Lori and COLM was super professional, responsive, and friendly throughout my tenancy. They were very quick and efficient at addressing concerns and answering questions, whether about the heater, landscaping, fridge, pets, etc. and always reasonable about it. I even had to renegotiate the lease a couple of times, and they helped me sort it out with the landlord to mutual satisfaction.
The move in and move out were smooth and hassle free and the online tenant portal made automatic payments every month easy.
I did get an unexpected charge for carpet and window cleaning when I moved out (even though I cleaned and documented both) but the charges were not unreasonable. Still, given the number of complaints about this one thing, I hope COLM would consider doing in person move-out inspection instead of the ambiguous and confusing current process.
Other than that, the rental was a wonderful experience and I would rent from them again. Thanks, Lori!
We've been leasing our property through COLM for the past 10 years. The service has been absolutely 5 star. Lori at COLM has handled all the issues that have arisen in a very professional manner. I'd not want anybody else to manage our home.
Food for thought to all those who complain about repair costs and losing deposits. Consider, if you can, what it must be like to have to rent out your own home! Not everyone is a professional landlord, some of us have to rent out because of circumstances. Renting out your home is difficult enough, as your really don't know how people will treat it . . . and it is 'your' home that you trust to complete strangers. So, imagine what it must feels when you find that tenants have left the place looking a wreck - damaged carpets, damaged cupboards, uncleaned appliances, wall damage, the list goes on (not just our experience).
As I have to approve all the costs involved in repairing our place (competitive quote basis) after it's been mistreated, it's often a huge expensive list, which is entirely justified, else I wouldn't approve it (and not all repairs are placed on the former tenant either). If we don't do this, tenants complain endlessly that the place isn't up to scratch, as some on this list have. Somebody has to pay. Even after claiming on deposits, we are often left with bills that wipe out any gains that may have been made through the year.
My advice to renters - if you want your deposits back - look after the damn places you rent and treat them with respect. Kudos to those that do and kudos to Lori - awesome property manager!
