Smart Living at Garden Oaks

"I debated on if I should write this review or not, but I figured I could help anyone who may be in my same situation. I applied for this apartment at the start of December. I am in a lease, but the lease isn't up until the middle of Jan so I was being proactive. I've never had a problem getting an apartment, so I wasn't worried at all. I spoke to Jenny who also showed me the place and although it was significantly smaller than what I am use to...I liked it! I paid all fees that came up to $425. Then I was emailed a letter saying I was denied for the apartment because of a misdemeanor from 2006. I was shocked because I've held government jobs, rented plenty of apartments etc. I called the number on the letter, and they said that they go back 100 years. LMAO, now I read that in a previous review, but for sure thought the reviewer had a felony or something, because there is NO WAY! I contacted Jenny who apologized, then told me I could come pick up a check for $175 in a couple of weeks. Weird that they would want someone physically to come in and pick up a check after they were denied for the apartment, but I agreed. Jenny then called back the next day asking if I knew someone who could get the apartment for me. As a 35 year old woman who makes good money, and has decent credit I respectfully declined, because I don't need that kind of help. I then applied to a different (nicer apartment in Vintage Park) and was approved the next day! About a week and a half later, Jenny called and told me the check was ready. I work two jobs, so my time is really limited. I went over on my lunch break and the office was closed. There was a guy there who had keys to the office, but told me I had to come back. I was frustrated, because not only was my time wasted but why not give me a time frame to pick up the check? I called and called to see if the check could be mailed, but it's hard to get anyone on the phone. I finally got Jenny on the line and she agreed to mail it. Not in a rush though, because days later I called and she said they had just got stamps to mail it. $250 wasted, but me getting denied was a blessing in disguise. When I went back to try and get the check and peeped the neighborhood it was hideous. Dirty, numerous crackheads and a homeless person who was brave enough to actually knock on my car window and ask for change. On top of that, when I was taking a tour of the apartment the entire parking lot smelled like weed. Can't tell me there isn't anyone living there who doesn't have petty misdemeanor LOL!"

"3/10 I would not recommend. I been here 6 months car has been stolen multiple times car towed multiple times. The previous comments did not lie the front office staff RUDE to the point she make you want to break your lease . Utilities just appear and they can’t tell you why just tell you call a number. Lady even went as far as saying she would never tell me this was a safe place to live in. I just wish I knew now then and I would have never moved here ."

"This place is an absolute shame. The property manager is never on property. The leasing agents have horrible customer service. You pay for amenities That you can’t use. The maintenance gaslights you about all work orders. If you complain or try to stick up for yourself they give you a lease violation saying you caused a disturbance. They refuse to give anyone corporate number stating they don’t have one. It’s down right criminal the behavior and lack of professionalism this management company has. As a resident here you feel stuck and fearful because it basically impossible to speak on issues you have. Because you fearful they will slap you with a lease violation and those lead to eviction. I would definitely highly recommend living somewhere else and beware!!!!!!!"

"This apartment complex is great! People complain of the nearby shady areas but the location is super close to downtown and 45/610, you can easily jump on any freeway if needed. The amenties are awesome, the apartment has hard floors which is a plus for me because I hate dealing with carpet. The kitchen island, patio, garden tub, hard floors, w/d, and built in desk sold me! The apartment offers a luxury look for not being so expensive. The cost of rent is increasing everywhere and the price here is worth it, yes the surrounding area may not be the best but it is right outside the heights which is amazing. The lot does flood some when it rains heavy, but you cant have everything that you want. Also another thing that I love about this complex is the lighting at night, the complex is very well lit. I have been living here a year and half and have never had any crime problems. For the price you pay and for the convenience downtown it is worth it to me! I would recommend!"

"So I wanted to share my experience with anyone reading this. I worked with Denises at Smart Living because I’m relocating from out of state. She worked with me the whole way and she was extremely helpful. I came to view my unit and I loved it. The area is okay but not terribly bad.They are very strict with parking which is a plus in my book. They do have a small swimming pool and a small exercise room..I wish they were bigger but the apartment complex is pretty small. I move to my place in a few weeks and just wanted to let you all know if it wasn’t for Denises and her great customer service and caring heart I probably wouldn’t of been 100 percent sure on my move. She’s the assistant manager but she will be leaving the office in the next 2 weeks. I’m not sure who will be taking her place but I hope they are as sweet and genuine as her. I wish her nothing but the best!! I give the property 4 stars."