ComplaintsforThe Galman Group

• Initial Complaint

  08/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I have lived at a Galman Group property in King of Prussia, PA since 2017. The property is amazing, and overall, I have been very happy here. The building remains one of the best values for an apartment community with comparable amenities in this area. One of those amenities is the option to lease garage parking that is detached from the apartment building. I leased two of these units, beginning in 2017 for $125 a month. (Since then, the garage rent goes up $5 every year, per unit.) On May 19, 2023, at approximately 4:00 a.m., my garage unit would not open. Since there is no alternate access to the vehicles, I called out of an hourly part-time job. I emailed management about the issue and asked for a rent credit to offset the lost wages. They replied they value me as a tenant, I'm welcome to call 24-hour maintenance, and they are "committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that similar issues do not arise in the future." On June 3, at approximately 4 a.m., the same thing happened, so I took a rideshare to work. My roommate did as well. (Maintenance may be "24 hours" but it is not instantaneous; in both our cases, waiting for service was not an option.) I documented this incident and emailed management for reimbursement of the rides: $120.11. (Also note that from 2017 - 2022 this happened a few times, but I had never complained.) Nearly two months later, I received a reply from management: "We have decided that your garage rent will not increase during the next renewal period. Thank you very much for your patience with this and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced with the garage power outages. I am hoping we have finally fixed the issue and will not be dealing with this again for some time!" Resolution: Galman has offered me $10 for my troubles. While it may be legal, it's not ethical. I'm not sure why a multi-million dollar company is resisting crediting me $120.11, but it's unfathomable and unacceptable. And sad.

  Business response

  08/14/2023

  We apologize for the inconveniences you experienced regarding the garage power outages.  We have since had an electrician out to rectify the problem.  We do understand your frustration and request for reimbursement for your ride share expenses and we will credit your account $120.00.

   

  Customer response

  08/14/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *****************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  05/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I have currently been residing within the ************* community for an ongoing 3 years now. Starting about 3 months ago in my older unit there was new neighbors that moved in above me that clearly violated the noise ordinance that the community has. I had addressed the issue with the tenants, the community and local police. The fix was for me to move to another property and incur the cost of moving. I was told that my unit was exactly the same as my previous but I could not walk the unit prior to the lease. However that is not the case. Closets, bathrooms and bedrooms are not the same size. Along with that when I moved into the unit there was a pungent smell affecting my health. Broken tiled floor that has cut my daughters foot and a tub that I was told would be replaced due to the filthiness of it then told no it wouldn't. Also issues with birds getting into the HVAC area due to broken siding. Screens not fitting windows letting bugs in and etc. All these issues were communicated to ******************************* who told me she was in touch with the new property manager which I found out they were not. Over 2 weeks ago I was told within 5 days these issues would have a resolution put into place by the actual manager but there has been no communication and my emails now go unanswered.

  Business response

  05/16/2023

  We sincerely apologize for the delay in responding to your issues.  Our Director of Maintenance has visited your apartment and is having the repair work scheduled.

  Customer response

  05/16/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 2/5/2023, ***************************, of the Galman group instructed ******* towing company to tow my car. Even though members of the property management company, the Galman group have stated that it was okay to park in the new residents parking once the property management office is closed daily at 5pm. I parked my car around 8:00pm, the evening of 2/6/2023. Because the property management team NEVER communicated that this rule changed, I need to be reimbursed for the $390 I paid to get my car from ******** towing. In addition, I have been a resident at ******************* North, since July of 2020 and the rule has always been that you could park in those spots after 5pm since the office was closed after that time. I went to the property management office to get an understanding of what occurred. ***********************, of the Galman group, CONFIRMED to ***************************, that they have told residents that it is okay to park in these spots AFTER 5pm.So, it is NOT fair and simply wrong to tow my car when I parked it around 8pm last night. Because its been fine to park in these spots at night, the entire 3 years that I lived here.Im not sure what kind of emotional intelligence or fairness training the Galman group has for its managers, but ****** does not demonstrate empathy, patience or courtesy. At least not today. Thus, I should be reimbursed for $390 and clear communication is needed, not some communication that does not inform residents that after 5pm, no parking anymore.Regards,******************************************** ************

  Business response

  02/08/2023

  We apologize that you feel you were not treated with courtesy and patience.  This is not how we want our residents to feel.  There was nothing ever in writing stating that residents could park in the "Future Resident Parking" spots, you were notified by the attached email to all residents that these spots are not to be used by residents and will be subject to towing.

