Governor's Green

akasister2012

Resident • 2012

I have lived here since March 2012. I really the place. The only real problem I have encounter was the parking. I finally purchased a reserved spot which fixed that. I would definitely recommend the apartment.

Current Resident 996184

Resident • 2009 - 2012

I have lived at this complex for 3 years and have never experienced any of the other issues reviewers have commented on. The only issue I have had is parking. My building is in the front of the complex right next to Carabbas. When the restaurant gets busy and patrons parkin the apartment complext it is annoying and hard to find parking. However, the extra lot comes in handy when I get home late and there are no spots in the apartment complex I can park in the restaurant lot and walk across. I am a female who lives alone and works odd hours. I have never feld uncomfortable, unsafe, or "feared for my life" while living here. I sometimes come home from work at 2am or later and have never been scared to walk to my apartment. I have not witnessed any crime or break-ins, my car has been perfectly safe. When I have had to call on maintance, rarely, they have responded quickly. The only real issue I had was my fridge stopped working. It did take them a few trips to figure out it was done for; however, I then recieved a new fridge the same day. They seem to go through office staff quite quickly. Granted, I do not have much interaction with them. However, it seems whenever I do go in there are always new faces. It also seems managers turnover quickly as well, which is a little frustrating. The only reason I am leaving is because of job transfer out of state. The current temp manager did try to help me with the lease breakage fee, but could not. I understand, it is a business and I did sign a lease...I appreciate her trying. I have lived at another complex in Bowie, in my opnion Governor's Green is far better. The apartments are huge and quiet. I live on the top floor and rarely hear my neighbors. I do hear traffic noise, but I am very close to Rt 50. I would absolutly recommend this complex to someone looking for a place in Bowie. I would though say to try and get a place in the front of the complex, my feeling is it's a bit better where there's more traffic around.

Current Resident 900506

Resident • 2010 - 2012

Good luck. This place is a nightmare. While living here, I have seen car thefts, in home robberies, vandalism, SWAT showing up to bust a drug deal, assaults, registered sex offenders, rumors of a rapist..need i go on? Maintenance is a joke. My apartment was dirty when I moved in. I wanted to live in Bowie, because I thought it would be safe and quiet. I was wrong. The price is too high for all of this. Find somewhere else to live.

Current Resident 226845

Resident • 2010 - 2012

It is really Dangerous here!

I have lived here at Governor's Green Apartments for a little over two years and I would like to share my thoughts on several aspects of this community. CRIME: This place has a serious crime problem. Since I have been here there has been alot of crime activity at this place. Personally, a few months after moving here my car tire and rims where stolen from my vehicle and my car was left on blocks right in front of my apartment. A neighbor had tires and rims taken off of his car as well. There has been alot of vandalism and break-ins of cars on the property. Further, there have been several apartment break-ins in which management sent an e-mail several months ago notifying residents of this activity. Recently, a resident was robbed at gun point in the daytime and the Bowie Police department left notices throughout the community to make residents aware of this incident. Anyone that has lived in the DC area for a few years is aware that Prince George's County has the worse crime rate in the enitre metropolitian area and this complex is no exception! I can honestly say that sometime I am really afraid for my life living here. The Apartments and Community: The apartments are okay. The inside of the apartments have like late 90's or early 00's decor with blond colored cabinets and white contertops. The bathroom is a little dated with old lighting fixtures. The appliances are aged but they work well. I think in a few years the entire complex could use a renovation to bring it up to todays standards. The size of the apartments is average however there is little to no room for storage for any extras that you might have. The neighbors have been okay, mostly quiet working familes and individuals. There are a few strange and loud people here and there but nothing to be concerned about. I have never had a problem with parking and there is always a parking space available for a visitor or family member. One negative aspect is the handling of trash here at Governor's Green. They have a few trash compactors here and they tend to fill up very quickly, therefore people will leave their garbage on the side walk near the trash area which not very inviting to look at every day. Management: I think the management is below average. I don't think they respond to different situations appropriately. For example, during the huge snow storm that we had here in the area a few years back, I believe it was 2010 to be exact, management failed to have snow removal in a timely fashion therefore, people were stranded because of all of snow accumulation in the parking lots. Also, I truly beleive that they are under-reacting to the escalating crime problem here at this community They are very slow to notify residents of crime activity here at this complex. Sometimes the only way that you know what is happening at this community is by talking to your neighbors. Furthermore, when there was numerous car break-ins occurring here at Governor's Green, the management office used it as an opportunity to make more money by selling reserved parking spaces for thirty dollars a month and garages rather than hiring a couple of security officers to patrol the complex at night. When you ask them about a security officer on the premises, they will tell you that they have one on site or they will say we have a few police officers that live here. Well let me tell you that when my factory rims were stolen from my car there was a police car parked in the building next door and that did not prevent my car from getting stripped! During the entire two years that I have lived at Governor's Green, I have never seen any security people patrolling the complex. The office staff seems to change quite frequently. I think the previous office staff and manger were alot better. The current manger, ------- and the other employees are unprofessional, they are not very responsive in assisting their residents. If you have an issue you can forget about calling the office because they will never answer the phone. If you leave a message you can expect that the office will not return your call. Maintenance: I really don't have anything negative to say about the maintenance staff. Most of the time they are always on time to complete service request. They are always courteous and usually the problem is fixed promptly. In conclusion, I think that Governor's Green is just your average apartment community. The most negative aspect of living here is the horrendous crime problem which I believe any potential renter should carefully take into consideration. Also, some of the positive aspects of this community; the rent is reasonable and the maintenance staff is good. Unfortunatley, because of this ongoing crime problem here I would not recommend Governor's Green to friend or a family member.

