RVA vs. Evernest

Submitted by harpervn t3_1243yq2 in rva

My boyfriend saw this today when coming home from the gym. Interesting to see all Evernest tenants unite! Anyone else seen these or are joining the fight?

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ttd_76 t1_jdxvtt5 wrote

Evernest is Dodson, right? Yeah, I can imagine there are a lot of people with complaints.

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Captian420 t1_jdy0mqa wrote

Just a general rule of thumb is fuck Dodson and Evernest. They’re so disorganized, rude, slow, and unhelpful. Had a leak in my ceiling and went to work then realized I forgot my keys and the repair man was Hiroshimaing my toilet with the door open. Same dude tried walking in while my gf didn’t have a shirt on.

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kneel_yung t1_jdyjst6 wrote

> Same dude tried walking in while my gf didn’t have a shirt on.

having worked in that line in the past, some do that intentionally for that reason. it's considered a perk of the job.

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scrapaxe t1_jdy6flc wrote

https://richmondtenantsunion.org/

The Richmond Tenants Union is a great resource to help organize, plan and direct action against unfair/negligent housing practices and slumlords. Get in touch with them and they can absolutely help you at least get acquainted with your rights as a tenant and oriented in the right direction to do something.

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captainmav713 t1_jdxxg26 wrote

We need one of these for those of us stuck in Pollard & Bagby/Squalid Walid properties!

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Smoky_Sol6438 t1_jdy65wc wrote

Pollard & Bagby are the original slum lords of RVA

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slazengerx t1_jdyik6t wrote

I rented a couple of P&B-managed apartments back in the late-80s. So, they're still shit 35 years later? I admire their consistency.

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Charlesinrichmond t1_je0aftl wrote

Everytime I read about Dodson/Evernest I think, yeah, they may not be great, but compared to Walid Daniel/Pollard and bagby, they are minor league sucky. Tough to compete at that level

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Captian420 t1_jdxzt3p wrote

A resident of an evernest/dodson came to my door asking for a signature on having rent go down and having the building inspected

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GeneralWeebeloZapp t1_jdyf8qo wrote

I didn’t live there, but I did live with Dodson, who at one point were not letting my roommate and I move out because our lease rolled over to month to month and they were refusing to answer our calls and the manager hid in her office and pretended not to be there when we went in person.

They also threatened to sue us whenever we refused to pay rent they mistakenly doubled.

They also guaranteed us free parking until the city gave us hundreds of dollars in tickets and they tried to pretend they never offered parking until we dug up emails and threatened to take them to court.

Fuck Dodson. Fight the good fight folks.

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cbon43 t1_jdyappn wrote

The owner of our apt just switched to Evernest from a different management company this past month. They haven’t contacted us once. I’ve called and e-mailed for three weeks straight asking how to pay rent, put in maintenance requests, etc—nothing but voicemail machines and crickets. Received a bill via e-mail this morning that said they took our rent out of our security deposits because we hadn’t paid. The hell?

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Feisty_Rhubarb8873 t1_je7qgr5 wrote

Landlord here who fired Evernest due to shit like this. Reach out directly to your landlord- if you don’t have contact info, find the entity name on your lease and search the state commission corporation site for the registered agent. If Evernest isn’t collecting rent, you can bet the landlord wants to know that and will take action. You can also file a tenants assertion with the court and put rent in escrow if you can’t get traction otherwise.

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iamlostinthetide t1_jdxzns6 wrote

I wish we had this when we rented from Dodson. I have some serious horror stories. I wish y'all the best of luck!

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VirginiaWren t1_jdyfwr8 wrote

So, I live in Williamsburg, in a condo. Dodson managed our HOA, when they sold to Evernest, everything went bad. Our maintenance guy didn’t get paid, etc. I’ve heard from others here that the same thing happened to them. The HOA finally switched to Brooks mgmt and things are back on track. Is Evernest some kind of criminal enterprise? Do they actually pay the bills anywhere?

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Minakovablue t1_jdyhm1o wrote

Our condo HOA just switched to Evernest in January, and it’s been one idiotic mess up after another with establishing payment. Horrible communication regarding anything and everything.

