can hear music through the walls. Grounds are very well kept, buy don't try to sleep in with all the lawnmower noise. Exiting the property is very dangerous, don't make a left on Fletcher or risk death. Very close to USF. Hope you enjoy curry, because this place has a huge Indian population. I would give it a solid 3 stars, but greed is now making rents over a thousand dollars a month, too much. Ask about the sink holes?

Current Resident 125332

Resident • 2008 - 2009

PSYCHO ladies

at first glance the apartments are nice. when you walk into the front office, a lady with a completely false smile greets you and then you are talked to like you are a child. i have lived here for nine months now and dreading the thought of renewing my lease. i am a college student and that didn't sit well at first. they did everything they could to keep me out, even let it slip that they don't like student residents. i had to jump through hoops to get them to accept my financial situation, although i had more than three times the rent income. they did an inspection and TOOK PICTURES, digital ones too. That is a major violation of my privacy... not one allowed by the lease either. i think they are trying to get rid of me because i'm a student. i also know a girl within the complex who got a notice because she had a friend spend the night. They actually checked on the car in the middle of the night. The monitor all visitors... why not get an automated gate, saves them the cost of three employees. There is this little old lady that will drive around on her golf cart in the middle of the night to check on everyone... what's she going to do, but they definitely have security patrol-- HA. i agree with the other residents that if you are a traditional family you will love it here, but even if you are the best tenant in the world, but have odd colored hair, piercings, or go to school, if you even get in, they will do whatever they must to get rid of you.

Current Resident 807987

Resident • 2005 - 2009

Current Resident - Its your Choice

I have lived here for 4 years. The environment and the lake is good and decent neighbors. The maintenance is prompt and its very safe for families. But lately I'm thinking about moving to a different apartment. They have been increasing the rent every year averaging around $40 a year and is getting pricey for what it has to offer. The apartment itself very old and there is lot of mold problem and paints coming off, the kitchen design is only meant for people that would use microwaves or ovens and occasionally cook. The Bathrooms are small and with very little storage space.The gym is just for namesake, they also advertise having a sauna which never worked or in a locked room that no one has keys to. No washer dryer hook up and half of the machines in the laundry facility wont work. With their rules for satellite dishes its next to impossible to get it installed,unless geography favours you, yet i have seem many of them have it, if only the staff noticed it properly they would ask them to remove it immediately, so watch your TV before they notice how it is installed. Second the staff and especially the managers at carlton arms North are extremely rude and disrespectful. Even some maintenance staff there are very rude, usually they will be driving around in their golf carts and blocking the road especially when you are going to the office, there was a maintenance staff driving infront of my car for a while, I saw him wave his hands and thought he is asking me to pass, which i did very carefully and slowly, apparently he wasn't signalling for me to pass him and he become angry, stopped the cart in front of my car and cursed me verbally with obscene hand gestures, my explanantion that i misunderstood his hand signal didn't stop him. Also they dont let residents in the club house downtstairs near the main pool, i have seen the staff around curtly telling residents to leave the club as it is only meant for staff and guests. I have also seen several times the staff yelling at residents for gathering near the pool and ask them to disburse. There are many families and usually moms gather in the evening with their kids to socilaize and unfortunately the staff at carlton arms have a problem with them. For god sake these are not terrorists trying to plot schemes, just a few bored women who want to get to know others. Basically they are so strict about their rules and dont give a damn to human values. They will send a curt and unfriendly notice for just about anything, you have not cut your weeds in your patio, you have paid rent only 3 times on the 1st day of the month, but 4 times on the 2nd.Without notice they will take pictures of your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom to send you notice to maintain or leave. Its like living in a nunnery or a correctional facilty fearing the management what they would have for you next.

savyshell

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Loved it!!!

We lived here for a year and we loved it! There is plenty of parking. Maintenance was quick when we called. The rent was cheap! The apartments were 20 years old and they were very well put together. We never heard our neighbors. Even though it is close to the college, there was a lot of families. The doormen were nice, and strict, which made us feel safe. Management was very nice and very helpful! I loved laying out by the pool with the lake right in front of it. Great price! Great place to live.

Current Resident 47185

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Cheap Living

I have lived at Carlton Arms North for about 6 months, and I am definitely planning on renewing my lease. The rent is inexpensive for what you get - the apartments are nice, I rarely hear my neighbors (thick walls), free water and tv, trash is picked up right outside my back door, and the couple of maintenance issues that I have had have been quickly taken care of. The outside of the buildings are well taken care of, and although there are no washer/dryer hookups, the laundry room is always clean, and there are always machines available. This is a good place for those that do not want to be surrounded by partying students, and has a family friendly atmosphere. For the price, it would be difficult to beat the quality and service found at Carlton Arms North.