  Customer response

  02/08/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Regards,
  
  ********************************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/27/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Below are all the maintenance issues I encountered while living at ******* ****** in Willowgrove, PA. Jammed front closet door for the entire time I have lived here. Moved into a dirty apartment. Mold in our master bedrooms for months. Walls cut open so repairs to my AC could be made, and the walls were left open for weeks. My apartment has flooded twice, and once my shower was backed up with dirty brown sewage water. Property manager promised in writing to send building inspection report. After the high-rise in Florida collapse the community was worried. I emailed her and never got the report. She only gave us her word that the building was safe. This caused extreme anxiety as I don't know if the building will collapse. I could write a book on all the issues I have had in my unit, and I know many residents with similar problems because they talk about it with me. They talk about the mice in the building and how often their units flood. My apartment is now listed for 39% more than what we are paying now, and we have only been living in this unit for 1.5 years. $2290 for a two-bedroom that's not upgraded is insane. We have no choice but to break our lease because of all the maintence issues and anxiety of not knowing if building is safe. It has caused extreme frustration. The early termination clause that's not in the lease isn't reasonable since we can't pay a $7,000 fee before we give back the keys; they will hold us responsible for rent through the end of the lease term, which is seven months. The property manager told me they weren't responsible for leasing my apartment even though it's the law to make a reasonable effort to rerent. There are several things against us, i.e., the rent they want to charge for rerenting and the property manager being negligent regarding efforts put into resenting. The manager was also negligent regarding giving the community the building inspection report. It makes me sick how much we have been deceived, and others in the building are also being deceived. In the past, I have gone to the news when serious wrongdoing is happening in the community. I could contact the health department regarding the mice and flooding. I could also quickly gather a list of residents with mice and flooding issues. I know over 20 residents with these issues off the top of my head and I feel comfortable asking others. Galman group knows the building has major maintenance issues, yet they are trying to rent my unit for 39 percent more. They want people to pay more to have mice as pets, and floods ruin their belongings.

  Business response

  12/05/2022

  We have reviewed your file and have discovered that you received 2 free months at the beginning of your lease.  According to your lease paragraph 4.3 entitles us to be reimbursed for the full amount of concession if move out occurs prior to expiration date of initial lease or any renewal period.  So we now have 2 issues, breaking your lease and reimbursing concession.  We have copies of many emails explaining our lease breaking policy and we cannot make any exceptions. Contrary to what you believe we are trying to re-rent your apartment.  It is currently showing as available on our website although this is not prime leasing season.  All of your workorders have been completed and you personally have never made a complaint regarding mice in your apartment. 

  Customer response

  12/08/2022

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because according to your response, we are forced to live in these apartments with known health issues, i.e., mold, flooding from water pipes bursting, and mice for the rest of our lives, and unless we do that, we own you back the two "free months." This is inhumane. No judge in his right mind would agree with this. My job was also taken from me as retaliation for this dispute. One day after submitting this dispute, my boss, who is a third party manager, called me and gave the exact reason, I.e., due to issues with this HOUSING dispute, I was let go of my job. I have worked at the ******* apartments for eight months, and this is what I get for my services. I am great at my job. I am polite and helpful, and most importantly, the residents like me. 

  *********************;

  Business response

  01/03/2023

  We will agree to accept your offer of 2 months' rent for early termination.  In addition, we will keep your security deposit of $500.00 and we will not require you pay back the 2 months concession.