Current Resident 713265

Resident • 2012

Can't wait to leave

It was nice at first now it's just down hill! Trash gets left for weeks at a time. You never see anyone walking the grounds. People let their pets waste everywhere. Posters outside buildings are not well kept. All kinds of maintenance work all around not well kept. Office is terrible, you walk in and there is no welcoming feel. Just not so great! But if you like high rent and crime visit them!People hang out and work on their cars in parking lots!

cigarsmoker

Resident • 2003 - 2012

Yes these apts, may be a little expensive but, if you want cheap living look at the areas you haVE TO LIVE IN. In the time I have lived here I have seen no SWAT. We have had fires but they were caused by residents not following their contract or the normal kitchen fire. The people that complain about maintenance think they are the only one with a problem, however, there are over 200 other units here also. The complex can only hire a certain amount of people or else our rent would go up to pay for them. I have lived here thru the hurricane and of course the earthquake. When problems arise outside the preview of the office large maintenance from corporate are brought in. After this last wind shear my only problem is my frig went bad. Right now I am on my 3rd frig and have a brand new one I think coming in next week. I could say and do say I now live here with the thoughts of my wife. Most of my friends are gone but the office staff are now my friends and I will probably die here. I am on a fixed income and really cannot afford to move.

Current Resident 497102

Resident • 2009 - 2012

I've been here for three years and this place has really gone down from when I first moved in. The office staff changes like the weather. I personally preferred the office staff that was there when I first moved in - they were much more friendlier and accessible. The grass and shrubs are kept up but Governor's Green doesn't think it is important to have working trash compactors. The one in the front is always breaking and instead of fixing it, they placed this big tacky compactor up front. The maintenance staff that they have now is incompetent and they have to come out several times to fix the same thing. The policy of they must fix your repair in three days is a lie. I placed an order with an leasing consultant that didn't fry fixed in three days as they promised and when I inquired about my prorated rent they claimed the request was never put in even though I talked to a leasing consultant to put it in. As a result of this, I never received my prorated rent and when I called to speak with the manager she was always with another tenant, which is something she is always doing when you call to speak with her. The neighbors are rude and annoying. Not sure where these new tenants are coming from but they aren't your friendly neighbors. The ones in my building love to throw loud parties and think they're justified to play loud music at parties until 3:00 in the morning because they knocked on your door and gave you a courtesy letter that they'd be loud. I guess they think they're doing me a favor? A favor would be some money to pay towards my rent since they're taking away from the peace. Some of these women are just so trifling and stank and instead of taking there stinky trash to the dump they place SEVERAL bags outside of their front door until they feel like moving it. The neighbors also have no concept of closing a door and SLAM the doors so hard every time they close them. The new tenants are also bringing roaches to the building, which I never experienced here before. The rent is way too much here for what you don't get. It is such a hassle to move, which is why I have been sylucking it up but no more and I can't wait until my lease expires next month!

