Somerset At Trussville

My husband and I lived in Somerset at Trussville for two years. No pets. No children. We paid over $1100 each month for a...

My husband and I lived in Somerset at Trussville for two years. No pets. No children. We paid over $1100 each month for a 2/2 with a garage and that included water, sewer, garbage, and required insurance (only covers Somerset). When we moved in, we were NOT told that the new carpet installed was expected to last 5 years. At the move-out inspection, we were told by the assistant property manager that the carpet had a buckle in it and there were areas with significant wear and that we would be paying to replace the carpet. I can assure you that all we ever did was walk on the carpet – normal wear and tear! I have watched the carpet and padding be cut outside on the sidewalk and installed in many of those apartments over the course of the two years I lived there. It is my opinion that it is VERY CHEAP quality and is not made to last more than one year. We consulted with a lawyer and were told that the lease is written in such a way that they can force their residents to pay for anything that the management deems not to be “normal wear and tear”. You have 15 days to pay 50% of the final bill or they will send you to collections. We took the advice of the lawyer and paid our bill in full because we felt it wasn’t worth having our credit ruined over. I have since spoken to several former residents and they have the same story as ours. While the lawyer told us that what they are doing is not illegal, it is very much unethical. I have also spoken to a former employee of Somerset who told me that, as a leasing agent, she was not allowed to do final inspections, but she did notice that, more often than not, security deposits were seized to cover “damages” and carpet was replaced at even the slightest hint of a stain. Please also know that these apartments are in the City of Birmingham. Zoned for Birmingham City Schools – NOT Trussville. 911 response comes from Birmingham police and fire – NOT Trussville. Birmingham police took over 30 minutes to respond one morning to a domestic disturbance going on in the apartment above us. More often than not, the courtesy officer never returned our phone call. The one time she did call back, she told us that the marijuana smell was coming from the professionally landscaped bushes throughout the property that, when in bloom, give off the same odor as marijuana. They must bloom A LOT, in all four seasons! In August 2017, there was a shooting between two residents that occurred inside the gates, on Somerset property. I do understand that crime happens anywhere and that information has to sometimes be legally withheld in situations such as this. I do not understand, however, why the residents of Somerset were never contacted by management to let us know what was being done to prevent future incidents from occurring and keep the safety of all residents at the forefront. I asked the property manager about the shooting and was told that I “didn’t need to worry about it”. When reading any good reviews, remember this. Residents were often “bribed” to leave a good review on “what we loved best about Somerset” in exchange to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a gift card. The one star is for the maintenance staff! They were always helpful!

I've only been here about 2 months, but so far so good. The leasing process was relatively painless. The apartments have a modern, open...

I've only been here about 2 months, but so far so good. The leasing process was relatively painless. The apartments have a modern, open floor plan. Everything was as expected upon move-in and no surprise fees. I'm looking forward to calling this home for a while.

I moved into the apartment complex about 3 months ago. First they gave us an apartment that we did not request. They said it...

I moved into the apartment complex about 3 months ago. First they gave us an apartment that we did not request. They said it would have a living room, dining room, and kitchen. LIES! Then we have been bothered with ANTS, WATER BUGS, AND ROACHES!!! 3 days ago which was a Saturday night we discovered there was a MOUSE within the apartment. As me and my husband began looking for the mouse there were mouse traps laid out already under the stove and refrigerator. Therefore, the complex knew of the issue prior to us moving in. I spoke with the apartment manager, Heatherly, first thing Monday morning. She was extremely rude while I was expressing the issue. She told me they don't ever lay mouse traps so they didn't lay them and pest control might can come Thursday. I stated the rent is too expensive to deal with the problems and we are not waiting 4 more days to get the problem fixed. Then Heatherly stated "WE DO LIVE IN ALABAMA" aggressively as though the problem is minute and I am blowing things out of proportion. Between the infested apartment, small spacing, no parks, and the bad attitudes I wouldn't recommend this complex to anyone.