Cortland Mirror Lake — Local services in Altamonte Springs

Upgraded from 1 star to 2 stars due to response to all my issues. Wow. Where to start, I've been here for less than 2 months, moved from 2 hours away. Place looked good upon visiting, and the other reviews seemed ok, so I signed a lease.

This place was built in the 80s, and the recent renovations are only to look nicer. From a different area and i've lived in 2 different complexes from the 80s with minimal issues. My studio apartment is just falling apart.

At move in with 2 packed cars, was taken outside away from other guests to be told my unit had a small leak, needed window and door replaced. Had to wait to move in. Told there was slight flood damage to wall from an above unit at move in, and told it was only their air conditioner. Walked in and they were repairing MY air conditioner and had fresh paint on wall. Wall had some water damage, so possible both were leaking. They "fixed" it then 15 mins after they left and MY unit started leaking when it kicked on. Then when I tried to leave to tell them, since they didn't pick up the office phone after several calls, I couldnt lock my door to leave because they didn't set up the keys. After repeatedly calling them, I left a message and someone called me back after 15 mins and sent a tech out. I asked if they could replace the air conditioner and they told me they would replace it if they had to. But since it turned on and didn't leak, they felt unnecessary.

After 1st month: new door handle broke, and I almost got locked in my own place. Had to tape the part that clicks into the door frame to get in and out. Air conditioner works only when it wants to and it gets hot even if I set to 60 degrees. Power shut off randomly one day before work around 8am, so I was late to work because I was unable to get ready. 2 or 3 water shut offs in my time here.

Recently delt with my bathroom flooding into my living space (flooded whole bathroom to the sliding door and almost to my power strips..eek) then the next day the entire bathroom flooded again. All specifically when I took a regularly filled bath in my unit.

Found out my internet not loading properly was from the complexs old internet lines and equipment in/on the buildings that should be replaced. Pay for 100mbps and get such a bad signal I cant load google maps, load a site, make Skype calls, or have proper video quality at random times. Happens across computers, on different sites, and on different software. Called internet company tech 2x to test everything, replaced modem, tested other computers/cords/software and theres nothing the internet company can do. When I informed the property manager, was told this is the first she heard about this issue.

Despite all that barrington responds very quickly to work orders, try to fix and try their best to make you happy. Awesome customer service and staff from what I've seen. Offered to replace my unit with a new air conditioner and tried to do what they could to make me happy. Neighborhoods alright. Parkings never been an issue. Walls are not thin. I work at home now and never hear neighbors just dogs barking if they're right outside. Greenery everywhere is pretty nice. Rent prices are competitive. Interior looks good with the renovations despite issues. Double locks on the doors. Complex looks nice with renovations. Mail room coming soon to new office. Gym is alright. Kitchen appliances are new.

No idea if anyone else has had these issues or it's just me. But because of all the issues, I'm transferring to a different complex. Did super great with that process and very attentive. There 45 day policy and a transfer policy which is much needed and appreciated in this case. Taken really good care of me so far. So despite all that they done me...

I lived at Barrington for over a year. Overall, I think it is a great family community. The apartment amenities are modern and the community itself if spacious. I love the staff and the maintenance team is pretty quick to fulfill any requests. There are some reasons why I did not give a 5 star rating. 1. When I signed my lease for the community (in the summer of 2018) they started renovations and said that the new gym, pool, community entertainment building, the community gated entrance and welcome office would be complete by October of that same year. I moved out at the end of 2019 (for reasons unrelated to the community or management) and they are STILL doing renovation on the buildings and the gate was still not in use. One of the main reasons I moved into the community was because I wanted a gated complex and I wanted the updated gym and community amenities. 2. When I moved out they took my security deposit to pay for my remaining utility expenses. I have never heard of an apt. doing that and they did not state that when i initially signed the contract. 3. It was hard to get in touch with the office unless you physically went to the office. I had one experience when a package of mine was missing and I called the office multiple times to see if someone turned it it. They never called me back, thankfully I was able to go to the office collect my package, but they never called me or sent me an email saying that someone turned in a package for me. 4. Parking can be pretty bad (at least in the area of the community I lived in). Most of the community is free parking, so it's first come, though there are some areas of the community where you can pay monthly for a parking space. There have been several occasions when I would come home after work and there would be no parking in front of or beside my building. I would have to park on a completely different street and walk to my house after dark (sometime this would happen as early as 10pm). Thankfully they do have security that patrol the community, so I never felt unsafe, but it was a big inconvenience. 5. You have to request a walk-through when you move out. I have always had that as part of the moving out process. Thankfully I was not charged for anything when I moved out, but it was still an unsettling realization that you can give them back the key without them seeing how you left the place.