apthunting1

Resident • 2010 - 2015

I've lived at this community since July 2010. 2 yrs in a 2 bed/2 bath and 2 yrs in a 1 bd/1 bath. They typically increase your rent by $100 on your lease renewal and then reduce that offer by $25. I find it to be safe and quiet with the exception of: the fireworks at every home game at the Bowie Baysox Stadium and the occasional car alarm or someone pulling the fire alarm at 2 AM. I think the apartments are ok. The cost of living in the DC area is expensive. We pay for every thing water, trash, electric and gas. I love that you can pay your rent online using your checking account with no additional fee. The apartments are pretty basic and have not been updated since they've been built....10-15 yrs (I'm guessing). The community doesn't do anything for the residents. Most people stay to themselves. The property manager changes constantly. These last 2 yrs weren't as great as the first 2. My roof leaked for several months every time it rained and I was not compensated. My biggest issue is related to the trash. The picture below is the current situation of the trash compactor. There are only 2 trash containers which happen to be compactors for a 478 unit community. The trash is constantly overflowing. I definitively miss the old office staff Sherman, Jonathan, etc. The new staff NEVER answers the telephone.

rodneyj85

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Superb Service

My experience here at the Governor's green property has been second to none. I have not had to make any calls or complaints regarding any malfunctions. When a call was made regarding some general inquries the customer service was breath taking. The staff went above and beyond to make sure that my inquiry was handled quickly and professionally. I would recommened this property to anyone and wouild not trade my experiences here for the world. Please continue to maintain your excellent standards of service. Thank you,

Current Resident 616237

Resident • 2012

I LOVE IT HERE

Upon arrivial to the state i always saw this complex en route to my old complex and was like hmm i wonder what its like living there. Well in October my dream became reality and i moved in with any other complex it has its ups and down. Mine have nothing to do with the the people who work here but my neighbors upstairs!!! they are so loud!!!!! lol but as far as the office staff they are superb the maintainence is superb as well!!!! i have no regrets as far as moving here i just wish my neighbors were old ppl lol....but i would reccomend this complex to anyone!!!

FeelScammed

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Glad to been gone, but now the fun begins.

My family and I relocated from another state to Maryland in 2010. It was for work, so we had to move quickly. Governor Green seemed great when we visited. The grounds seemed nice and well kept. About 1 month after we moved in, we had challenges with the rental office imposing rules that were not contained in our lease such as only accepting on-line payments and certified funds. Not a big deal after you know the rules, but the contractual document, our lease, should reflect that. Also, it took over 6 weeks to resolve the move-in list issues. Additionally, it took a letter to the corporate office to resolve the uneven sidewalk that our toddlers would trip over and fall. Even then they only sanded it down, but it was good enough to avoid additonal skinned knees. The real fun began when we moved out. We followed the terms of the lease by cleaning the apartment. We even had the carpet professionally cleaned. We were surprised to get a statement of deposit reflecting over $700 for "heavily soiled carpet." I called at least 10 times in the first 2 weeks of receiving this notice to resolve with the rental office since the carpet was professionally cleaned after we moved out. There was no way that it was heavily soiled. After no returned phone calls, my husband paid them a visit. They went to show him the pictures from our apartment, but there weren't any. The rental manager said she would email us the pictures which she did. The pictures showed soiled carpet, but guess what? THE PICTURES WERE NOT FROM OUR APARTMENT! We could conclude that based on the structural layout of the apartment configuration, the tile that didn't match the tile in our apartment, of course our carpet was also cleaned. Did the rental office listen? No! They proceeded to send us to collections. I informed the caller that we would happily go to court and filed a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General's office. The AG's office has taken action; however, while there is progress the issue is not resolved. We sincerely hope that this is resolved soon, but in the meantime. I recommend the following: 1. try another Bowie apartment complex or rent a house for the price of Governor Green. 2. If you you move there anyway, be prepared to be vigalent about what you need fixed around your apartment. Also, ask them about their unwritten rules. 3. Take pictures or video of the condition of your apartment when you move out.

rentforaseason

Resident • 2008 - 2011

Really Nice Place

I have lived here for about 3 years now and I just love it. Quiet, clean, it is expensive though. I have 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms on top floor, no noise. I have everything I need in my apartment and it is very spacious. The apartments have real full size washers and dryers not this small stuff or stacked garbage other apartments give you. I've read some of the complaints about garbage and my only problem is with tenants who do not think enough of others to put their garbage in the garbage, it does not belong on the sidewalk. I find it safe at night. I have come home all different hours of the night due to travel and never, never had a problem and I am a woman, so I feel very safe here, very. There are many officers who live here on the complex. I do have one complaint though, they need to stop changing management people, really. They have good people and then they move them on so it is hard to develop a good relationship with new management over and over again and I cannot see how Equity does not see this as a problem. Promote from within on the complex, dont't keep moving your people. I hardly ever seen a bug in my placer ever. I have nothing but good things to say about living here. One caution, do not live on the 1st floor, that is where the break-ins have taken place and, put locks on your doors, all of them even the knob if you can, that is helpful also as well as getting an alarm system. Electric is high, gas is high but overall, it is a good place to move. My lease is up soon and I am agonizing over thinking about moving to a less expensive place because I have so much peace at Equity/Govenors Green. 9 times out of 10 I will probably stay because I have found nothing cheaper that is comparable to what I am experiencing here, such peace and I am very thankful.

