Camden Shadow Brook

Aparajit.malli

Resident • 2014 - 2015

*** Updating my review** Leasing agent called and took care of some issues. It was nice to see that they are listening and taking actions to fix the issues. Rent hike is still a problem. Otherwise, great apartment! ************** At first, it looked great. The rent was decent for the value (but bad school district, but I didn't care since I just had a baby). 1) Amenities are just ok. Most of the time the pool or the fitness center or so called cinema theater seems to be under maintenance. 2) The worst part was during the lease renewal, rent jumped $300. Obviously, when I talk to the leasing office, they won't and cannot do anything about it. 3) I had another bad experience with a furniture I ordered online reached leasing office. I don't why know this happens. It is a heavy furniture and I paid for the delivery but reached the leasing office instead of my apartment door step. I couldn't get help for a week to pick it up and one day I get a call from leasing office - You have to take it today (calling at 5 PM and leasing office closing at 6 PM) or we will send it back. Somehow I managed to get out of my office, got help from my poor old father in law and put it in my car trunk (trunk open.. of course)..

Current Resident 624102

Resident • 2012 - 2014

Camden Shadow Brook looked great, seemed very nice, but ultimately damaged our family and treated us terribly when it came down to addressing problems. After writing a previously glowing review, it's clear to me now exactly why people leave Camden with such a bitter, horrible aftertaste. Management appears to literally hate their tenants, but with a smile. What we mistook for friendliness and service, was actually a well-oiled effort to fool new tenants into believing the institution has a soul. The REIT cares for only maximizing returns at the expense of every tenant, and apparently, of their initially-innocent but gullible "best places to work sounds nice" management staff, which has built a cult-like scab over human caring, in order to extract all potential economic value out of a tenant while providing the least legally possible level of service. We were duped for a long time, but over time the dark truth reveals itself. We brought up a serious safety issue involving potential inexpensive fixes, only to have communications ignored or met with "looking into it" for many months. They never got back to us. We experienced two Camden-culpable floods, one of which damaged personal goods and destroyed the carpet, necessitating evacuation and massive cost and inconvenience. Management responded by ignoring all requests to take responsibility for the damages, and even having the audacity to charge us 100% for the destroyed carpet after moveout. Multiple reasonable attempts to beg reason were ignored, and we were thrown to collections like common criminals. Camden gets what Camden wants. What Camden wants has nothing to do with tenant care or satisfaction, and everything to do with lining the pockets of Camden shareholders. If we're ever in need of rental housing again, we will do everything to avoid a Camden property. The pretty polish, and faux luxury, hide a chintzy short-minded management philosophy and tenant-hating corporate Camden culture.

Gamera84

Resident • 2014

valet trash: you pay an extra $35 added on to rent every month for "valet" trash where they "come" to pick up your trash at your door and take it to the dumpster for you. The garbage bin is literally within 15 yards from our apartment so I never use the valet trash, but I still have to pay for the service regardless. The one time I did try to use valet trash, my trash was never picked up from my door. Noise: I have lived in several apartment complexes, and this complex is by far the worst in noise. I do not think there is any insulation between the walls. I can hear my neighbors conversations without putting my ear to the wall. I hear them fighting constantly at all hours of the day/night. I have to wear earplugs to get a more restful sleep, but I can still hear them through my earplugs!! Smells: I can smell pot and pet odors coming from neighbors apartments, again this probably has a lot to do with not having insulation between the apartments. safety: overall, I felt pretty safe in this apartment until I started hearing random people jiggling my front door knob in the middle of the day. This has happened more than once, people checking for unlocked doors so they can come in and steal things. I would not leave anything unlocked around here. Grounds: there is dog crap everywhere around the complex despite the fact that there is a dog park. People allow their dogs to go anywhere, and many do not clean up after their pets so I would not step in the grass here. Maintenance: the appliances in the apartment are cheap and prone to breaking down. I have had to put in several service requests since moving in at the beginning of this year. The maintenance men are quick to fix the problems. However, just because I am a GRINGO does not mean that I cannot understand what the disrespectful things maintenance men are saying in Spanish about us and other residents while they are servicing the apartment. Gym: Many of the machines in the gym do not work or break down often, and the office is slow to fix them. Laundry facilities: I had to pay $5 for a card to load money on to in order to use the laundry facilities. I paid for this card and added another $10 to it because I planned on doing laundry more than once in their facility. On the first load, the dryer went through an entire cycle without drying my clothes one bit!! Because of this, I decided to buy my own washer for my apartment. However, I do not get refunded the $15 that I initially put on the card or for the money wasted on the dryer that did not work.