So now I will explain everything I liked about the community! 1. I loved how they had many apt.s with in-unit washer and dryers (I know some apts are still being updated and do not have the units yet), but there is also a laundry mat in the community. 2. The gym was open 24h (it is very basic, but the new gym--once they finish renovation, is supposed to be big). 3. There is a tennis court, walking trail, volleyball court, soccer court, and playground 4. There is a car wash station at the back of the community that is free to wash your car (I should've taken more advantage of it) 5. The pools are always clean 6. Trash pick-up was always on time and they often would pick up boxes I set outside of my door (even though they technically don't have to) 7. The closets in the apt's are very spacious (I had a basic 1 bedroom) 8. There isn't much kitchen storage space, but the fridge and freezer are pretty spacious. 9. Ronny is the best person in the office! He is so funny and nice. 10. The community has events seasonally (Thanksgiving dinners, Halloween costume part with treats, Pool party in the...

UPDATE

I have lived here awhile now and I have to tell you that I didn't think I would love this even more as I have lived here, but EVERY SINGLE DAY I wake up loving my apartment. And when I leave the apartment, I love coming back home! I used to only feel that way about my home in GA. They have so many fun events that you can do virtually! They did a really cute pet contest recently. The fitness classes ARE INCLUDED in your rent. They have delicious food trucks every week! They are a non-smoking community and so much more because they HONESTLY care about their residents. This is the email I sent them yesterday in response to the new virtual classes they just started.

"This is SO COOL, I love this! I want to get out of Florida in the next year, but you all are making it so hard to ever leave this property and Cortland. 😁 There's NOT ONE DAY I don't love being home or coming home. Lol. I guess I will just have to move back to Texas and live in Austin close to where my family is so I can live in one of your awesome communities there. I will be a #cortlandlifer."

So what are you waiting for? If you want a place that you can call HOME and that honestly has standards without being militant lol then this is it.

INITIAL POST AROUND DECEMBER 2019

"I used to live here in the 90's in a studio. I loved it. I have lived all over Longwood, Altamonte, and Apopka off and on over 30 years. Some of you may remember this as Post Lake Apts. Anyway, this time around I went back and decided to see a studio now with all the upgrades. I met Tiana and she made me feel welcome and was extremely professional and sweet. She took me to this awesome unit that I am now living in. I'M OBSESSED. I love the upgrades. Everything is beautiful. All granite counters, upgrades luxury vinyl floors, all new cabinets, and new stainless appliances. The best thing is the ac unit lol. I feel like I live in a hotel every day. You can make it so cold in here. And not that there is any noise, but if there were I wouldn't be able to hear anything!!!!! I love my location. AND the office staff was very concerned about my needs. Carol even wrote me one evening to make sure she took care of me before the day ended. I was SHOCKED. And poor Renee, I must have called 20x in one week and she'd always answer the phone and be so friendly. I had never heard of Cortland, but I'm glad they are here. They have standards and I love it. Definately come by because I have seen their 2 bedrooms years ago and always loved the layout. I'm sure the 1 and 3 bedrooms are cool too, but I've never seen them. We are on the edge of Altamonte Springs AND in Lake Brantley School District. Come here first. Again, I have lived ALL over this area. My parents have owned a bathtub and counter top refinishing company since 1991, so I've seen a lot of apartments and...