Broadlands Apartments

Current Resident 543365

Resident • 2009

Positive things

I could not be more pleased with the service I received throughout the leasing and move-in process, and have been equally pleased during the entirety of my stay at Broadlands Apartments. Prince Sharma assisted me throughout the leasing process, and Saliq Ali Khawar picked up all aspects of responsibility for my move-in and overall service after I signed the lease. Both were/have been friendly, professional, and responsive. I have only positive things to say about their service and the community as a whole.

Current Resident 729892

Resident • 2009

Only wish I saw this site before moving in

All the bad reviews are VERY true I honestly don't know who posted the good reviews because everyone I spoke to who lived there hated it! The floor plan is ridiculous too! The management staff is horrible, there is absolutely no professionalism. I came into the office one day and no one was around with all the office doors open and several individuals financial information was just sitting out for anyone to see or take. There were social security numbers, driver's license information, etc, etc. Let's just say in the wrong hands all those people would probably be trying to find out how their identity was stolen! I wish I had seen this site before I moved in, RUN WHILE YOU STILL CAN!! There are plenty of other apartments in Ashburn most of them are even cheaper.

Current Resident 773104

Resident • 2006 - 2007

You Can Likely Do Better

I feel compelled to write about our experiences. In short, given the market, if you are looking at the townhomes or larger apartments, you can probably find a private rental in the area from some desperate speculator much cheaper. You will likely be happier. However, this is all according to our experience and from our vantage point and is strictly categorized as our opinion; your mileage may vary. My biggest suggestion is that you do your homework. Let me outline our experiences in detail: We moved to VA from out-of-state. I had seen the bad reviews and asked about them; they said it was just two disgruntled tenants issuing reviews over and over, and that they were taking legal action. After my experiences, I seriously doubt it. They were very particular doing everything by mail; they were shady about providing details about their Internet/cable service. That s probably because it doesn t work very well and, if you complain, they ll point to the terms-and-conditions that pretty much say they guarantee you no service. I had problems with paying the deposit and such via mail, and them wondering why I couldn't sign in person right then. Totally unprofessional. My partner and I moved separately, over the course of two weeks. While telephoning to arrange key pickup (since we had to sign the lease and start renting prior to the actual move), they pretty much told me they would not release the keys to me without the other signer on the lease there. Even if he called or wrote. It took a lot of telephone wrangling, but I got through that. When I arrived, I was greeted by the most wonderful and pleasant woman. I felt reassured that all my fears and anxieties about the place were unfounded. Of course, I found out she was from Van Metre's main office, and was the Marketing Director, filling in because all the office staff was sick at once. Seriously, our experience was downhill from there. First, I have read here that the places seem smaller than the advertised square footage. I am certainly no expert, but I moved from a house that I owned and had built that had similar square footage (actually a little smaller), and this place did seem smaller. Perhaps it was because it was split on two levels garage, but it's noteworthy, even if it's just an impression. We moved in over Christmas/New Year's. The dumpster was overflowing, all the way to the mailbox. I figured it was because of Christmas. It wasn't. It would overflow most every week. One of the management members who lived in the complex actually bragged to me once that should would sometimes stay up to see who brought trash and left it outside the dumpster, so that she could ticket them as if they could leave it anywhere else? It s so totally disgusting. I'm glad I worked late a lot so I could stack my trash without getting caught. The gate never really worked. This didn't bother me personally, but a lot of people were bothered by it. The parking situation is awful. It's true: if you have a townhome, they won't give you extra parking. They have a predatory towing company that will run through and tow anyone without a sticker. This happened to us - we had no idea that there were even stickers (the lease was vague about parking in appointed areas - we thought we were). There are really one six or eight visitor spots, indeed taken up every night. When we were towed, I complained - a lot. They actually said it was a benefit, that all the residents were delighted people were being towed. Finally, I threatened to mention to any potential customers I saw that I got towed even though I'm a resident, and let them decide how reasonable it was. The main office got involved and refunded part of the towing fee. What was especially irritating was how wonderful they thought the fact I was towed was! They actually said it was nice that another company came in and enforced the lease rules - it made it very easy on them. It s clear that somewhere, they re checking a little box that describes what they re doing to make the place better and it requires very little effort. During my discussion with them, the topic of dogs came up. Let me say this: they have one of the best dog policies around (which isn't saying much for the area). However, they started griping to me (we had dogs) about