Current Resident 905260

Resident • 2013 - 2014

My husband and I were renting a 1bed/1bath here and wanted to move into a two bedroom apartment. We needed the extra space. We find an available one (which we are told by one of the female sales reps there that we are getting an EXACT replica of our apartment with the added bed and bathroom) which they say will be available in a month. About 3 weeks passes and I walk into the office to ask a question about the move and they happen to inform us that the tenant in that unit extended their lease by 1 month---fine. Obviously, that was out of their control. So another month passes and moving day is finally here. We get the keys and something tells me to go look at the apartment before we start having movers that we hired to start moving all of our crap. Lo and behold, they sneaked and gave us a HANDICAP apartment. Not only were the counter tops about half a foot lower, none of the extra space (closet specifically) we were told we would get we got. The closet that we had originally out in the living area of the one bed was in the smaller bedroom and would be covered by our dresser drawer making it inaccessible. So I go back to the front office and tell them we don't want the apartment and that we were lied to. They in turn tell us that we have a MONTH to get out of the apartment we are in now since the new tenants t are supposed to moving into ours. To sweeten the deal, once we finally moved out of this hell hole we were charged $404 in "fees" and even added a late fee while they were still adding charges to our account after the rent due date. The letter we received in the mail closing out our account stated that we moved "to be closer to job"---another lie told by liars. And of course, you can hear your neighbors SNORING among other things, people walk around without having their giant dogs on a leash, and plan on having your light bulbs and window blinds replaced at least once a month. Enjoy!!! Thank you ----, ----, ---- and most especially -------- for the horrible service that you provided. When I am asked what apartments in Austin, Tx to avoid that I make sure that Camden Shadow Brook is at the top of my list. Camden has proved itself to be a franchise apartment company.

Current Resident 916688

Resident • 2012 - 2014

After reading a few of these reviews left by other people, it's fair to say that this apartment complexes employees are leaving reviews to counter balance how ------ this place really is. I only say it's ------ for two reasons.. 1. The noise. I'm not sure what happened during construction (probably the builder cutting costs) but the walls in both phase 1 and phase 2 apartments are missing insulation leading to the worst noise problem I've ever heard out of any aparement complex that I've lived in.. Ever.. Ever.. Ever.. God, it's ------- horrible.. Seriously, I can hear when my neighbor takes a ----, snores, ----s or just normal conversation. I've actually had conversations with her through the wall before and we heard each other just fine without having to raise out voices.. 2. The price.. The aparement looks great when you first see it but once you live there you see that the amenities are really just cheap, smaller generic versions of virtually everything. $1150 (before fees) a month for a 2 bedroom? I'm sorry but I can get a house for that. So, before you decide to live here consider these things I listed above.

Current Resident 912968

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Golly gee, there sure is something fishy about all these super positive reviews. I've lived in Shadowbrook for about a year now, and there really isn't anything special about the complex. In fact, I'd say it really isn't worth the rent (and no office manager, I don't care what the "market" is). The staff are cordial and responsive, and the units are nice, but the much touted amenities aren't really all that special. Far too often the machines in the weight rooms are broken, the dog park is covered in poo (as is much of the rest of the property), and the landscaping is washed away. Oh, and then there's the trash. Camden charges you $30 a month for valet trash when there are dumpsters located within 100 feet of pretty much every building on the property. Talk about ridiculous. Like I said before, it's a nice place to live, but it is not all that it is advertised to be, nor is it worth the rent to move in, the $150 fee to move out, or the $100 a month increase to stay.

Prospective Resident 421401

Prospect • Visited 2014

Is it possible for you guys to get rid of the trash fee? I have children to feed and 30$ is a bit much for trash I takeout myself. I'm not lookin to be attacked with hidden fees, or loud neighbors!! I work very hard for my earnings, so I'd enjoy coming home to a peaceful environment and well rounded staff members. Help me out buds! :)

Current Resident 37352

Verified Resident • 2013 - 2014

Good location and very safe.<br><br>Likes and Dislikes: Perfect maintenance and nice neighbors

Current Resident 36113

Verified Resident • 2013 - 2014

GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME!!!<br><br>Likes and Dislikes: This commmunity is wonderful! I felt at home right when i picked up my keys.The staff,maintence men are all so nice! The grounds are kept up to a T and it's beautiful out here! I would recommend this place to anyone.

