City Plaza Apartments — Local services in Atlanta

I lived in this establishment for 4 years. When I moved in 2020 for school, it had everything I needed: close to campus, decent size, and reasonably priced. But over time, these perks didn’t outweigh the building’s decline in quality—especially with rent increasing yearly.

The decline started with the management company change. Communication became frustrating; they lost my emailed documents multiple times, once blaming me and resulting in a late fee. Alline was the only person I’d see in the office consistently for the first 2 years; she was always kind and efficient, but after she left they shifted blame onto her for several prior mistakes.

Maintenance requests were easy through the app, but the original maintenance man entered my unit without permission—despite me explicitly asking him not to. As a woman living alone, this was terrifying. I had to buy a security stopper, which they then complained about. Thankfully, the newer maintenance tech is more professional.

Parking was never included, and fees kept rising; there is also an increase for more than one vehicle per apartment. No guest parking. Even when paying for street parking, tickets were common and appeals slow. Street spaces were reduced drastically in the past year (from 8 to 2).

The building has amazing on-site security (shoutout to Mr. Shadow) which was a huge plus given the area; and a key fob system, though it glitched often. Packages were frequently left in the lobby despite lockers being available—several were stolen. Elevators broke constantly, sometimes for months (I lived on the 5th floor).

In 2022, a water bug infestation lasted months despite pest control access. Trash overflowed, and chutes were often closed, worsening the issue.

Two major emergencies (a fire and pipes freezing leading to bursting) led to evacuations due to flooding. The staff handled both poorly. Post-flood, the building remained damaged for over a year. Renovations were slow, safe stairwells locked, and the only open one was literally falling apart. It was extremely unsafe. We were told to complain to the city ourselves because the building is city-operated. We incurred mold in the ceiling (living room and guest bath) and when reported to maintenance were told it could be “fixed” by painting over wet spots.

Move-out was a nightmare! Despite verbal and written notice, they tried charging us a full month’s rent for being “late.” We were also told we’d be charged for minor things like leaving usable items in the hall ($250)—something previously encouraged. We were never treated or talked to this way disresepctfully until after signing our notice to vacate. I fully expect false damage charges despite documenting everything; (holes from tv mounting which we got permission for and filled upon move out) and chipping paint which isn’t uncommon for as long as we were tenants. I also paid a flex deposit (less than first months rent yet non refundable deposit) for this very thing and was told upon move in it would cover said minor damages which they have to fix for the next tenant regardless.

I moved in feeling hopeful and would’ve rated it a 4. I leave giving it a 1. Unless this place is your last option, stay away. I’m so thankful to finally...

UPDATE (6/2/22): Insects present in our unit for 10 MONTHS. NEW INSECT PHOTO

UPDATE (5/28/22): NEW INSECT PHOTO (centipede)

UPDATE (5/22/22): Contacted management twice and no response :( NEW INSECT PHOTOS ADDED

Short review:

Our stay at City Plaza has been wonderful, except for one crucial aspect: Pests I would not recommend staying here if you are not comfortable with roaches, including German cockroaches and Palmetto bugs. We have also seen ants, spiders, stink bugs, and random insects that I have never seen before.

Detailed review:

At the beginning of our lease in August of 2021, we had a German roach infestation. We first noticed the roaches on a Friday and then spoke to employees in the leasing office the following Monday. The nice lady explained that pest control only comes to the apartment complex on Fridays. This meant our unit would be uninhabitable until then, which was extremely inconvenient as it was the start of the semester for Georgia State. Initially, it was difficult to receive help from management because they wanted proof of the roaches. This was frustrating because they made it seem as if we were making this up. They visited our apartment during the day and claimed not to see anything; however, roaches are nocturnal creatures that come out late at night. Thankfully, they were able to help us with once-a-week pest control services (Arrow exterminators), but it took nearly two months for the roaches to disappear… or so we thought. After the first treatment, we deep cleaned the apartment because it was not cleaned before our arrival, and we have maintained a clean environment ever since.

In December of 2021, the German roaches once again made their appearance, and we immediately requested pest control services. In addition to roaches, we have noticed spider webs, stink bugs, and dead flies around the windows during the length of our lease.

In February of 2022, we were met with a new pest: Palmetto bugs. I requested pest control services right away, and I also emailed management to explain our situation in detail because it was evident that pest control was not a permanent solution. Their response was invalidating and claimed that because Palmetto bugs are native to Georgia, they are expected. This was simply unhelpful.

As of March 2022, 7 months into our lease, we are still dealing with pests. We recently witnessed German roaches in our kitchen, meaning they are still present in our unit and probably never left.

I want to emphasize that City Plaza has a superb maintenance crew, as they are highly responsive and helpful with our other maintenance needs. City plaza, in general, is a cozy place to live, with a beautiful courtyard and fitness center. Unfortunately, this has become an environment that is not safe and uncomfortable for us to live in. We do not blame management or the maintenance crew for our pests, as we understand that this is not their direct fault. As college students, we have multiple concerns, including exams, extracurriculars, work, projects, etc. It is difficult for us to live peacefully and complete our tasks when we are always on alert for pests in our apartment. This has been an ongoing issue since our move-in last year, and it is...

BEWARE OF MOVING HERE. I do not write reviews. However, under new management this apartment is now ran by Black African Americans who is completely unprofessional as struggle to hold themselves accountable for issues they place on tenants.

According to their new policy they cannot and will not accept any payments using any checks. I called on the 1st and the 2nd of the month multiple times throughout both days to notify them of the system issues. I was advised they are working on it and not to worry regarding fees, timing etc because they (herself and the other office personnel) have deadlines to meet and is working on that as of now but will get back with me once resolved, per Noami. So I allowed her to follow-up me and had not processed a call on the 3rd but I did check the system and it wasn’t resolved.

Saturday the 4th, I had not heard anything so I took it upon myself to stop in the office for an update. I was advised due to the system I had to make a payment via cashiers check and or money order. I advised Noami it’s no way I can make it to the bank before 1pm on Saturday after 12pm to get the Cashier’s check. She stated if I don’t pay it today I will be charged a $125 late fee. I advised her I had ample enough time and could've gotten the check any day prior to today if I received an update sooner. I asked can I drop the cashier’s check off Monday the 5th once the banks are open because I had called multiple times before today for an update. Why no one provided me with this information prior to today the 4th? In addition to this, if I did not stop by the office Saturday on the 4th who would’ve contacted me with an update or when?

After communicating this issue doesn’t fall on me as the tenant she reached out to the property manager Jason or Johnathon, or Jeremy (unsure of his name) he advised I could make the payment by Monday the 5th via cashier’s check which Noami relayed to me from her phone.

On Monday the 6th, I received a called approx 5:15pm from Noami asking when will I be able to settle my balance. I advised her I was actually pulling in to parking the residents garage as I just got off and made it home. Once I arrived in the office she asked if the late fee was included. I was stunned and confused; I asked her why do it need a late fee when I was advised to make the payment on Monday the 6th. She stated she mentioned before 10am. I honestly never hear by 10am because I would have advised her there was no way I could make that deadline by 10 due to my work schedule. I asked to speak to the property manager and he was of no help and very “oh well-ish”. Noami mentioned she would not be able to take the payment and handed me the check. I asked for corporate number and she advised me to google it. I left the office after that.

Sorry for a lengthy review but I had to provide real details regarding this incident because it is a circus. Do not move here. I am moving out ASAP. If I could legally break my lease I will do so. this property is definitely being ran by the...