Manchester Lakes

It has been a wonderful place with wonderful people. Shopping and activities are very close and plentiful being surrounded by shopping literally across the street and a small store on the grounds. They’re building upon it with the community center literally on the grounds

I had appt to see a two bedroom unit. In my appointment I waited 49 minutes before someone (maintenance ) showed up to show me a unit because manager was busy. I saw the unit and expressed I did not lijs the li action as it was next to an unsightly storage office where furniture were pike into through a glass window and near the lobby. So the maintenance guy said he would tell the mgr. I cane back to view another unit that had the ceiling that looked like it had fallen due yo water damage above. I told the women I was not sure but it was better. She said that ceiling could be fixed come back to ser. Long story. I changed my mind after hearing of discuss and driving over a rat in the parking lot. So I told the mgr after being terribly sick next day that I changed my mind. I only signed application. No lease . I asked for my deposit. She said I forfeited my deposit by law.

[Name removed] is so sweet she helped me with all my needs. Please keep her. I am so thankful that she helped me. She help me and family out so much!!! We need more people like her in the world. Such a nice person!!!!

My mother lived here for 16 years. It was wonderful for the first five years and then management changed several times. It took 3 1/2 months to have a/c repaired. Black mold covered the outside utility closet, including hot water heater. Phone calls were NEVER once returned. Staff hid from me so as not to be confronted regarding the situation. I finally called [name removed], reporter for a local news outlet. She came to my mom's apartment, filmed mold and tried to speak with management. She was not allowed in the office. Upon move-out, no walk through and deposit not returned. Wrote letter and called regarding deposit. No response. Two months later, manager answered phone and when I asked about deposit, the call was disconnected. It's been 16 months and haven't heard from anyone, including their headquarters in California, who also hang up when you have any issues to discuss. This is difficult for anyone to manage, but this building is for seniors. I helped several residents myself.

My experience here has not been one that meets my expectations. The management and staff has changed several times within the year that I've been here. Based off my personal experience, I would not recommend Manchester Lakes Senior Apartments.

Manchester Lakes has two different buildings; building 1 and building 2. As far as activities, some of the ladies in building 2 have a committee where they have Saturday morning coffee downstairs. They also have bingo on Tuesdays and occasionally on Fridays. There's another lady who does meal preparation and I’m unsure if she sells them to those who are less mobile; but she goes door to door with a wagon full of pre-made meals. When we first got here there were only two maintenance people. We had an issue with heating, and the water being turned off without notice. It does come back on, but this happens several times where it’s shut off. It took them a while to fix the air conditioning when it was hot out. The residents were complaining and Manchester in return said that THEY turn it on during a certain time. I didn't understand that. How can they control that, when I pay the electricity bill? When it comes to repairs, the boards on my patio are warped and nails are coming out. I’ve put in several requests, but they just close the ticket and say it’s completed without coming by to look at it. The same thing happened with a toilet issue I had. The toilet wobbles and moves when you sit down on it. The maintenance man came by and tightened it, but it’s still not secure. And again, the same issue with my drain. They never came by, so I had to buy something and fix it myself. When I first got here I heard from other residents that maintenance doesn't do what they’re supposed to. They’re short staffed, so they close tickets without fixing your problem. Because of that, you have to keep resubmitting requests and hope that they will get to you. When we first moved in, there was a flood on the first floor by the elevator. When you stepped out of the elevator, there was a puddle of water. It was a resident who set up precautions and let others know to be careful when exiting the elevator. He stood there and warned people as they came down. He also took the initiative to try and mop, as the water was sprawled across the floor. Maintenance took a long time to get there, the water was there for a while - and they didn’t set up any cones or signs. We’re also supposed to be living in a secure building with locked doors. The lock on one of the side doors doesn’t work; anyone can walk in at anytime and go wherever they want to go. The front door is kind of weird, I don't understand the system. It has a call box, but we have no speaker in our rooms and no call box information. It needs to be replaced, because half of the time it doesn't work. It often sets off an alarm when visitors come and try to call someone. Once the alarm is on, you’re unable to get into the building unless you can turn it off. I went out over the weekend and a resident (who was in a wheelchair) was locked out. The alarm was going off and there were people sitting in the lobby who did not attempt to help her. When they take prospects on tours, they show them building 1. Building 1 is cleaner because that's where the leasing office is and maintenance is done quicker in that building. It’s supposed to be the “better” building, as it has a lot of upgrades. The residents in building 1 have granite countertops, wood floors, and newer appliances; whereas building 2 doesn’t have those things. The fridge in building 2 is small, so you can’t hold much in there at one time and there’s no microwave, you have to bring your own. Building 2 is kind of just…there. A building 1 resident probably has a better experience, with more activities and an overall better quality of life. They don’t provide any housekeeping services for us. I have seen nurses who are independently hired to come in and help those with mobility issues do housework and other things. The dryers don't work that well in the laundry room down the hall. It costs [price removed] for once cycle of drying, and you have to do at least 3 cycles for your clothes to be fully dry. The washing machine works just fine. When I first moved in, the lady told me that they don’t enforce any age restrictions for their residents. She said 60% of residents are 55+ and 40% are others, who have met “qualifications". I haven't heard any complaints about the younger residents causing problems, they kind of just keep to themselves. Manchester Lakes just went up on their rent. Because of that, a lot of older residents are moving out. They feel like they’re already not receiving services, and there's no improvement in building 2. There’s also no 24/7 staff. The leasing office is open Tuesday-Saturday, and closed Sunday-Monday. The leasing office isn't very responsive either, the phone rings and rings. I understand that there are only two people there and they’ve just hired a new girl, so maybe they will get better. The new girl was around the other day and introduced herself to a few residents. They all began voicing their concerns and sharing their complaints with her; and she said she’d let the office know. But as a new person, she is already being bombarded by the issues in building 2.

