The Avenues of West Ashley — Local services in Charleston

I’m writing to share my experience with my new apartment (Unit 356), as I believe it's important to provide an honest review for both prospective residents and management. First, I want to acknowledge the maintenance team for their efforts in addressing some of the issues I raised. They were able to fix the laundry room door, the bathroom fan, the dryer, and the coaxial cable—thank you for that. However, these positive fixes do not outweigh the significant problems that still persist in the apartment. When I checked the maintenance request system, I saw that my request was marked as "work completed," but unfortunately, this does not reflect the actual state of the apartment. There are visible holes in the living room walls, stains on the floor, and areas that were clearly not addressed during the previous resident's stay. These issues are disappointing and make it clear that the apartment was not properly prepared for a new occupant. The stove is another major concern. During my first attempt to cook, I encountered a serious safety issue. The stove burners are loose, and when I tried to use them, they began smoking and emitting a strong, unpleasant smell. I had previously sent a photo showing that the burner coil was raised and wouldn’t sit properly in place, but it seems nothing was done to resolve this. Despite turning off the stove and letting it cool, the smoke continued, and the burner area itself appeared rusty. This is not only frustrating but also feels unsafe to use. I have attached a video showing the issue. The bathtub is also in poor condition. There are noticeable stains, and when I step inside, it feels soft underfoot as though the structure beneath it is compromised. Additionally, the faucet and handles on the bathtub are rusty, as is the light support in the bathroom. This further adds to my concerns about the overall condition of the apartment’s fixtures.When I first toured the unit, I was informed that the "Classic Unit" would feature oak cabinets and older appliances, which I understood. However, I was not told that I would be moving into an apartment with smoke hazards, holes in the walls and floors, and stained fixtures. These are not just cosmetic issues—they are safety concerns.

I am also disappointed by the apparent lack of responsibility regarding damages left by the previous resident. I signed paperwork detailing what I would be liable for upon move-out, but what about the things that were already damaged when I moved in? It feels like there’s no accountability for this, and it leaves me with a sense that the apartment was not properly prepared for a new resident. When I toured the unit, I was informed that the "Classic Unit" would have oak cabinets and older appliances, which I understood. However, I wasn’t made aware that I would be moving into an apartment with smoking hazards, holes in the walls, stains, and other signs of neglect. These issues go beyond cosmetic concerns. I feel the tour I was given did not adequately represent the unit I would actually be living in. The apartment shown during the tour seemed fine, but the reality is that it is much older and in worse condition than I was led to believe Furthermore, the apartment was not clean when I moved in. I sent an email to address this, along with pictures and videos of the issues. I also requested a meeting with the manager to discuss potential solutions, but, I have not heard back. Overall, I feel like this Apartment was far from being ready for a new tenant. I’m frustrated,...

WARNING FOR BUILDING 37 TL;DR: I would recommend NOT renting here at all but ESPECIALLY on the first floor of building 37 as your apartment will flood ankle deep every time it rains moderately-heavily, and there is nothing the complex will do. They do not care. I don’t want them to hate me for posting this but I don’t want someone else to suffer from this issue even more it’s so stressful. They already have the apartment posted for rent so be careful.

Full story: I have lived at this complex for a few years and had a lot of positive experiences, lots of nice people in the leasing office and neighborhood! But unfortunately I will be moving out and am very disappointed with the situation I have been put in because of this complex. Some of the apartments on the ground floor of building 37 are known to flood when it rains hard including my own, (not disclosed before I moved in.) The water comes in through the porch and doors, but also through the foundation. Even with sandbags on the doors It was pouring in from under my stove and into my bedroom straight from the walls. There’s definitely water damage and the floors and baseboards and doors are all weird from being waterlogged so much.

Nothing was done to help the flooding issue, interior or exterior wise besides asking us to run dehumidifiers constantly to deal with the humidity issues that it has caused in the apartment.

I felt the front office did not care, they did not check on us or apologize or offer any resources for help. I specifically asked if we could switch apartments to one that does not flood and keep our current lease because the market rent they are charging right now is hundreds more than I was paying and I did not intend to move if not for the flooding, and the complex said no. They would only allow us to sign a new lease at a significantly higher rate or pay the same rate but stay in the flooding unit, so unfortunately now I have to pay to move to a new complex and I do not appreciate that personally.

I don’t expect apartment complexes to actually care about me as an individual, but I do expect them to make unfit living situations right and to be transparent with issues when renting out an apartment, and they failed at those both drastically in my opinion. I just wanted to make sure no one else gets forced to move apartments short notice due to an unforeseen flooding apartment here because it rains a lot in Charleston and floods are expensive and I do not trust this complex to do the right thing. Thanks...

SAVE YOUR MONEY! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT MOVE HERE!

My Fiancé and I moved here in November of 24’. We didn’t have the luxury of having a walk through prior to moving in because we were moving from out of state. (biggest mistake btw) I was also 7 months pregnant at the time. When we came into the apartment for the first time I could already tell this unit was not ready for new tenants. Simply because it was multiple things and appliances broken, walls are yellow not entirely sure if that’s the real paint color or not. The floor’s vinyl was coming up in multiple spots. Paint was used to paint over holes and damages in the wall. Dryer and washing machine was dirty inside and behind. Kitchen stove wasn’t cleaned properly and every time you turn it on its smokes! The microwave handle was glued back on. Broken bedroom light fixture still not fixed. I had to throw away our couch because there’s absolutely no way to move living area furniture in the small apartment doorway. So we went about 3 months without a couch until we could find one small enough to bring in through the patio. Since living here it’s been bug problems and plumbing issues. Our guest bathroom flooded twice since being here and also our kitchen and living room due to either plumbing or rain from underneath the foundation (we live on the first floor) I’ve asked the office to fix these problem so many times and they beat around the bush about everything. The gave a third party contractor ( not maintenance )the keys to my apartment when it flooded so they would be able to pick up their equipment. Thankfully I was home to let them in but the guy said “it’s ok they gave me a key to come in if you didn’t answer” like excuse me? I have a newborn baby girl and a German shepherd in my home and they just gave out my key to someone who doesn’t even work for the complex!!! All the office had to say was “Sorry” $1800 a month and not ever once late with rent and I have to deal with this foolishness as a first time mom. I’m pretty sure there’s mold in this apartment and that will be next on my agenda to get tested because I have a newborn baby! Unfortunately my lease isn’t up until November but let me tell you… I cannot wait to get the hell out...