Current Resident 842492

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Is a good view enough?

I lived at the edge of a large lake with wide grass margins and large trees. I moved out because the cigarette smoke from nearby apartments was in every room of my apartment all the time. The management offered to inspect my apartment for openings and never did. Also, the grounds people used loud machinery almost every day Monday-Friday beginning at 7 a.m., doing the same trivial things they did only a few days before. And the noise of the air conditioners on the balconies and patios was unbearable in the summer. The apartments were poorly constructed with drafty windows and primitive fixtures and appliances.

Current Resident 423272

Resident • 2006 - 2008

The reason this place is great

is because Management is so tough. Think about it. This complex is at least 20 years old and isn't overpriced. Yet it is quiet here and family friendly while being really diverse, which is great for my kids. Normally it is a price barrier that keeps out a certain undesirable type of person. You know who I mean. The one who blasts their radio right outside your kids bedroom window at night or is outside drunk and fighting with their girlfriend/boyfriend. The place I lived before was terrible when we got new managment because they didn't respond to tenants complaints. My front window was busted open when the couple next door got into a fist fight with each other, and my car vandalized. We don't have that here. It's because management doesn't take any crap. I love them for it.

Current Resident 64191

Resident • 2008

Animal advice

We have lived here for two months and so far everything has been great. Parking is plentiful, grounds is eye pleasing, and maintenance is prompt. The apartment themselves are old fashioned but functional and we were lucky to have a new stove installed in our apartment. The only issue that we have had is with the animal services. Our dog is close to the animal limit and we have provided paperwork to prove it but we feel that we have been scrutinized many times for it. There are only a few spread out "animal walks" to bring your animals but otherwise it is not encouraging to walk your animal around the complex. We are very responsible pet owners and take our dog to a nearby park for exercise. As a place that lets you have animals, they do not give you the freedom to responsibly walk your animal without paranoia. So my advice it that if you have a very active dog this may not be the right place to live and only if you are able to bring your animal out of the complex on a daily basis. Otherwise the experience has been welcoming.

dfelix

Resident • 2004 - 2008

Carolton Arms North - The Best Value!!!!

This is the 3rd time I've moved back to these apts. The staff is 5*, professional, diligent, courteous. The landscapers r working everyday and do an outstanding job, r very organized and seem to have outlined duties. Maintenance, courteous and r usually there next day to fix whatever!. The sq. footage is the best compared to the small modern apts of today. They r fancy, but small! I love the back fenced in patio, where I could garden a little and spend time outside and my pets cld enjoy the outside while being protected. I love the lake view in my back yard with a beautiful fountain that changes colors. I feel safe w/the 24 security guard. Other apts. have gated communities not safe, because u could wait and follow another car in. They break down or kept open during busy times of days and weekends. Prices r compatible, they r old apts, but floor plans r excellent and they are kept up constantly. They got new roofs, last time, new fences, now internet in clubhouse and AC in laundry rooms. Basic cable and water r included and trash pick-up twice a week. Pets, 2 allowed, at $20 a mo. for ea. one. Better than $300 - 500 deposit, it would take 25 months before I paid the $500 and pain is minimum at $20 a mo. Love this place!!!!

Current Resident 921488

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Could find better

I recently left Carlton Arms due to a few reasons. The main reason is the people at this apartment complex are extremely nosey and not very friendly. Its a mix between college students and elderly people. There are nightly gatherings of people of Hindu decent (who dont ever swim) surroundiung the pool practicing their religion which includes singing and dancing... I understand the guards are their working but it was impossible for people to come visit without a 5 minute consultation before you even enter the complex. The biggest thing for me though was my fiance getting bit by a coral snake on OUR OWN PATIO in broad daylight while picking up a peice of trash. (it was curled around a tiki torch) The complex told us it happens in Fl and refused to the bill, which included a 3 night stay at the hospital and 4 antivenom injections. Also God forbid you go 1 mile over the speed limit you have the elderly people screaming at you. I lived there with my fiance for 9 months and left 3 months early for a better deal and so did our next door neighbors. We had to call the office numerous times to have someone come out to replace our stove that was from the 18th century, the fire alarm would constantly go off in the middle of the night and we decided to take the alarm down. We never had anyone come out to get us a new one after repeated phone calls. We left a cell phone on the back patio overnight by accident and early in the morning we found it stomped on all over our patio and disassembled. Yes we filed a police report. The bug inspectors that came out just walked right into your apartment no matter what you are doing. The price is a little high for the area but I guess compared to the complexes around it, it was ok. I will end this with a few good things. The office staff was extremely nice, and the complex was kept up. The trash bins/service right outside was nice. but conmpared to all the negatives i personally wouldnt recommend this complex.