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yduimr t1_je02v8w wrote

Lol I'm currently under contract for a condo with an HOA managed by Dodson/Evernest. We were square til it was discovered that a couple of the units were behind on payments because they respectively either had disputes or technical issues with the payment portal that Evernest hadn't bothered to fix. The sellers and residents have worked together to fix it but Evernest is taking their sweet fuckin time updating the questionnaire...we're supposed to close this week but am fairly sure it'll get pushed back a couple of days. Gonna join the board after this and push for change of mgmt. Fuck these clowns.

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Splask t1_jdzmw52 wrote

Evernest exists in many cities. Landlords and tenants hate them everywhere. Look at reviews online. It's like a slumlording corporation, but they figured out a way to make it bad for the landlords who use them for property management also.

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opium9 t1_jdxwpv4 wrote

Can I get the address please?

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muttbutt804 t1_je0478p wrote

I live in a single family home managed by Evernest. I can tell you with certainty it was not a "merger". I know people have lots of nightmare Dodson stories but I have rented properties from them for about 7 years now. Up until this last property (going on two years) we really didn't have that many problems. The owner at our previous building was quick and responsive and things were fixed in a timely manner. Since this "merger" the service I have received from evernest is absolute ass. Almost to the point where I've needed to go to the owner of the home and tell him how it is. If I want anything done I have to email high up the chain and threaten to contact the owner. The maintenance supervisor they have now does not respond to calls or emails. You would be better off shitting in one hand and pissing in the other... you'd get more results. My latest least renewal was over a9 percent with a 200 dollar renewal fee. Which is absolutely absurd. I was able to get it down closer to 5.5 percent which I feel is a reasonable increase but it felt like an act of congress. Long story short.... don't rent from Evernest.

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RVAperson9 t1_je0b3o6 wrote

How did you get it down from 9 to 5.5?

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muttbutt804 t1_je0k4yy wrote

By reading "The Art of the Deal" by Donald Trump (sarcasm). But honestly I had some pretty crap experiences with this rental and I just made sure to document and call it out. I had to offer up alternatives instead of just saying "You can't raise my rent". The reality is as much as it sucks increases are going to happen especially in the city of Richmond where gentrification and other factors are pushing Property taxes higher and higher. My experience is probably different as Evernest doesn't own the home I am renting. So at the end of the day it was up to the owner to approve or deny my request. I made sure to specifically list the problems we have had and I offered up what I felt was a more reasonable increase based on economic trending and inflation with is currently at about 6%. I gave multiple options and asked for much more than I expected to receive. Ultimately I saved myself about 780 bucks which isn't a massive amount but it's nothing to shake a stick at either.

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marginalmusings t1_je4k4al wrote

Yeah my roommate and I are in this same boat. They tried to raise our rent 10% and we were like no fucking way AND the $200 renewal fee. Never in my life have I heard of a “renewal fee”. Are you gonna charge me $200 every fucking year to renew my lease???! I swear it’s like they don’t want people to live there..we got the increase down to a 4.3% increase which we will concede to, but we’re still going back and forth about the renewal fee.

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muttbutt804 t1_je4vpe9 wrote

Yeah, I've done so much back and forth arguing I am sick of it. I gave in at what I got. To be fair we have a 3 BR 1 BA in South RVA for under 1500 which right now isn't terrible.

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marginalmusings t1_je607p1 wrote

The thing is, we’re gonna renew no matter what because we only just moved in last summer and neither of us wanna move again. And we genuinely love our house. But I’ll be damned if I don’t put up a little fight you know?

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harpervn OP t1_je5pkhx wrote

Who are you in touch with about this?

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marginalmusings t1_je60e6z wrote

We’ve been talking to our property manager and she’s been talking to her manager and the man who owns our house.

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harpervn OP t1_je87t2i wrote

Impressive that you're even in touch with them.

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Jarfulous t1_jdzgk5e wrote

Nice 💪💪

I'm not an Evernest tenant, but I'll be rooting for y'all

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okcknight t1_jdxyhjm wrote

Could they legally evict you if they found out you were part of this association ?

