Otter Property Management's tenancy began with a property unprepared for occupancy, featuring dead pests, significant dust, mold in toilets, and non-functional refrigerator components. Security was also an immediate concern, with only one key provided for a four-person household and a promised smart lock replacement failing to materialize over a year later. Billing inconsistencies were prevalent, including charges for utilities used prior to the tenant's move-in date and a protracted five-month period to explain a single bill.
A refrigerator repair billed at over $800 was not successfully completed, yet the charge and associated late fees were refused removal. Following a negative review, Otter Property Management offered to rectify maintenance and billing issues, including replacing locks and waiving over $900 in disputed charges, contingent on the tenant deleting their feedback and signing a lease renewal. This offer was declined. Upon the tenant's departure, unresolved security and ledger issues persisted.
Further complications arose when Otter Property Management reported the tenant's rent as "late" or "partially paid" to screening agencies, despite consistent on-time payment of base rent via autopay. Only disputed utility and repair fees remained unpaid, having been immediately challenged in writing. This created a discrepancy where management offered lease renewals while concurrently submitting negative rental history to agencies.