people who don't clean up (I do). The same lady who stalked people and their trash talked about waiting for people to not clean up after their dog and then wrote tickets (whatever happened to a friendly reminder first?). I mentioned I always do, unless my dog is sick (to be delicate). She then explained, "I don't care if you have to take that bag and dig the dirt out from under the pile and pick leaves!" Um...OK? Mind you, other rules would be broken with no consequence. For example: the barbeque rule (can't have them) was broken all the time. Why? I suspect because the lady who lived there had one. Satellite dishes? All over the place. I don't have a problem with these things, but it was clear they went Gestapo on enforcing the easy stuff. Once while living there they staged surprise "upgrades" to the units. Pretty much they left notice that they were going into all the units the next day. No choice. If you had animals, they'd better be restrained (as if one can easily arrange that in less than 24 hours). Their upgrade? A magnet. With our "community captain's" email address (that they never answered, by the way). Which could have been left on our door. Which was stupid. It was such a transparent excuse for inspecting people s apartments for violations such as pets, etc. Most everyone I talked to complained about it for weeks. Seriously, they can't get trash picked up properly from the dumpster with a good frequency, but they have time to inspect apartments with a thin veil of an excuse. We constantly had trouble with mail (delivered to the wrong units). Not their fault directly, but when I asked that they complain to the post office with the residents (to lend weight to the complaint), they laughed at me - literally. We had a few maintenance problems: mostly the filters not being cleaned or replaced. The maintenance staff always responded within 24 hours (except for one time), but even they admitted most of the problems could be prevented by routine upkeep. They admitted they cannot do anything until something breaks and someone complains. It is odd that, in one year, we would have to call maintenance five times - mostly when the temperature changed, because the heater/air-conditioner would suddenly not work. Back to the pet policy. They do have the most liberal (in terms of size) dog policy. Their pet rent (outrageous idea anyway) is on par with other places. However, they do not keep the dog stations stocked. When I mentioned this (during the aforementioned dog discussion), they said, "It is a courtesy . I asked what my pet rent was for? They responded for "expenses related to upkeep due to pets. Mind you, she had just mentioned how they could never pay enough groundskeepers to clean up after the pets. What was amusing about the staff was how downright mean they were. I, too, experienced the before-you-move-in-they're wonderful bit. The lady who helped me the night I pulled into town was awesome (but didn't work there). After that? No return calls. Rude staff. They would leave early. Deny packages were delivered (because they didn't feel like going back to find them - seriously). About the only time they were nice is if we were walking our dogs and they were showing a potential tenant. We had greyhounds: big, majestic dogs, and I guess it looked kinda cool that they d say hello. It was comical. When I moved out, they kept our entire pet deposit. While I find it objectionable, an automatic half-forfeit it is stated in the lease. So, after paying hundreds in "pet rent" and hundreds in pet deposit, what did they do? Decided our carpet needed to be replaced (not unreasonable), and that the entire cost would be taken out of our regular deposit, after forfeiting the other half of our pet deposit for...? So we essentially paid an entire pet deposit, "pet rent" , plus the cost of replacing the carpet. Mind you, they agreed our place was in perfect shape except for that. This was all "legal" according to the lease. Legal, but highly unethical, in my opinion. We had to break our lease just a few months early (we had a 15-month lease). When I talked to them at leasing time, they said to break the lease just requires sixty days' notice and the two months' rent. Just like that. What they didn't mention was that the sixty days' notice is in the form of sixty days' rent payment. In other words, you pay a two-month cancellation penalty and then sixty days' rent. I don 't object per se, but buyer-beware. It also took some threats of the "main office" to get them to do my walk-through and to take my keys early (I was MOVING), even after I paid them. Overall, not a good experience. But there were some nice things: Some people complain about hearing their neighbors and excessive noise. We never experienced that. The only "interference" from neighbors that we experienced was if the one-bedroom below us left the heat cranked up (which he did a lot), we would roast, but that's life in an apartment. I also asked our neighbors if they ever heard our birds or our home theater, and they did not. They allowed our birds, and didn't count them toward the "two pets" rule (we have two dogs, too). They DO have the best dog policy (at least, when we rented) of all the corporate places in the area. The walking trails, especially between the apartment complex and the next complex over are really, really nice. I did not experience any crime or see any drug issues (not that I am an expert). One person posted a flyer that they'd had a break-in, but I don t know that that in and of itself is exceptional. I, too, am skeptical of all the good reviews. I talked to many neighbors who were dissatisfied. The best I got from some were, "I guess it's kind of OK". Certainly no one who raved about it - and we're friendly types, talked to a lot of people.