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fusion260 t1_jdy48tb wrote

Evict? Probably not.

Refuse to renew a lease or extend an existing lease? Almost certainly.

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Daemonrealm t1_jdy8o9l wrote

I wish more people would fully know the law and how evictions work in virginia.

A property management company does not and can not evict you. A judge does within a hearing where you are in attendance as a defendant and have legal rights just as anyone in a court room to make your case and provide your side of the situation. The property management company must provide legal grounds to evict you and the judge provides a verdict within that trial based on legal evidence only

Being apart of an association such as this is not grounds to legally evict someone. Nor is many, many items of what the population thinks will get you evicted. The 2 main areas that will have you evicted in the court of law:

  1. breach of lease contact, and even then the property management must show proof that a lease violation contract was provided, signed, returned, and evidence that the concern was given at least 30 days to resolve, then proof the issue was not resolved. That lease violation contract must be a legal document under VA state law guidelines
  2. Non payment under lease terms and contract. Which goes back to #1

Examples of what will NOT evict you in a court of law

  1. Being rude, direct, or demanding to the PM as long as you are not legally harassing or threatening
  2. Standing up for yourself or others
  3. talking bad about a property management company and/or name dropping them on the rva subreddit
  4. Requiring that PM company or person fulfill their legally binding contract with you
  5. calling out PM for poor service or giving bad reviews publicly
  6. using tenant assertion legal process on a PM company
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Ask_RE_questions t1_jdzxb98 wrote

Stop spreading fake news, if the owner wants you out and gives you proper notice you’re out.

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bkemp1984Part2 t1_je0bivw wrote

The only way an owner can give a notice that's legally "proper" is if the end of lease is coming up anyway and they're informing you that they won't be renewing with you. Otherwise they have to go through eviction proceedings because being under a lease protects the tenant from being removed any other way.

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Ask_RE_questions t1_je0g7b0 wrote

I don’t think you can generalize on leases as each one is negotiated between a different landlord and tenant. There are clauses that can be added that protect the landlord. There is no “only way”

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Charlesinrichmond t1_je0ib4g wrote

this is not exactly true. VRLTA governs in residential leases, clauses that contradict it are void.

Source: went to law school

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_sarten t1_je0nymz wrote

This is true, but only leases that are for a full year. A 364 day lease is not subject to the LTA from what I have been told. This is a sneaky trick used by some slumlords. So, when signing a lease, you should read and understand the entire lease.

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Charlesinrichmond t1_je0w4eg wrote

that used to be the case. I don't think it is anymore, but it's a good question, I'll read up on it. They basically made it applicable to everyone the last few years...

Yeah, looks like 90 days is the cutoff now

§ 55.1-1201. Applicability of chapter; local authority

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_sarten t1_je1yegq wrote

Thank you for the info. The laws are changing now every year, and it is hard to keep up.

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raindeerpie t1_je0110u wrote

as is the owners right. What demonrealm said is still accurate though.

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Ask_RE_questions t1_je03ag5 wrote

Come lease a property from me and test your knowledge out.

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raindeerpie t1_je0hdjg wrote

ok? what will that prove? I'm sure everything will be done by the law as demon realm stated. or are you implying that you will be intentionally breaking the law to prove a point?

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Daemonrealm t1_je0wmip wrote

Thank you for self identifying yourself as a slumlord that is apart of the problem in Richmond.

No you can not threaten tenants and you will be charged with harassment or assault if you do.

No you can not “test our knowledge out” or we will sue you civilly or bring criminal charges.

No you can not illegally use any means just because you own a property and want a tenant out.

Please test us. I have legal teams standing by and already retained for tenants just for individuals such as yourself.

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harpervn OP t1_je1565p wrote

Might need to keep you on my contact list regarding your resources.

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[deleted] t1_jeao885 wrote

[removed]

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rva-ModTeam t1_jeaq2jy wrote

This content has been removed as it is considered rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to be the Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here.

Do not use alt or brand new throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack another user, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.

