VERVE Columbus — Local services in Columbus

Security Failure Cost Me Thousands With No Resolution

Less than two months ago, my apartment was broken into while I was sleeping. The intruders entered through a broken garage door that management was already aware of. It was also known that these same people had been living in the complex, squatting in a vacant unit, for at least three weeks prior. This serious lapse in security cost me thousands of dollars, my car, and irreplaceable personal items.

When I first reported the incident, I requested that I move to another apartment since my apartment is accessible by through my window, they have my bedroom keys, I am right next to the stairwell that leads straight to the garage, and they now know who I am and where I live (stole my wallet). With the circumstance, I asked the $350 transfer fee be waived, given I had just suffered such a major loss. Instead of hounding staff, I was patient and kept being told they would have to talk to corporate and get back to me. Over a month passed before anything was done. By then, the building was at capacity, and I was made to feel like the limited options were my problem because of the “time crunch” and that they “could not meet my expectations.”

Two days before move-in, I was given two unrealistic options: pay $400 more per month than last year’s rent or move into a unit with another dog (without ever being told the dog’s size, despite asking three separate times).

I made it clear paying more was not feasible due to the circumstances [Not to mention, I already pay too much for a room when the A/C didn't work for half the year], but could live with another dog. However, knowing the size was important to ensure the other dog’s safety around my large dog. After my third request for this information over email (which Kayla had previously had no problem telling me in person about another unit), my transfer request was now denied since they did not want to provide me the information in writing.

The only people who were consistently helpful since this had happened were the front desk staff and the maintenance man, Aaron, who went above and beyond to assist me. Aaron was there at 6:30am on a Saturday and stayed all the way until almost 9pm that night to help assist the police in the incident. I had more interactions and assistance from maintenance than I have had in the last two months regarding this situation from the whole management team.

This entire situation could have been avoided if my concerns had been taken seriously by management when the incident first occurred. Instead, I was left with last-minute, unrealistic choices and no real resolution. In addition, I was told by corporate safety measures had been implemented since then, but when I asked for details, I never received a response. Since the garage door was fixed, I have still learned of another incident very similar to mine and even saw a homeless person sleeping in the lobby.

If you want a safe place to live with management that cares, I would...

I am upset to write this review, however, I feel it’s necessary given how extremely unsafe and disappointed I’ve become as a resident of VERVE Columbus. When I first moved in back in August, I was very excited to live here. I felt welcomed, things seemed very organized, and I loved the sense of community. Unfortunately, over the course of a few months, that came to change pretty quickly. I understand that new buildings come with growing pains, but the way issues have been handled (or not handled) here has gone from frustrating to genuinely dangerous. At this point, I no longer feel safe living in my own apartment at all. One of the biggest concerns is the parking garage, which is advertised as secure. In reality, it’s been left stuck open, allowing direct access into the building. This has led to ongoing safety issues, including squatters and multiple break-ins. I understand there can be delays with repairs or vendors, but when doors—both unlocked and locked—are being broken into and people are forcing their way in, it’s unacceptable. I’m a female student living alone, and I now feel like I can’t safely stay in my apartment overnight without my door being kicked down, off the hinges. I’ve personally heard banging, break-ins, and disturbances nearly every night, and I’m not the only one—several residents have had to call the police repeatedly. Despite attempting to bring these concerns to management, communication has been poor. No one seems willing to give clear updates or real solutions. The only response I got was an extra door lock from maintenance to help make sure my door doesn’t get completely kicked in, in which does not resolve when I’m not inside my apartment. Security has been another major letdown. The fob access system that was supposed to limit entry into the building doesn’t work like it should, as there is direct access without requiring a fob. The on-site security team is basically unreachable. When they do show up, they just do a quick loop around the garage and leave. This has been incredibly upsetting because I used to love living at VERVE. It really did feel like a home away from home. Now, I can’t even get a full night of sleep without worrying about whether my apartment door will be kicked in and my belongings stolen. The lack of urgency and transparency from management is beyond disappointing. Until serious changes are made, I absolutely cannot recommend this place. No one should have to live in fear in...

I’ve hesitated to write this review for a long time, but I now feel a responsibility to speak up—not just for myself, but for fellow residents who may share similar concerns. My intention is not to disparage, but to advocate for the safety and well-being of everyone who calls this building home.

I recently returned to Columbus after a few weeks away to retrieve some items I had left behind, only to find that the garage door was still broken and left open. This has been an ongoing issue, and it's more than just an inconvenience—it’s a security risk. Most concerning is that because of the broken garage, an access door on the second floor is now exposed to the public. This door initially broke back in January and, despite multiple requests and formal complaints, it still has not been repaired. Sadly, in March, my personal belongings were stolen—something that might have been preventable if the door had been secured.

I’ve raised these issues several times, hoping for resolution, but have seen little action taken. At this point, I feel it’s my ethical duty to publicly express concern, especially considering the price residents pay to live here. Safety and security should be a top priority, and unfortunately, I no longer feel confident that these basic expectations are being met.

Additionally, I’d like to note an issue I encountered regarding parking. While parking is advertised as “month-to-month,” I was informed that if I canceled for the summer, I would not be able to reclaim my spot in the fall—despite having already signed a new parking addendum for the 2025–2026 term. This lack of flexibility feels misleading and adds to my growing list of frustrations.

I genuinely hate to write this, as I had hoped for a different experience here. But after too many disappointments with management, I feel compelled to share my experience in hopes that it prompts much-needed improvements. Residents deserve transparency, responsiveness, and—above all—a safe...