FedUp20716

Resident • 2010 - 2011

We're Leaving!

This place wasn't bad when we moved in, in the summer of 2010, but in our opinion it went downhill fast. We moved to a larger apartment in December 2010 after the ceiling was falling in in our old one (water leak upstairs), and still got to pay the relocation fee even though we would have been forced to relocate while they fixed it. When we got to the new apartment we could feel the cold air gushing through around the windows (we have thermal curtains and they just slow it down). When we asked for maintenance, they finally came out a month later and put in foam that really doesn't do it. Nothing since then despite requests and it's been almost a year. The water heater had to be replaced shortly after getting to the new apartment and is on the verge of going again, not nearly enough hot water for one person to shower, much less 3 of us. I think the problem is that the regional office won't allow any "costly" repairs, which are desperately needed. The children's play area seems to get vandalized on a weekly basis and I've stumbled across what I think may have been drug deals going on. Cars fly through the neighborhood despite the speedbumps. Others have noted that there are police officers who live here, my only interaction was one throwing a football out of his car to some kids while driving. Sure, it's a nice touch, but don't do it while you're driving. As our lease was set to expire, they upped the rent almost $500, and they won't allow longer than a year lease. The trash compactor is often overflowing with garbage, I've heard the compactor has broken a couple times, but if it's occurring on a monthly basis they need to look at replacing it. The neighbors are loud and rude (throwing trash off balconies, kids running up and down the stairs at all hours, banging on the walls), and the apartment wouldn't do anything to stop it. All the people that work here are really nice and we feel horrible that the corporation has given them nothing to work with (as far as we can tell). We found a house to rent nearby with twice the space at the same price. We recommend you don't waste your time, just go rent a house.

sdtbet

Resident • 2011

Love it here...

Great place to live. Quiet, clean, and nice staff. I have no issues.

Current Resident 417814

Resident • 2010

No way!

I been living here for almost one year. Its' my first time renting an apartment and its been the worst expierience EVER! - Located near main highways, so it is the favorite place for thieves. I've been robbed twice. The maintanance crew fixed the door 3 days after, so I couldn't sleep or been able to go to work for 3 days because the door was completely open!This is not the first incident on this apart complex and if you don't believe me go, to the Bowie police station and ask! -It is a dirty place.... accumulation of trash in front of the compactor and recycling bins ALL THE TIME! Discusting. - There is no parking! they are charging for the parking reservation(like $100/monthly or something like that)since the number of parkings are limited there is not enough parking for the other residents. I am just waiting for the day to get out of here! The staff is great but overall....this is not the best/safest place to live.

sharewithmouli

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Best in this area

This apartment is the best in this locality. Excellent maintenance. Close to eating place, shopping. right close to 301 and 50 but little inner opposite to toyota center so that you have no noise from highways. I am completely satisfied with this.

Current Resident 499162

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Great place to live.

The apartments are nice, the insides are good for the price compared to others around. At first parking was a hassle if you worked late, I could never find a space close to my building but they started reserved parking for a fee and its a lot better for those who chose to pay for the space. The walls are nice and thick so I don't hear my neighbors which is always a plus. The grounds are always maintained and never any trash. I feel safe leaving and coming at late hours in the night to my car. The staff is nice as well as there maintenance crew. It takes about 2-3 days for them to fix any problems I have which isn't too bad. I do wish the closets were bigger and the trash compactor wouldn't be over filling at some times. They plow the parking lot almost immediately when there is a snow storm and they salt the walkways and stairs which I was worried about at first with the ice. The gym is a little too small but its nice. Overall, these are the first apartments I've ever lived in and they're great.

paki0213

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Very Nice

Governor Green Apartments has EVERYTHING you need. 1. Close to shopping 2. Close to major highways (i.e. Route 50 and 301) 3. Quiet (except if your building is close to 301) 4. Well kept grounds (except for the one trash compactor) 5. Nice staffing I love living here. The building I stayed in was nice and the neighbors were polite and friendly. I can not speak on maintenance being as though I never had to call on them. I stayed in a two bedroom apartment and was just enough space for my fiance and I. Especially when our nieces and nephews came over. I never felt afraid coming out the door at night for work. There was only ONE incident that took place here but other than that I LOVE IT. The price is a tid bit high however most apartments in the area are around the same price but Green offers more space in my opinion. The parking is enough. If you are looking for a well kept apartment complex and peaceful then Governor Green is for you.