BrettGoodness

Resident • 2009

Great Stay for 3 Months

As much as i dont like apartment living i needed a place for 3 months while my house was getting built. Broadlands Apartment had a perfect place for me with furniture and everything. I had a great experience at this property and got along with the staff well.

Current Resident 254751

Resident • 2010

Towing.

I dont agree with Towing and Gate my Dad jeep was towed two days ago without having a Vistors pass. I had to pay $150 and when I called the office their responce was that it is enforced after dark. There was a minor maintenance issue during my first week at the property. I informed Imran and it was immediately prioritized. The problem was quickly fixed and I was phoned by more folks from the staff to ensure I was satisfied with the resolution. Very impressed so far! except the Towing.

Current Resident 319882

Resident • 2009

Bad Silverfish Infestation

Run -- this place is infested with silverfish. Even the maintenace folks who live here onsite have them too.....and nothing gets done about them. I'm afraid that when we move. we'll track them to our new place. It's so sad - nice place but they have huge insect issues... I'm going to Camden Westwind where they have upgraded appliances...granite countertops...and no bugs (have friends that live there). I don't even invite friends over because I'm embarrassed of the bugs crawling every damn where.

Current Resident 682210

Resident • 2009

Great Place to Live

I have been living here over a year now and I luv it. Staff knows my name and everytime I need somthing it will get done on time.

Current Resident 693215

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Thank God my lease is finally up!!!!!

This is the second posting I have done on this apartment. I lived here for a year and I am so glad that my lease is up. I always paid my rent on time so the last review that was posted stating that the people posting bad reviews were only people who didn't pay their rent and was mad at staff because of them calling and asking for payment is not true here. All the finishes in these apartments are very cheap and poorly insulated. Our last electric bill which was in August was $180. We have never had an electric bill that high even when we lived in a single family home with a 25 year old air conditioning unit. The parking situation is ok during the day, but if you work on 2nd shift or get home later in the evening forget about finding a parking space. The office staff is very disorganized. Also, there was another review regarding the fact they walked into the office and there was no one there watching tenants personal files. I can also vouch for this fact. I walked into the office to take care of something else they fouled up on our lease and I sat in the office for a good 10 minutes with no one around and I could see a wall of filing drawers ajar. Someone could very easily have walked in grabbed a file with SS# and birth days and no one would have noticed. I also find it hard to believe that all of the reviews on here are from actual tenants. I have been reading all of the reviews on this apartment for the last year and I have noticed that once the grade goes so low there are sudded surge of short vague but positive reviews. I would do my homework a little better next time and would suggest that you do the same before signing a lease here.

jwjennydub

Resident • 2009

Nice Staff

I rented here without looking at my place and i love it. I moved in the Cedar 3 bedroom apartment which is great because its on the 3rd floor and i dont hear anyone. Parking is ok not the best but not bad. Overall i love it here and Saliq's the best.

ladybug1999

Resident • 2009

Great place.....

