I have lived at Red Mountain Villas since it was The Peaks at Papago Park. When I moved in it was perfect. The rent was affordable, the grounds are lovely and the location next to the park is a big bonus. I moved in Sept 2010 and have always paid my rent early, taken good care of my apartment and generally never had an issue. When I moved into my 518 square foot apartment I paid $585 a month for it. (This includes the pet rent) Over the course of 5 years my rent has slightly increased every year. Of course, this was to be expected. They updated my applicances when I requested and they offered incentives for renewing your lease. I had a beautiful accent wall painted and my place looks amazing. I truly love living there and dont plan to move anytime soon.
Unfortunately that is the reason why I'm writing this review. Over 5 years my rent has increased a reasonable ~$100 (so I'm paying $690 a month + $100 more in utilities). When I went in to renew my lease this year they informed me they are raising my rent almost $100 a month for this next year. I was shocked. I cant imagine budgeting for this. $800 a month (+ $100 utilities) for a 518 sq foot apartment? I live alone, I am not sharing rent responsibilities with anyone else. My paycheck just doesnt have an extra $100 in it every month to spare. I went in to plead my case and they told me they are unable to negotiate at all and they recommended I choose a 7 month lease instead (as it's $30 less a month).
I read an earlier comment about another resident having the impression of them not wanting to retain tenants. Why would they want to coerce me into a shorter lease? Perhaps, because they want a sooner opportunity to raise my rent again? I am disheartnened. I hope I can work it out. Weidner is a giant corperation and I am one person, but this is my home and I dont want to lose it.