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gbmoon1239 t1_jdyvrp7 wrote

We specifically chose not to rent property they control when we moved in because of all the horror stories we found online. This has been going on for yeaaaars, hope they give Evernest what it deserves

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chexsmix96 t1_je05rdf wrote

I’m so happy to see this. Dodson wasn’t the best but Evernest has been hell. I can’t even get in touch with the property manager at all. I have called on numerous occasions and get told, “okay, I have your name and number and I’ll pass it on right now so she would call in the next couple hours”. Never anything. The was a point last year that our AC went out and it was 80 degrees in our Apt. I have Asthma and I have pets… we had to load up and stay in the car for a few hours just to breathe and not pass out. Called emergency maintenance multiple times and said they thought someone already came out. And they didn’t end up coming til like 3 days later. If I didn’t have a car to go to, I 100% would’ve passed out in there. Also has the washer broken for 2 months because they kept switching maintenance workers. Can’t wait to move out of there in a couple months. Fucks Evernest.

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Feisty_Rhubarb8873 t1_je7pq3c wrote

Landlord here who fired Dodson/Evernest after mismanagement.

From the landlord side of things, we saw vendors not get paid, utilities not get paid leading to shutoffs, overcharging of management fees and maintenance fees, fees charged with no receipts, inaccurate record keeping, deposits not being returned to tenants after moving out. Evernest took rent collections and did not pay vendors or landlord in full. Where did that money go?? It happened too often to be able to chalk it up to an honest mistake or even incompetence.

Happy to provide cell numbers and email addresses for Duke Dodson and Graham Robinson, president of Evernest. DM me.

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DarnKatz t1_jdyq7y6 wrote

I too would like the address por favor

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FrederickEngels t1_jdzk9s7 wrote

I love it. Collectivism is the only weapon we have vs these people.

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Actual_Lab935 t1_jdzmedp wrote

How about all corporate landlords?

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Opening-Primary3929 t1_je0omlc wrote

RTU is the associated org, they work with tenants from any landlord in richmond. This is just a specific tenants council for Evernest tenants. There are several similar tenants councils across the city.

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Tayzerbeam t1_je0pfvc wrote

Yikes. I had never heard of them and was considering renting from them- glad I didn't.

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mehkmonet t1_je11j2y wrote

My water heater busted when I visited my parents over the holidays and I got back to my apartment flooding, they haven’t done anything to fix it except for turn the water off to the unit. I still don’t have water 😤

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oursisfury t1_je1bn6n wrote

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1244/

If you haven't already, send Dodson this language and tell them your intent to file a tenant assertion within 30 days if your lack of running water isn't fixed. If you've already written to them (in writing, no phone calls or verbal discussions), this 30 day clock may have already started ticking.

If the time comes and goes and they still haven't fixed it, you can start paying your rent to the court through an escrow account until they do fix it, and you may be able to force them to pay any costs you've incurred as a result of their negligence. This will get their attention.

This is the nuclear option and I'd expect them to not be happy and more likely than not refuse to renew your lease, but it's an option.

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murphdurph25 t1_je1dgbz wrote

I work for a company that supplies Everest with they, Everest/Dodson, do in fact suck

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Intrepid_Guidance_90 t1_je256mu wrote

I worked for Dodson in the downtown shokoe/south side across the water, I was a technician and I will say that the people saying it’s a perk of the job or whatever seeing people naked, that’s disgusting, your supposed to knock twice(enter if no reply) and announce yourself(second you step in) and step out when the resident replies unless they say otherwise. I have walked in still on some slippery situations though even following those steps(gun to face, people having intercourse, people in showers.. that aside the point, Dodson sucks, I literally was out at a bar on a Friday and watched the supervisor of me Jeremy rometti get black out wasted and go to a emergency on call. He also created a extreme hostile work environment when I brought it up to corporate, I then quit because I was ignored. CRINGE WARNING When your hired at Dodson expect a keg and multiple shooters(liquor) they wanna get you drunk during your first introduction to the company. Weird right? Well that’s a big reason this place sucks, they are lazy none responsible people running that place, them being a 3rd party management group for owners gets the residents half ass service and guys who feel privileged are directed to sites if on site guys can’t fix, they are the biggest egotistical assholes I’ve ever met. Stay away from Dodson in all ways…