We moved in about a month ago and the experience has been pretty good so far. The community is in a nice area and the office staff has been pleasant. I would recommend the community to my friends....so far so good really, no complaints.

howardmann

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Im lOVIN IT

I moved here to Broadlands apartments from california and had never seen the apartment because we did everything over the phone/email. When we got here the property and the apartment was amazing, just as the leasing consultant has told us. the maintnence is great, they are here 24 hours a day. We will be moving out soon becasue we jsut bought a VAN METRE HOUSE and TRUST ME when i say this..This company is the best! They treat you like KING"S AND QUEENS.

Current Resident 719067

Resident • 2005 - 2009

Been here for about 4 years

After reading these reviews, I have to say that my experience here has been really good. I am sorry if others haven't had it as easy but I want the office to know that I like it here and really have enjoyed my time at Broadlands. Love the get togethers you all have at the clubhouse - even though not too many of the other renters seem to come. Just overall I like this place and have been happy to call it my home for the last 4 years or so. Thanks for all you do!

Current Resident 792289

Resident • 2008 - 2009

I love my apartment!

I can't say enough good things about where I live! I have everything I want - really great apartment - I can have my animals with me - they have a gym and I can use it whenever I want - and the staff is great. So far no major maintenance needs and I have to say I was pretty impressed with how they handled the snow we had recently. Someone was always out with salt or the plow truck or with a shovel. Love it here and can't imagine moving any time soon!

Current Resident 824312

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Been here 6 months or so.

So far things are good. I like my apartment home and everyone in the office is quite nice to me. Am looking forward to summer when I can enjoy the pool for a bit longer since I got here in the middle to the end of the season last year.

Hogandugan

Resident • 2005 - 2009

One Of the Best

This place is def one of the best we will be renewing for the 4th time comes October. Almost 4 years here seen alot of people move in and out of the building never had any conflicts we neighbors. Great place to live.

Icewin

Resident • 2009

Short Stay But Pleasant

I stayed at Van Metre Broadlands apartment for only 3 months in a furnished apartment. I enjoyed my stay here...My apartment had everything i need and staff was nice and helpful. Never had a maintenance issue, but i only was here for 3 months.

Current Resident 5135

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Thrilled!!

I couldn't be more thrilled here. I moved here from Florida and I never had an apartment before so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but everything has really worked out. My apartment is in great shape. The move-in was easy and the staff has been really helpful. I really recommend Broadlands apartments

Current Resident 78698

Resident • 2007 - 2009

So Far So Good

Been here over a year now and still like it. Having a strange problem with one of the channels on my cable but that isn't anything to do with the apartments - its the cable company. So I have to say this place is great and would recommend it to others.

M3Power

Resident • 2009

review for broadlands

i rarely hear my neighbors love the community its very nice.

Current Resident 125012

Resident • 2004 - 2009

Been here for a long time

I have been here since pretty much the beginning and I have to say that I really still like it here. Have seen alot of changes over the years and I feel like my original choice to live here was a good one and I intend to stay for another year.

Current Resident 141380

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Really a nice community

So far my experience here has been great. I have to say that having lived in many apartments this community is really good. I know for a fact that there are places out there that don't have half the amenities - or the really pretty landscaping - or the type of office people we have here. And yes - you could pay less but at what cost? I LOVE my apartment - my biggest issue so far has been a leaking dishwasher - not too big a deal in the grand scheme of things. I have had all sorts of things happen to me in other places - flooded apartment - pest issues and more and thus far I have absolutely NO COMPLAINTS!

13itch

Resident • 2009

Move in

Moved in about 3 months ago no complains about the apartment or staff. Not been here long enough for maintenance issues, Parking is good right infront of my building, im on the third floor that could be a reason i never hear anyone, i do like how the area is very clean

Current Resident 340617

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Been here almost a year...

And I still like it alot. Plan to renew my lease and think that the staff and maintenance crew is great.

Current Resident 340803

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Nice Place

Not much to say, I haven't had any problems and the apartment is really nice. I have really liked living here.

Current Resident 459874

Resident • 2008

I like this place

This is the place for me been here 6 months. i do here my neighbors sometime but thats what apartment living is like. Parking was a problem when i first got here not anymore though so guessing someone worked it out. i like the gym and how the equipment works and is not broken like the last place i was. Better the the last couple places i have rented i can tell already.