Katy Place Apartments — Local services in Columbia

I am a previous tenant of Katy Place. The location is wonderful, right next to the Katy Trail and a quick drive to the MU campus, the maintenance staff is the best--they are very friendly and quick to help, and the grounds are fairly well kept and quiet. My negative experiences here are primarily from the administrative staff. There are several things that were not clearly communicated to us that I would have appreciated knowing prior to signing the lease, and I hope this review is helpful to potential future tenants.

This began during the leasing process. We had requested a 2B-2BA apartment and signed to be on the wait-list after our apartment tour. It was not communicated clearly to either of us during the tour that the wait-list was not specifically for our requested unit type—it was for any type of unit that was available at move-in. By the time we found out, it was too late for us to find any other options around Columbia. I acknowledge that this may have been a misunderstanding on our part. However, both of us had the same impression from the tour.

We did not interact much with the staff until we began to move out. During move out, we received an instructions sheet that required that all tenants are to personally pay for professional carpet cleaning regardless of whether the carpet was damaged. We were told that this was communicated during leasing. However, the lease states: "...ordinary wear and tear excepted. Additionally, if applicable, Lessee shall be liable for the actual cost of carpet cleaning." In another section of the lease, it states: "Residents shall be liable for any damage to paint, plaster, cabinets, carpets, floors, or other parts of the apartment." These sounded reasonable, and my understanding of these statements during signing is that a professional carpet clean would be necessary only if there are any damages beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Additionally, tenants are required to physically move all appliances (refrigerator, stove, and laundry units) and clean underneath. Any damages that may happen from this are charged to the tenant. Cleaning an apartment prior to moving out is expected and reasonable. However, the requirement of moving appliances is unsafe. Fortunately, the maintenance staff was agreeable to kindly help with this process.

During checkout, the staff member working with us marked the majority of the check out form and did not cross-reference the move-in inspection forms. Additionally, the check out forms noted that tenants were allowed 1 hour after the move out inspection to make any corrections needed. This was denied, and the staff member stated that they had changed the rule. This rule change was not communicated to tenants. Fortunately, we were able to request a second run through with a different person the next day. Ashley’s inspection was very reasonable, and she kindly apologized for the rude and unreasonable treatment from the day prior.

I have lived in 3 other apartments in Missouri and have never experienced these types of move out instructions, miscommunications, and behaviors. I would have liked to have been aware of these things when I signed on to live here, and I hope this is helpful for future renters...

Katy Place has been a great place to live the last 3 years. The staff are very friendly and have made my living experience here extremely positive. The maintenance staff are friendly as well and are always able to respond to requests quickly. Lately, the complex has been beginning renovations, so it has been a little messier than usual, but these are needed additions. Solar lights for the parking lots have been very helpful and the staff mentioned the kitchens will be getting updated cabinets and counter tops, so I'm excited for that.

The apartments are right off the Katy Trail, and I use that daily to bike to work or go for a run. Who needs a gym membership when you have a nature trail? The complex is also right next to Schnucks and Forum 8 Theater, and I've definitely been a fan of walking to get groceries or see a movie.

As for the community, it seems like it's mostly young professionals. Everyone mostly keeps to themselves and no one gets too loud. I do like how lately the complex staff have been holding events for the community here, so that;s a nice touch.

As for the downsides, 2.5 things come to mind.

1. Shortly after I moved in, the complex tore out a lot of bushes and trees saying they were interfering with piping and wires. Totally fine, I get it, but they said they would plant new bushes. It's been 2+ years and that hasn't happened yet, and the trees added a really nice touch and some privacy. I hope they still have plans for this.

2. While the maintenance staff are quick to fix things, the quality of the sinks has not been great. In the kitchen sink, the part with the extended hose to rise dishes constantly leaks. I've had this part replaced twice and it seems like each time is with a cheaper part which breaks more easily than the last. The main faucet also had to be replaced because that was leaking, and I got a cheap replacement. Not a major issue, but it's a little annoying.

2.5) There are a decent amount of Brown Recluse spiders. Depending on which building you're in, the problem can be horrible or not bad at all. I'm in a ground floor unit and occasionally get spiders, some of those being Brown Recluse. I had a friend who lived in a 3rd floor unit close to the woods and apparently the attic was infested. They ended up moving out, and I'm not sure if that issue was resolved. I'm sure these are a problem anywhere else, but it's something worth knowing and worth asking about depending on what building you're living in.

All in all, I would recommend living at Katy Place. The pros outweigh the cons by quite a bit and I'm really happy I stumbled across this place when I was looking at apartments.

Edit** After reading through some of the reviews here and what is being implemented lately, it seems like management is listening to feedback. So I guess that's...

I have lived in Katy Place for two years now and I have noticed a considerable change for the worse. When Kate and Marianne were managing, the grounds looked good and everything was addressed with promptness and kind consideration. Theresa is a very nice and conscientious employee but I am happy to hear that the manager is being replaced. I never received any answers back through email from the past manger and she was also very rude to me when I spoke to her live. I am hoping for a new manager that is able to address the needs of this complex and I would love someone who sees this complex as a community and not just individuals who pay rent. We use to have "get togethers for the complex and a newsletter but when the management changed, there has been nothing. Lastly, since most of our trees have been taken down, there has been nothing in their place except for weeds. The pool also needs serious attention. There has never been any umbrellas put up....and with no trees makes for no shade. The tables are old, the lounge chairs are old and sag horribly, there has been a lock broken on one of the entrances for probably 5 or more weeks making those residents have to walk around to another entrance, and there are tiles broken in the pool. I chose to live in this complex because of the staff, the trees, and the attention to the grounds. I know I am like a lot of the residents right now wondering if it is worth it to stay now. Very disappointed and hoping...