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Aggressive-Break-665 t1_jedrhxw wrote

Evernest rejected my rent payment then immediately hit me with a late fee and said I had 5 days to pay a $500 late fee balance or I’d be evicted. This is way higher than the maximum “late fee” they could charge me for, as it says in my lease. No matter how many times I called I could never get through to any property manager, they didn’t even know who runs my building. There’s like three people answering phones in the office. But my time was running out so I went downtown to their RVA office (and was assured someone could talk to me there), and the door was locked with a sign saying to make an appointment online. I knocked for awhile and nobody ever came out. There was another tenant at the office who said he had paid his rent through May, yet they had put an eviction notice on his door for the next morning. I just paid the outstanding total on the fifth day out of fear of what would happen but it’s fucked up. We’ll definitely be moving out of this building, which sucks because I like our apartment but living under a predatory company is not it.

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harpervn OP t1_jeej9nh wrote

That is scary. I don't understand why it's so hard to get in touch with someone.

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mcaphasia t1_jdyixnz wrote

I've had nothing but good experiences with Dodson for the last two years. They fixed my stuff immediately when something was broken, and I don't think rent is bad at all. Haven't needed Evernest yet so can't comment on them, but rent only went up something like $30 this renewal.

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Crosetaylor t1_jdypwdd wrote

Anyone experienced this with the new Collection of Historic Richmond properties? I’ve been having issues with my building and they never respond.

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caro_photo t1_jdzsy1d wrote

Evernest is literally the scum of the earth. We had the front door kicked down after a home invasion and they ignored our calls and emails for months but now wants to charge us $200 a month to renew the lease. They also would try to charge us for regular maintenance requests

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SnooGoats2154 t1_je07iyq wrote

I rented with them from Dodson into Evernest for 4 years. Now I’m moving out and they are making the process so difficult. They asked for a reason for my move and I told them maintenance issues. They fired back at me saying all tickets are completed but I placed tickets for the same problem over and I’ve e because it never was fixed. I gave up trying to get it fixed eventually. Can’t wait to be totally severed from this company.

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evey22 t1_je0jh02 wrote

Can you DM the email address please?

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thisonesforatwork t1_je68j19 wrote

This is one of worst places to rent on the east coast, empirically. Ready Matthew Desmond's book "Evicted" for more context.

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martyparty56 t1_jdyvz8j wrote

This makes me so happy. Called/emailedthem for months to have an issue resolved with no response. Fuck evernest and Dodson

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the808phantom t1_je0i1j6 wrote

Glad my community fired them months ago

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I_Love_Booty_Pics_ t1_jdxusx1 wrote

Can anyone explain whats so bad about evernest

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opienandm t1_jdxw0kt wrote

I’m going to guess:

  • maintenance being ignored
  • rent going up
  • fees being added on
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harpervn OP t1_jdxxnnn wrote

My main problem is not being able to get in touch with anyone. It makes me irate. My lease is up for renewal in a few days and I am frought with anxiety over it.

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richmondtrash t1_jdytqaz wrote

Whether you’re trying to end or renew your lease, send a letter via certified mail with signature delivery tomorrow. Keep the receipts and a copy of the letter. If they give you shit you have proof that you notified.

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mordenumero1 t1_jdxvpwq wrote

Any of the major realty companies in Richmond will screw you as a renter. Poor/no maintenance, ridiculous surprise fees, can never get a hold of an actual person at the company, etc.

They can provide terrible service because there is almost no alternative to them.

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MaryDellamorte t1_jdylux0 wrote

Legend Property Group isn’t like that.

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mordenumero1 t1_jdzs7p3 wrote

That's good to know. From what I can tell, RVA Rentals isn't evil either.

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witchyteajunkie t1_je20lvx wrote

Thanks to this subreddit, that's who I went with. I haven't moved in yet, but they've been great so far.

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Bagel_czar t1_jdyoj97 wrote

Still a property management group and terrible and deserving of horrible things.

