Americana Palos Verdes Apartments

Read carefully…………. I moved into this property around the same time the former manager, Maria, was retiring and the new manager, Ciera, assumed her role. At the time of my move-in, Maria explicitly assured me that there were no pest issues on the property. As someone in my 50s who lives alone and maintains a very clean, tidy home, this assurance was a deciding factor in my lease. Unfortunately, this representation was inaccurate. I discovered pests shortly after moving in and immediately contacted Ciera. To her credit, within 24 hours, pest control was on the premises addressing the issue. However, the problems at this property extend far beyond pest control. From the moment I moved in, I have witnessed open drug activity, rampant prostitution, residents creating ongoing conflict, and men openly sharing prostitutes from one apartment to another. I have been repeatedly harassed, hit on nonstop, and made extremely uncomfortable by male residents who crossed clear boundaries. The situation became so severe that I was forced to publicly announce to residents that I am not a prostitute, simply to stop the harassment. In addition to these safety and quality-of-life issues, my personal property has been targeted: •   Soda poured on my vehicle •   The tow cover stolen from the back of my car •   My catalytic converter tampered with •   My tires repeatedly stabbed/slashed My vehicle is not inexpensive, and due to the lack of safety on this property, I have felt compelled to walk around armed for my personal protection, which is not something any tenant should ever feel forced to do. Ciera has made sincere efforts to improve safety by installing cameras; however, these cameras are ineffective and do not adequately cover the premises. To date, at least three residents, including myself, have experienced tire slashing—strongly indicating the threat is coming from within the resident population. I formally implore the owner, Peter, and management to take immediate and serious action, including: •   Full-time, on-site, fully armed security •   Properly placed cameras covering the entire property •   Adequate funding for proper repairs, not temporary or cost-cutting fixes •   Immediate attention to leaking pipes, infestations, and ongoing maintenance failures At this point, the property is no longer safe for me to reside in after dark. I have been forced to relocate for my own safety, yet I am still bound to a lease that I should be released from immediately and in good standing. No tenant should be financially trapped in an environment that poses a clear and ongoing risk to their personal safety. Ciera is a dedicated and capable manager, and my concern is not with her performance. My concern lies with ownership and corporate responsibility. I sincerely hope that Ciera remains in her role and that STOUT and ownership take my safety—and the safety of all residents—seriously. I am not someone who will remain silent, and I am absolutely disgusted that these conditions have been allowed to persist for years. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with Peter directly regarding this matter. I am not an average renter. I am a 10-star renter who expects safety, accountability, and basic standards of living to be upheld.

Five stars for Ciera! Since Ciera has been manager this property has improved. The buildings have been painted, laundry room is clean and adequate, new dumpsters and live security cameras on all 4 buildings.