  Customer response

  01/03/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I pay over $1200/month for my apartment. It is my understanding that because I pay money to occupy the space, I am entitled to have access to the entire space 24/7. I was asked this week to move my personal belongings from the closets within my apartment to allow access for contractors to install an unnecessary, updated hvac system. Galman Group refuses to offer compensation for my loss of living space that will endure over the course of the nonconsensual, unnecessary renovation. Again, the space I occupy was agreed upon when I signed the lease, I pay money each month to occupy the agreed upon space, and now, that space is being taken from me. I believe it is extremely unprofessional for a property management business to inconvenience their tenants in this way. I feel my privacy and autonomy are being violated; I was not given a say about whether or not this renovation will occur in my home. I was not given a say as to when this renovation will occur in my home. I want compensation or a rent adjustment for my loss of living space and the time Im going to take performing labor to move my belongings in my own home, or I want the renovation to take place after I vacate the unit in 3 months so I am not inconvenienced by the unnecessary demands.

  Business response

  10/18/2022

  We gave plenty of notice regarding this NECESSARY installation of new HVAC units.  Every resident was made aware of this project months ago by mail and lease renewal.  We apologize that the work in your unit did not take place on 10/13 as originally scheduled but material supply issues have caused as to re-schedule for 10/24.  We understand that this is an inconvenience, but this needs to be done.  According to the lease you signed, we have the right to do this provided we give proper notice:

  ACCESS. Owner may enter the Leased Premises under the following circumstances: 1) in case of emergency; 2) to make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; 3) to supply necessary or agreed services;
  4) to exhibit the Leased Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors; 5) if Residents abandon or surrender the Leased Premises; 6) pursuant to court order;7) to perform an inspection of the Leased Premises; or 8) under any other circumstances permitted by state law. Owner will give Residents at least twenty-four (24) hours notice of Owner's intent to enter unless: a) an emergency exists; b)Residents have abandoned or surrendered the Leased Premises; or c) it is impracticable to do so. Further, Owner will enter only during regular business hours unless: i) an emergency exists; ii) Residents have abandoned or surrendered the Leased Premises; or iii) Residents consent, at the time of an entry that is not during normal business hours, to the entry. Residents agree that if they deny Owner access to the Leased Premises when Owner is in compliance with statutory requirements and entitled to access, any such denial of access shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and shall entitle Owner to evict the Residents.
  

  Business response

  10/24/2022

  We are allowed access to make any repair, alteration or improvement provided we give 24 hours notice and we have turned this over to our attorney.

  Customer response

  12/07/2022

  I understand that this file is now closed because I did not respond to the business’ reply in time, however, I would like to further provide information to BBB regarding this matter:

   

  My lease renewal letter was sent to me on September 28, which was only 1.5 weeks before I was notified of the renovations taking place in my apartment. The renewal letter made no mention of renovations taking place during my occupancy.

   

  Prior to the lease renewal letter, a vague email was sent out by Galman Group this past summer regarding an HVAC renovation that would be taking place. There was no timeline of when these renovations were happening or where these renovations would be taking place. I was not notified that this would be affecting me during my occupancy, that I would be forced to move my belongings and furniture, and that strangers would be entering my home daily for extended periods of time. I find it very unprofessional that no details were provided to me about this project, that I was given absolutely no say as to when this would be done.

   

  Presently, my apartment has been under renovation for 3 weeks. There is still work left unfinished – an electrical panel with no breakers, piping and wiring protruding out of the newly built wall in the kitchen, and the new HVAC unit on the bedroom wall is inoperable. When I contacted management about this and asked for updates on when this work would be completed, their response was that the HVAC units are on back order. To me, this lack of planning and coordination is evident that the HVAC renovation currently taking place in the apartment I am occupying is UNNECESSARY and could have been put off until I vacate the unit in January.

   

  Attached is the email sent in August of plans to update the HVAC system.

   

  Thank you for you time,

  ****** *********

  ...

