My son who has been an Equity Residential Apts tenant for the past two years, was robbed twice in the residential parking of Coconut Palm Apts in Coconut Creek, FL. As a concern parent, we requested a move to another Equity property with security gates. The manager at Coconut Palm agreed and would wavier the transfer fee of $400.00. We were required to put a holding fee of $100.00 at the new apartment at Turtle Run, Coral Springs.
The move in date was set for Dec 27, 2008. Before this date, we received a phone call from the manager at the Turtle Run claiming that Equity Properties would not wavier any fees, and a total of $1, 000.00 must be paid before the move in date. (these fees were the deposit fees, application fees, access gate keys...ect.) We did not have this fee available at the moment and had no choice but to cancel the hold on the new apartment. During this time, Equity deposited the $100.00 and would not return the money due to "liquidation penalties". We were told by the manager of Turtle Run, the holding fee was going to be applied to the first month rent due on 1/1/09. I have submitted a complaint to the Consumer Dept in Jacksonville, Florida, since we feel this was unfair treatment to us since it was an emergency situation due to the robberies at the Coconut Palm Apts. Is there any other steps we can take to get the $100.00 back. Thank you. NS