Apartment Review for Peterson Popham

I've been in a few apartments by PPI, so I kind of understand what's going on with them. They are definitely slumlords, so most of their properties are in disrepair and shouldn't be rented. They are rented though, to take advantage of those that don't have a choice because of the affordibility. Also, they will go through any loophole to keep your deposit, and I've heard several people say that they have very good lawyers for a reason. So be aware that the owners are slimy people, and that there staff is often slow or incompetant with very few exceptions. <P>
They do have some nice buildings as well, such as the one I'm in now. If the place doesn't have too many problems when you first look at it (and do inspect thoroughly, like banging on the pipes and seeing how long the hot water takes to come on), and it's clean, it will probably stay that way. Don't depend on them fixing any problems very well though, and be aware that the maintenance staff has high turnover, and some of them will steal from you. I always tell them not to come over unless I'm home, though sometimes PPI doesn't respect that, and sends them anyway. <P>
My main concern with them is heating. My first apartment was with them, and it was freezing with an over the top gas bill. I didn't want to rent from them again because of that, but I had to from the situation, and it turned out great because the apartment has radiators that work very well. Only one of the maintenance people in their whole staff know how to upkeep the system, unfortunately. They weren't coming on easily because they were old, and it took a few days for them to get most of them working (there were a couple they couldn't get to work, it's a large place). <P>
If I ever leave this gem, I would consider going through PPI again. I would choose very carefully though, and talk to all the other people in the complex about what the building is like in the long run. Try to find one of their buildings with radiators, because then you won't pay any high gas bills, and it's free heat. <P>