• Initial Complaint

  10/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I applied to ************* Apartments and I had to pay a $64 application fee non refundable (which was understandable). But then I was asked to pay a $500 holding fee. I was told that I would get it back if canceling three days after approval date if unsatisfied. The day my application was approved I went to see the model apartment. The apartment was set up nice BUT there was a big brown spot on the ceiling of the living room. Seeing that spot turned me off and I asked to see a two bedroom apartment that was listed available now on their website. They couldnt show me the apartment. So we decided to call corporate. I spoke to *** ***** who tried his best to help. We discussed canceling our application (the next day after approval) and waiting until a unit was done being repaired so I could view it. / side note: they could not hold any apartments for me because I canceled my application. (Which I was OK with). Once the apartment was listed as available, I called the office right away and that same day it was taken down. We were no longer signing any lease and still did not get our $500 back, even after canceling our application the next day of approval. None of the corporate managers contacted me back about this situation. I emailed *************** and ************* on 09/30. Date: My application was accepted 22nd of September for an apartment that I no longer had an interest in. I talked to *************** on the phone September 23rd around 11:30 am. Our conversation was about my concerns. My application was supposed to be canceled on September 23rd. He gave me the option to wait for 204J to be ready enough to view. **. ***** (property manager) said that it would be done by the end of this week October 1 but they could not hold because no app. I contacted the office of ********************** on September 29th. Right after apartment taken down.

  Business response

  10/24/2022

  Although you canceled your application the day after your approval, we agreed to allow your Hold deposit to be put towards another apartment.  You were contacted each time we had a unit available for you.  You eithe would not sign a lease agreement or

  did not respond at all.  Once we agreed to allow you to use your HOLD deposit for another unit, you were aware that your deposit would not be refunded.

  Customer response

  10/25/2022

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because I requested a change to move into an apartment listed Avialbe Now. I also requested to view the apartment before the lease signing (Which was all in the first three days). They told me I had to cancel my application and that I had to wait to see the apartment but that i could not hold any apartments without an ongoing application. They denied my request to put the apartment (204J) on hold (even with my 500 deposit) unless I signed the lease. After they told me I could see a specific apartment (****) they allowed someone else to pick it up. At this time they had my $500 and did not hold anything for me. **************** called me and told me they could not hold anything for me unless I signed a lease. At first, I thought about going through with it until I realized their actions were unfair. If they had my 500 and my application was not canceled then why did they not allow me to put the apartment I was interested in (****) on hold? How could they allow someone else to apply for the apartment I was interested in and approve them for it? 

  Regards,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  01/03/2023

  We had decided to return your Hold deposit and it was sent in early November.  Did you receive it?

  Customer response

  01/03/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/26/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I am a resident in ************* apartments. Since May of 2021, we have dealt with numerous water leaks that are never properly fixed. Recently (last month), a pipe burst in the apartment above and flooded our apartment. I have attempted contacting the property manager many, many times and no response is ever received. We were unable to live in the apartment for a week and the complex had commercial fans and dehumidifiers running on our electric for 24 hours a day for a week. We have received no compensation for these additional costs and the repairs are still not complete. The leaks are still occurring and no one seems to know how to fix it. We are extremely frustrated and continue to being taken advantage of by management. We are looking for compensation in rent and electric, repairs to be done properly, a response from management, and additional options in accordance with our lease agreement and the landlord/tenant code.

  Business response

  08/03/2022

  We apologize for any inconvenience while we worked on finding the cause of your plumbing issues.  We understand that you have been in communication with the Property Manager and after some previous plumbing repairs, the plumbing was replaced on 7/28/2022.   We will also have your carpet replaced, we are just waiting for you to let us know when you would like to schedule this.  Please contact the Management Office to schedule your carpet replacement.

  Business response

  11/07/2022

  We have agreed to give you a $500 rent credit to use towards December rent. We believe this is a fair offer and will not consider any other concessions. We look forward to this matter being resolved.

  Customer response

  12/23/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *********************
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In May I began to have Shortness of breath, sneezing, constant congestion, loss of hearing and dry skin. I opened my window in my apartment in found massive amounts of mold around my window and moisture to the carpet from water leaking in. I sent several calls to my complex about the issue along with the air not working, prviding a breading ground for the mold. A friend allowed me to rent a room from them as the apartment was not livable. The second week of June I sent an email to management. They stated they didnt know. The claimed to have fix the air and resolved the mold. The mold was so bad the the areas around the window were so moist if you leaned up on the wall around the window, it would cave in. The carpet has not been replace and my apartment is still warm. There is no proof that they had the mold issue handled by a professional, the carpet replaced, or areas of window replace with new Sheetrock. I am a police officer sergeant and my hearing needs to be adequate for hearing calls over the radio if my officers need assistance. I have an appt this month for my physician can work me up for mold exposure. Ive become anxious and do not want to return to this apartment as this black mold has not been removed correctly. I can not allow my Resp system to decrease anymore as need my hearing and can not be short of breath in my line of work. All I want is for them to allow me our of my last three months of my lease. Im afraid my Resp system will continue to fail. Thank you

