Tura Powers

Review of Lawson

I currently reside in 1 out of the 6 Lawson Realty...

I currently reside in 1 out of the 6 Lawson Realty Company properties in Virginia Beach, Summer Haven apartments, in which the treatment of the residents reflect the negative stigma associated with income restricted apartment complex. As we share rental office/ management with Baker Woods apartments it seems as though we are only included with Baker Woods when it is time to pay rent or when we are informed the rent is increasing. We are not allowed to use their amenities, we have not received assigned parking in which we were told was going to happen, and most recently Baker Woods entire property was power wash, while I m walking through trash and what appears to be mold everyday due to the lack of proper care for Summer Haven Apartments. Since residing at Summer Haven apartments, there has been multiple changes with staff , from management down to maintenance. While I do understand this will happen as a part of business, the transition of staff is not smooth at all and the properties themselves reflect that. This also leads me to believe property staff is not appropriately supported by the regional manager to ensure everyone is all on the same page. I have went through the appropriate chains of command before leaving this review and will continue to go next level as needed if concerns are not addressed appropriately. I have spoken to management respectfully on several occasions about my concerns but the advice is to police my own neighborhood. While the property does have cameras that can be reviewed for crime and the trash issue, I was told it would take all day to review the cameras, and while we do have a grounds keeper I was told maintenance does not get paid to clean anything other than the bottom floor. I have called and left a voicemail respectfully on Tami s phone last Thursday, needless to say, no response yet. I have went in person to speak with Tami and was she had not be in the office for the past 2 days. Tamis lack of concern as a Regional is a clear reflection of the lack of concern for the property displayed by her staff. This company seems to have individuals who work in corporate that attempt to capitalize on their position. Linda (corporate operator) , specifically, was very rude over the phone and when asked for her name because she was informed I would be leaving a review she stated You don t need my last name, they will know who I am. I have also noticed that with every bad review from actual RESIDENTS, follows a good review from an EMPLOYEE of Lawson Realty, how ironic but strategic to balance out the stars because it is very evident Lawson's residents do not feel cared for and appreciated. As this month marks my second year at Summer Havens, I feel it is important to not only advocate for myself but other residents as well (as they express the same concerns and given the same responses). I am aware that rent has increased twice within a year due to marketing and business aspects of things but what value is that to your residents if the actual property itself is only worsening? Initially I was so excited to move into this brand new affordable property and felt it would be a great home for my son and I. But it has truly been a nightmare at this point as my building alone has suffered very traumatic experiences including but not limited to, a homicide, robbery, and shooting all over a 2 years time span. It's sad because it has gotten to the point where certain residents take advantage of the fact knowing management does not care and will not thoroughly look into things (Do their job) it allows them to just do as they please on the property. With a little more effort and harder work from Lawson Realty staff I believe this property can be ran more smoothly and improved!!! Mr. Keith was a great worker as he clean and enforced property rules, fining those who went against them to ensure the cleanliness of the property. I hope to hear back from you all with a respectful, realistic solution that can actually contribute to some changes being made. Attached are pictures of what I walk through everyday.