Current Resident 35741

Verified Resident • 2009 - 2014

Rent amount is actually $30 MORE than what is shown due to garbage fees. Rent is high due to amenities.<br><br>Likes and Dislikes: Grounds are always clean and well manicured. Maintenance and office staff are great.

Current Resident 35308

Verified Resident • 2013 - 2014

Depending on where you are in the complex, parking can be an issue, since you have to pay for an assigned spot. I've never had to walk more than 3 minutes or so to get to my apartment, and that's usually because I'd get back late in the evening. It feels safe, so no worries there. I'm also not thrilled about the mandatory valet trash service. It can be nice for some people, but I don't mind getting my hands dirty, and would much rather pocket the cash.<br><br>Likes and Dislikes: Candice, and the rest of the Camden Shadow Brook staff, are extremely awesome and helpful. Maintenance requests were handled quickly, all my questions were answered to my satisfaction, and I feel like I'm getting good value for the money.

Current Resident 35110

Verified Resident • 2013

The staff is very friendly and extremely helpful.<br><br>Likes and Dislikes: Clean quiet beautiful apts beautiful amenities beautiful landscaping and buildings. Comfortable living plenty of parking

Current Resident 34989

Verified Resident • 2013 - 2014

I have been spoiled living here. I love that I dont have to walk to the nasty stinky dumpter as there is vallet trash pick up. My dogs love it here, which means most to me. I love that there are two fitness centers, two pool areas and the movie theatre is a great way to escape the heat.<br><br>Likes and Dislikes: I love everything about this community. I have lived in several apartments and this is the best. It's affordable, beautiful and the amenities are great. I have been well taken care of here at Camden. I especially love the fact that they are pet friendly and have several pet stop post and a leashless pet park. The pond area is a nice place for a morning stroll or to read a book. It's on the bus line. Staff is so kind and accommidating.

ATXhipster

Resident • 2011 - 2013

It is relatively safe, and they have a nice upkeep of the grounds, However the biggest issue of all time and that I see in all of the reviews is that you can hear every freaking thing from the moronic neighbors. I kid you not, it's true you can hear conversations, and night time activities and trips to the bathroom (sick). I have had two different neighbors and the first one wasn't bad but I could hear his dang alarm and music. My latest neighbor is just a big freaking tool whom you can hear yell and throw things at his gf and they fight all the time and you can hear them porking through these ridiculously thin walls. The staff are morons and try there best but still it isn't enough. The mandatory 30 dollar trash charge is a huge waste, they don't pick up on weekends and when they do, they are freaking 'tards and just throw the can afterwards. They won't pick up if you didn't tie it properly and they are dumb. Hot tub has never worked and the wifi never works, sort of overpriced with the space you get, and they have a ton of hidden fee's they don't mention. I got to give it to them on one thing though. You can do a lot of things online including pay rent. I am very happy to move up north because traffic is a B from here to DT.

Current Resident 816537

Resident • 2013

I would be okay with the rent being raised $100 dollars after a year lease if they improved the facilities. Currently both Gyms have had several broken machines for months. Valet Trash does not come Friday or Saturday and the dumpsters are hard to open. I have a Neighbor who has had his Christmas tree Stand next to his door since January... It is May now.

Current Resident 231691

Resident • 2010 - 2011

do not move here. you can hear every single thing your neighbors do, and i do mean everything. that being said, knowing that you can hear your neighbors using the bathroom or snoring in the night, you would think that a resident who plays their music at crazy levels would be held to the community noise restrictions. but they won't be. good luck getting anyone to do anything but write dozens of empty threats to your neighbors. i truly, truly feel sorry for anyone who ends up living next to my old nemesis...i mean neighbor...who kept his music so loud all the time that i could hear it over ear plugs. for a place that was constructed to be green and energy efficient, they sure did skimp on the insulation for noise between apartments. oh, and if you are ever looking for a free show, just hang around the pool and see how family UN-friendly some of the fellow residents can and will be without consequence. take my advice and stay away.