Current Resident 919324

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Not the best choice

I have lived in many apartments and this complex is the worst. The appliances in my apartment are old and needed to be replaced 5 years ago--the oven timer is not functional. The worst part was right after I moved in I realized that my apartment had an ant problem. Getting rid of ants is a big pain!!! Three weeks after I moved in my toilet broke and I had to request maintenance to come out and fix it many times which they were never able to do. I finally had to go out and buy the new parts and fix it myself. The views of the lake and river are gorgeous but that's the only plus side to living here.

ckperin

Resident • 1995 - 2005

Realistic living @ Lake Carlton Arms

I lived at Lake Carlton for 9 years. I did love the view of a canal off the lake and loved having the washer/dryer which was extra. I also loved the fact that the place was designed for walking with sidewalks and open views of the lake and ponds with lawns and trees that were kept manicured. I did rent a private carport because it was the only way to insure I had a nearyby parking place. The property manager, Charlotte, was very good and could get things done quickly when there was a problem; but her office people were cold. Almost all times one had to deal with them. I was also sent an evection notice when I was paid two months in advance because someone screwed up the bookkeeping. That was a pain to get straightened out because the person I was dealing with didn't believe me. I had to get Charlotte involved. Out of the nine years I was there the maintence people were efficient, except for one big exception. My dishwasher and hot water were not working properly. The dishwasher would not clean and the hot water would empty out in about 20 minutes. The maintence people could not find anything wrong with the dishwasher and wouldn't check the hot water heater because it was at the back of a closet behind three other hot water heaters. After several complaints, the maintence manager told his workers that I lied about having maintence problems. I was told this by one of the maintence men after questioning him about why I couldn't get things fixed. It took me a year to get my dishwasher working efficiently and the hot water heater fixed. By the time they put a new water heater in I was only getting about 5 minutes of hot water and I had to complain to Charlotte to get that done. I should have complained to her much sooner about the problems and about what the maintenance manager was saying about me. I moved away and I do miss it the views and the walks.

Guynxtdr15001

Resident • 2006 - 2012

Renewing My Lease

I just renewed my lease again for my SIXTH year now. I LOVE THIS PLACE!! I rent a two bedroom one bath for $889 per month, you just can't beat what you get for that price. Where can you rent a two bedroom one bath that INCLUDES your water, sewer and my cable. Yes - some of my appliances are a little older but they still work. I included a picture of what I see out my patio - the water views are awesome. This place runs a tight ship without a doubt. Anytime I've called the office for maintenance they are so quick to get things done. The ladies in the office are always great and I can use their fax machine a copier when they are open. If anyone wants a huge patio with a great view at a decent price, this is the place. I had asked to transfer from the lake that I am living on right now to an apartment on the River but decided the trouble of moving wasn't worth it. Can't beat the PRICE for what you get!!! PLUS they added air conditioning to the Laundry Room with FREE WIFI - I can't believe I didn't get a rent increase

rolenlulu

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Would Recommend

I've lived in Carlton Arms North for almost one year, and while I am switching to a different complex, I had a relatively good experience while here. The staff has has been friendly whether I've called with a question or had to go in to speak to them. They are pretty strict with rules but you can't blame them for that. I've never had an issue with parking other than the obnoxious construction recently where they re-roofed my building and I had to park away from my apartment, and just one week later blocked off the entire side of the complex for a week and a half. I live alone and am a younger female so I thought it was inappropriate that I was required to walk VERY far at night to get to my apartment since I had to park SO far away during all the construction. My neighbors have been pretty quiet overall, maybe an occasional barking puppy but nothing unbearable or worth complaining about. It's true that the fixtures are really outdated, but they are still in fair working order and the maintenance has a quick turnaround on fixing any problems. The guardhouse staff has always been nice to my guests and very friendly with me, so no problem there. Another WONDERFUL characteristic of my apartment here is NO BUGS! I hate seeing bugs in my apartment, and other than the occasional little spider, I have never had any kind of bug problem! It's great! I also LOVE that my trash is directly under my apartment so it's super easy to take out trash, and the mail is inside my complex, so I don't even have to endure the rain to get my mail! My only complaint would be the extremely narrow roads, it is difficult to navigate around other cars and the one-way tiny roads. Also, I wish the appliances were newer, and it would be great if there were at least washer and dryer hookups in the apartment since the community laundry center is constantly out of order. My utility bill is reasonable and rent is ok, I think it is a bit high but I do have a beautiful lake view so I guess that's worth the money. Overall, I would recommend this... it's a huge improvement from my last apartment complex, West Park Village.