University Lake Apartments — Local services in Carrboro

I’ve lived at this apartment complex since the summer of 2021, and my experience here has been a mix of highs and lows. While there have been some good moments, a series of frustrating incidents/developments have made it clear that this might not be the right place for me anymore. I’m writing this review to share my experience in a balanced way, not to criticize unfairly but to provide insight for anyone considering moving here.

Let’s start with something recent. Until January of 2025, I had never once been late on rent. Yet, I received an eviction notice without any prior communication. No call, no email, just a slip in an envelope left hanging on my door. With the bad winter weather we’ve been having lately, that notice could have easily been damaged, blown away, or even stolen. It’s unsettling that something so critical was handled and escalated so carelessly.

This incident also brought back some memories of past grievances. Earlier this year, I was accused of owning a prohibited dog breed, a pit bull I had adopted in late 2023. When management informed me about the policy that fall, I had to get the dog off the property within a week despite requests for more time. While I take full responsibility for not being aware of this policy, the lack of flexibility and understanding in how they handled the situation was really disappointing.

But, months later in 2024, I received the same notice accusing me of keeping a prohibited dog, despite me not owning a dog anymore. Management claimed they had video evidence of me walking one in the community and said they were willing to cooperate if I complied. Despite objecting and advocating for myself, they insisted on searching my apartment. Unsurprisingly, they found nothing and eventually apologized. But the supposed “evidence” mysteriously vanished. That whole experience made me very angry, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since.

Beyond these specific incidents, there’s the matter of rising rent. Each year, the cost increases – this is normal, what with inflation, market demand, and increasing property taxes. However, it doesn’t feel proportional to my unit’s aging condition. While maintenance has been swift in resolving issues, the apartment is showing signs of wear and tear that make the hikes harder to justify. When I first moved in, I appreciated that the old management waived one month’s rent and moved me into a new unit due to issues with the original one. But over time, my unit has continued to age noticeably, and the rent is now a couple hundred dollars more expensive than when I first moved in. Without marked improvements, these increases are starting to feel unreasonable.

To summarize, while University Lake may have its advantages, such as location and prompt maintenance responses, the new management’s approach to communication, policies, and rent increases leaves something to be desired. It's just not what it used to be. If you’re thinking about moving here, I’d recommend weighing these factors carefully. I hope this review provides helpful feedback for management and valuable insight for...

I can give zero stars if I could. Moved in into one bedroom apartment. Nobody dares to tell me that the apartment unit did not have any cable or a phone lines for internet until I purchase my internet Modem and the service guy told me that I need a wire running inside my apartment and a wall jack. I call the apartment that I need a wire installed and a wall jack in order to run my internet. They told me that it’s the internet company responsibility for wiring. I call the internet company back and they told me that they don’t do any wiring in apartment complex. I call the royal park and I spoke to the manager and he finally told me that my unit does not have any cable outlet and phone wires. No wonder why every person that I know moved who lived in that same unit I’m in, moved out of the same unit I live in because they don’t have any cable internet connected inside the apartment unit. I been dealing with this internet issues for month. When I was doing my orientation with lady, she did not mention anything about my unit didn’t have any cable outlet or internet. Very disappointed and very frustrated. Maintenance is horrible. They fit something a minute ago, as soon as they leave. That thing break again, and you have to request another one again. I wish somebody could have told me that...

The apartment buildings are old and things often break. However, management is good about fixing things and the price is cheap. Pretty decent value.

However, no matter what you do, DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO PUT YOU IN BUILDING G. I was confused as to why the building seemed so empty when I moved in, and now I know why. Building G is home to one of the most unpleasant neighbors I have ever had the displeasure of living near. He would consistently complain about noise, despite the fact that the buildings were old and bound to creak. When that didn't work, he would move on to threatening. I distinctly remember him saying "If you can't be quiet, next time I'll do more than ask." Keep in mind that this is from my POV, so I'm sure to be biased. However, his antagonism was not directed towards only me. I would regularly be awoken to him having a shouting match with his other neighbors. The man was so delusional that when I was moving out, he came up to me and accused me of making noise on purpose. I've spoken to people who used to live where I was and others have had a similar experience with the guy, so he's been entrenched there for a while and likely will continue to be.

Overall, fine place, but do yourself a favor and avoid the goblin living...