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Charlesinrichmond t1_je0b0ln wrote

you don't here about the good ones. Saying they are all like that gives cover to Dobrin, Pollard & bagby/Walid Daniels, and Evernest.

If you follow this sub, I think there is no doubt those are the top 3.

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neverstory t1_jdyro4u wrote

Impossible to get in contact with and never gave me back my security deposit either. Called and emailed for months.

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ShadyAdvise t1_jdy572q wrote

Tenants association? Lol, just move it's a free country

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_Joe_Momma_ t1_jdy6c8h wrote

Hang on, if you don't like your neighbors organizing why don't you move?

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ShadyAdvise t1_jdz4e6z wrote

Because I don't have an issue with my living situation...? That's perhaps the dumbest angle you could have taken

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RVAVandal t1_jdy5vg4 wrote

Jesus, there's always some dipshit that just can't keep their waste of air opinions to themselves when they have nothing constructive to add.

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ShadyAdvise t1_jdz4fff wrote

Just because you don't agree with my opinion doesn't mean it's no constructive to the conversation

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oursisfury t1_jdzrtvd wrote

I also think your opinion was not constructive, just so you know.

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ShadyAdvise t1_je07kry wrote

And yours is? I offered an option to move that many seem to be ignoring. You may disagree but it is an option available. You added what? "Yeah, I don't like this guy's idea!" Very solid contribution my brother

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oursisfury t1_je098hc wrote

If legitimate and sincere, good for you. That is an offer not many would make.

That being said, if you're hoarding housing such that it allows you to offer it to online strangers at a whim, maybe you shouldn't be. You owning it for seemingly no reason is preventing others from making it their stable, permanent home.

Additionally, your 1 (one) singular house, and offer to stay thereof, flys in the face of the concept of a union or collective. Unless you own enough houses to allow for all the tenants of all Dodson properties to stay with you indefinitely until they find affordable housing with responsive and respectful ownership/management, your offer is probably not as helpful as you think it is.

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ShadyAdvise t1_je0dsly wrote

You replied to the wrong message and you are spreading the wrong message. Focus on the facts brother, I house people who need help and you attack people who you disagree with online. Stay blessed in this holy month of Ramadan my brother 🙏🏽

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oursisfury t1_je0eh3r wrote

No, I replied to the intended one, where you mention no one is taking you up on your offer.

Again, if you remove housing from the market for people to make their own, to offer on a temporary basis to make yourself feel better, you're not being as helpful as you think you are.

Ramadan Mubarak 🤝🏽

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futuregeneration t1_jdz1tmu wrote

Free for you, as you simple pass on the expense of the property you've bought. Since you have that extra freedom that doesn't exist for others why don't you move?

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ShadyAdvise t1_jdz4jc2 wrote

This is a free country, anyone can move. Americans are seriously some of the most short-sighted and babied people I've ever met

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futuregeneration t1_jdz4ok5 wrote

Are you offering that "free" realty?

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ShadyAdvise t1_jdz52w9 wrote

I do offer free housing to many that do need it, if you'd like I'll place you in a townhouse I have on the Southside for up to 90 days until you are able to get back on your feet.

That is besides the point that in America, you have the freedom to move and the opportunity to start over. That doesn't exist in my country, yet all I hear is bitching from Americans instead of taking advantage of the opportunity that the majority of the world would beg for

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futuregeneration t1_jdz5dab wrote

You're a foreign land investor? No wonder everyone is struggling with housing.

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ShadyAdvise t1_jdz62ei wrote

I am an American citizen. You not addressing the two points I made above and instead trying to make the focus that I am a foreigner tells me everything I need to know. The saddest part is I'd guess that angle isn't even you. You strike me as the type of brother that would loudly and publicly denounce xenophobia, yet in an attempt to hurt me you turned to the same ideology - oh the hypocrisy...

Stay blessed my brother, if you ever need temporary housing assistance, message me

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futuregeneration t1_jdz85o3 wrote

So you were saying you weren't free to come here? You weren't free to divest from your native country? You seem to have been able to do that.

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