Current Resident 397667

Resident • 2013

AVOID!!! Do not take the positive reviews below seriously, they were obviously written by the staff. Seriously, how obvious can you be? In reality, the office staff is incompetent and rude! I lived here for a little over a year and can tell you first hand that they do not care about you or their job. The buildings are horribly built with paper thin walls. You can literally hear EVERYTHING that the neighbor next to you and below does and says. You can hear entire conversations through the walls. You can also hear bathroom sounds....disgusting! There are no patios or balconies and the entire property is covered in dog crap! The so called "duck pond" is actually just runoff collection water from a massive drainage system. You should see it June-September! It's about two feet of stale, dirty water that water moccasins live in! The neighbor below me was so loud and disrespectful! I called the office to inform them that she was having ridiculous loud parties until 4am on work nights and was given attitude by the -------------. She basically said "yeah, what do you want me to do about it?" She is in no way, shape or form professional! And yes, what you've heard is true! You will be absolutely NAILED when you have had enough and decide to move out. The fees that they come up with are outrageous! They're criminals! DO NOT LIVE HERE AND DO NOT BELIEVE THE REVIEWS THAT THE OFFICE STAFF HAS WRITTEN! Shame on you for even trying to think that people are that stupid!

Current Resident 311177

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Beware of this place. You will be surprised by the unpleasant behaviour of the management while moving out. In addition you be paying some unnecessary fees.

Current Resident 6191

Verified Resident • - 2012

"Why did you decide to...

"Why did you decide to lease here?" I cannot wait to move in! ------- was awesome!

Current Resident 6042

Verified Resident • - 2012

My experience was great....

My experience was great. ------- was very helpful and did an amazing job. The way the rent goes up and down each day is a little weird but I'm glad I caught it on a cheaper day. I look forward to moving in very soon and I hope to have a wonderful experience. "Why did you decide to lease here?" The amenities are amazing and it seems to be safe.

Current Resident 6012

Verified Resident • - 2012

The property was very...

The property was very nice and well maintained. The front office staff was warm and inviting. Candice was very patient and answered all my questions. The prices were competitive. Overall it was a great experience.

Current Resident 5977

Verified Resident • - 2012

"Why did you decide to...

"Why did you decide to lease here?" Location, availability of an apartment on short notice

Current Resident 5660

Verified Resident • 2011 - 2012

The staff is a bunch...

The staff is a bunch of crooks. They make up charges to steal money from you. The apartments are nice but the company will do anything they can to steal your money, especially when you are moving out.

Current Resident 483570

Resident • 2009 - 2013

I've been here since they were known as Verde and their emphasis on customer service and satisfaction was definitely a lot better then. There's no longer an incentive for renters to continuously renew; granted Austin is at a 96% rental occupancy rate, but it would be nice to know that my $900/month for a one bedroom is appreciated. Also, valet trash is mandatory at an additional $30/month. Sorry, but I can walk to the dumpster across the parking lot and save my money. The manager is cold, unfriendly, and doesn't acknowledge people. They're also bad at notifying you when a package has been delivered as it normally takes them at least two days to place a notification in your mail box, if they put one in there at all! There has been multiple occasions when I've had to ask them for my deliveries and show them proof (via delivery confirmation on USPS's site) that my delivery is in the office. I can also hear my downstairs neighbor snoring at night and my other neighbor's (other bathrooms share a wall) gas in the morning. I know it's an apartment and all, but seriously. There are plenty of more complexes that are being built or are completed. It looks like they're beginning construction on a new complex right next to Shadow Brook.

Current Resident 168331

Resident • 2012

Ok. First of all, has anyone else noticed the number of positive reviews from 10/30 through 11/20, most of which are extremely short? On 10/30 alone there are almost 20 reviews, 15 of which are positive. C'mon guys, those are obviously FAKE. Probably written by the staff, who is completely incompetent. I have so many complaints about the front office staff, I can't even list them all here. They are extremely rude and unprofessional. They're also great at giving wrong information! On multiple occasions I have had to contact the regional office for help. The apartments and grounds are nice and well-kept which is a plus. The salt water pool is great EXCEPT for the fact that you need a wristband to even be there. Seriously, they send a police officer around, in full uniform, to patrol and kick out people without a wristband. There is only ONE guest allowed per resident which sucks if you invite over a couple or friends with kids. The pool also closes at 10 which is really dumb considering how young the community is. They could at least have a quiet time so people can relax in the hot tub with a glass of wine. Speaking of the hot tubs--ALWAYS broken. And the gym is really nice but it closes at midnight and if you happen to be in there at midnight, guess what? An alarm goes off! The reason I moved into this complex is because I had recently had an AMAZING experience at another Camden. I was completely mistaken. It's like two different worlds. Stay away, unless you enjoy being talked down to and controlled (and not in the good way)!