  Business response

  06/23/2022

  On June 2 the only issue called into the management office was the AC. Maintenance addressed the AC  changed filter & cleaned. It was blowing at 74 degrees All of the other issues were never brought up until resident responded on June 14 to our June 7 email regarding his promise to pay his balance due on June 17. It is also the first time we heard that he was unable to live in his apartment. In response to the issues reported on June 14, a portable A/C was installed and on June 16 his A/C was charged and is working. There were very few days during the period the A/C was not working that required air conditioning. The tub was initially fixed by Central Tub on 07/12/2021 then repaired again on 10/14/2021.  They are scheduled for warranty work on 7/7/2022. If something opens up sooner they will let us know. The tub is still useable.  We do not find that your apartment is uninhabitable and feel that these issues were brought up in order to deflect from the constant issue of non-payment of rent.  Photos attached shpw corrections made.

  Customer response

  09/28/2022

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: *******
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the company was sent photos. This complaint has been going on for months. In this time, I have not lived in the apartment but maintenance was in the apartment with a subcontractor to fix

  the tub. They had full access to my apartment to view my continued complaint of mold still growing. Upon me returning my keys, I was told by *******, with ****, the property manager in attendance,that "i don't have to pay the balance and that it was waived". They also even stated that "they would give me a referral for another apartment" .I received a bill from corporate on 9/27. When I told, ***************************, in the business office what was stated as far as the balance being waived, she stated she would call me back. I never received a call back, I received this rebuttal. I am still experiencing respiratory issue from the mold and had to dispose of a year old bedroom set as well as a piece of furniture that was very special to me as my mother gave it to me. They both had mold on them and I had to have ****-Got Junk come to dispose of them both. I had complete video and pphots upon my move out. I'm willing to testify to this entire ordeal 

  **************************************;

  Business response

  10/24/2022

  You keep referring to photos and videos of your mold issue.  The only photos we received were those of the mildew around your windows that we had removed.  We never received anything showing mold anywhere else.

  All you need to do is to provide us with the photos and video and we will gladly consider adjusting your balance due.  When you spoke to our Collection Manager at the Corporate office, she asked you to provide this information which we still have not received..

• Initial Complaint

  05/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Went to go check a property out on Saturday April 30, 2022. Really liked the looks and feel of the community. We were greeted by a young lady named Briela. She was polite and quite kind. The unit we viewed was listed at 9 month term at $1710. Me and my fiance were thinking about up sizing because, we are expecting really soon and really like what the community had to offer. We fell in love with the unit, and immediately wanted to reserve the lease. She had told me the application was all digital and to fill out the app she had forwarded to me in an email. When I got home, the unit was not listed on the link she had given me. I had reached out to her and she had told me to apply for another unit and that she would use that application for this unit. So I had applied for the unit and paid 2 applications fees for me and my fiance and the $500 reserve fee to hold the apartment to take it off listing. This morning 5/2/2022 I had received a email regards to the unit, and that new rental agreement is now 12 month term at $1845.00 . I feel like I was scammed and honestly want my money back. I really don't want to do business a property group that changes terms at a blink of an eye. I just want my refund back, as well as the application fees that were used for this unit. I have no interest renting from this property group in the future. I will also file a complaint as well if i don't get any information regards to this matter. I did reach out to their main office ext 135. I will post updates according.

  Business response

  05/05/2022

  Our rents change daily which is why we advise all prospects that quoted rents are only good for 24 hours.  Briela advised you of this when you toured on Saturday April 30, 2022.  When we received your application on May 2, 2022  ************* price was more.  All information regarding changes in rent are on our website application.  We are processing your deposit refund , but as stated in our rental criteria that you had to agree to before continuing to complete your application, application fees are non-refundable.  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