neveragain6511

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Poor Management

The management encourages and insists that we all pay the rent online... Then the online interface for payment constantly has error messages and doesn't work... THEN when the payments can't be made you get charged a late fee. Any complaints about this fall on deaf ears.. They're not hearing any of it. Late fees still have to be paid regardless of errors on THEIR end. Of course, the convenient explanation for all this is that "corporate handles that" right before extending their hands for their ill-gotten late fees. Ridiculous and, considering payments are reported to the credit agencies, DEFAMATORY. The greatest part about this? This has happened a few times.. sometimes the payments actually go through DESPITE the error message.. other times it won't.. So have fun dealing with late fees from the apartment and overdraft fees from the bank when you try to pay multiple times and get the same error message. Of course, management couldn't care less about this either. Thanks for looking out for your tenants. You'd think this "corporate office" would have a handle on its software capabilities. You'd think something as simple as an online e-payment module would be seamless and convenient.. Instead, Governor's Green manages to screw it up. And the tenants suffer for it. No surprise there.

BlamBlam

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Pretty Good.

I lived here for almost a year now but not renewing my lease. Im not a big fan of the area, has nothing to do with crime or location just i dont prefer the area. I havent had any problems with these apartments at all, no loud neighbors or anything like that. Just watch out for the kids in the summer time, they LOVE to hang out around other peoples cars (like they own it). So if you move here try to get an apartment facing the parking lot. Besides that i only received one letter about a robbery. Pretty well lighted area, dont feel uncomfortable at night. Great neighborhood. Prices are pretty high especially with having to pay all utilities. But good apartments.

Current Resident 283623

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Great staff - nice place to live

I have been living here for nearly two years. The office and maintenance staff are really pleasant and professional; they go out of their way to be helpful, and to maintain the property (even when some tenants make that unnecessarily difficult). I have never had to wait for more than one business day for non-emergency maintenance requests. The insulation between units is excellent - I almost never hear my neighbors except when they are in the breezeway. The location is very convenient - but does have a lot of traffic noise, especially in the summer when the motorcyclists race up and down Route 50.

happykatie27

Resident • 2010

Lived at Governors Green for about a month now

My boyfriend and I decided to move in together in the beginning of November. The office staff is very polite and courteous. I have had numerous packages already delivered and they would sign for me when I was not home. When you go into the office someone always greets you by name and asks how everything is with the apartment, ect. Everything works in our apartment, it was nice and clean when we moved in. The only thing negative I could say is that I wish there were dumpsters/garbage pick up in various locations around the apartment complex instead of just 1. Other than that we love it for our first apartment together!

Current Resident 182565

Resident • 2006 - 2010

Nice Place to Live

I have lived at Governor Green Apts. for over 4 years. The leasing office and maintenance staff has been courteous and helpful. Maintenance concerns are fulfilled correctly in a timely period. Shubbery and play area are both well maintained. Ample parking is available.

Current Resident 136503

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Worst Place to Live

Upon moving into the apartment, the complex appeared to be well kept and maintained. The community has had little crime and friendly neighbors. However, i have had problems with the apartment which took the maintenance crew several visits in order to fix the problem. The apartment also has problems with a bug infestation. Living here, I have encountered every bug species imaginable in my apartment. As a resident, you are required to pay for trash pickup, however, most of the time you will find a mountain of trash bags outside the trash compactor. Also, parking is a big problem in the community. If you come home past eight o'clock, you will have park all the way down the street and walk to your apartment. After a year, i am extremely excited to leave the community when my lease is up. The rent is about to increase soon. Take my advice and do not waste your hard earned money on this place.

Current Resident 827032

Resident • 2010 - 2011

My family and I recently relocated to the area. We were initially going to a different apartment complex when a police officer friend of mine warned me about the safety issues. As a mother of twin 2 year olds, I had significant concerns about my children's safety so my husband and I decided to move to Governor Green. After checking with my police officer friend, I was informed that this was a much safer community. With less than 2 week's notice they were able to identify an apartment, get it ready, and allow us to move in. The grounds are beautiful and clean. We have had to make 2 service request and both were resolved in less than 48 hours. The neighborhood is quiet with the exception of fireworks on the weekend from the Bowie Baysox games. This is a plus for us, the kids love to see the fireworks. My only complaint is the closet space. This may not be their fault, I may just have too many clothes. :-) I have not lived in an apartment in 13 years so it has been an adjustment for me.