I would highly recommend this community to others. The staff is very friendly and so are the other residents of this community. The building is neat and clean and I think this is a great place to live.

There is poor management currently. There would be lots of problems by coming here. The community has a problem with roaches and bed bugs, and no one to clean up. There is no staff to sweep, mop, or clean the trash out.

My mother was one of the first tenants in Manchester Lakes building 2. In 2001 it was a wonderful place to live BUT not anymore. There has been a drip in my mother’s unit for over a year and it is still not fixed. When she complained, management told her if she didn’t like it she could move. They went months with only one elevator because of a leak in the laundry room. They shut down the laundry room on each floor except the first one for months until they got a part. They are fixed but there is still no hot water. The maintenance staff routinely quits so there Are weeks with no maintenance help. The furniture and carpet in the common areas are old and stained unless you live in Building 1, which seems to be, at least in the surface, better maintained. I would not recommend this complex to anyone with the current JRK management. It has been take over several times and each time it gets worse. I cannot wait to move her out of there!

Security is a major issue at this place. We have complained several times that the side entrance door does not lock and anyone can enter from the outside. So far, over one month's time and the problem has not been addressed. Residents deserve to feel secure and management should take this very seriously. There is also a very bad odor in the main lobby area, especially over the weekend. It seems that the trash shoot is not emptied from Friday to Monday, so the lobby smells all weekend long. Very nauseating when you enter the building.

I have power of attorney for my mom, a two-time cancer survivor with fixed/limited income. After 7 years, on the strict advisement of her medical team, she finally left MLSA this summer. Perpetual mold/mildew, rodent infestations, unreliable elevators, non-working laundry, HVAC issues, & extensive other health/security risks have consistently plagued MLSA. Inconsistent management and maintenance (despite the advertised “48-hour maintenance commitment”) have exacerbated an already tenuous situation. In recent months, malfunctioning security has resulted in unhampered access & regular “squatting” by the homeless and indigent in the first-floor lobby. Residents who do complain are often fearful of retaliation and/or eviction. News media have repeatedly covered MLSA issues. (search Google for Manchester Lakes, rodents, mold, mildew, JRK properties, etc.). MLSA continues to advertise to seniors & “welcome” those qualified for section 8. ?Under the Virginia Residential Tenant and Landlord Act, Manchester Lakes Senior Apartments’/JRK Property Holdings’ continual inattention/neglect for the habitability of their facilities brings the validity of their leases/contractual agreements into question; yet even with 33 days-notice and doctors' written document, MLSA would not waive final rent for days 34-60 for my mom. (60 days-notice is largely unheard of in VA, but more common in CA where the holding company is located). Issues are deferred across the country to JRK to a “resident resolutions” phone number. Search Google again. Widespread web complaints indicate hang-ups and inertia are on the other end of that line. Forwarding addresses are requested of departing tenants under the guise of returning security deposits. In my mom’s case, within 30 days (in violation of The Virginia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), IQ Data (a collections agency) was already pursuing her for “cleaning” and “carpet cleaning” charges exceeding that amount. (Apartment was left as clean or cleaner than when she arrived. She had no pets). ?Please do not house your family member the mercy of a “luxury” properties company that unapologetically practices housing the elderly in unsafe, unsanitary, un-maintained facilities--- all the while receiving federal government subsidization for the large number of residents who rely upon section 8 support.

I am a 70 year old Male, I have lived at Manchester Lakes Senior Apts, on Silver Lake Blvd in Alexandria Va for 6+ years. In these years our community has gone through several changes which are somewhat normal for any apartment community. Our community is somewhat different however with it being a 62+, lower income only restrictions/limitations. Our community consists of two buildings with 138+ units, some one, some two bedroom units. We have had several management and maintenance changes, somewhat normal changes in staffing however, the current ladies in the management offices are the best, professional, courteous, ladies we have had to date. Taking into consideration that this is a 62+ environment we do experience some unusual occurrences. Some are a result of the communities mentality/behavior changing due to residents aging. The majority of our community are elder female and also many with various health problems, mostly physical. Some need to use walkers, some even are in wheelchairs. We have various activities that do change dependent of the majority of the interest of residents. We do have a movie theatre, a chapel and a well equipped exercise room for our use. There is a laundry area on each floor but is available to any and all resident regardless of the floor they occupy. Enough about the building, I do wish to again commend the Management/Maintenance staff for their continually professional attitude and behavior regardless of the behavior and/or attitude of the resident. These staff members may go into a private area or off property and scream but when they are in the office and/or various areas of building they are polite and professional. Specifically the Management Ladies are extremely patient, polite and professional at all times. These ladies handle the normal daily behavior of the building and when made aware of any problem regarding the building they deal with it accordingly. I do feel that they are under appreciated and only are contacted when there is a problem rather that just simply saying "Hi" or "Thank You." Again, I am a 70 year old male resident with minimal disabilities and can more or less function on my own but am aware of other neighbors various requirements and the staffs behavior. I personally want to say "Props" to [name removed] and [name removed] and Thank them for their professionalism and positions within our community. As these Ladies know I could ramble on and on and even here there most likely wouldn't be space enough.

Very pleased with the upkeep of community and the professional staff [names removed]. When my loved one has a maintenance issue, it is resolved timely and they are always a pleasure to work with. Definitely helps when you have experienced professionals running a property. Thank you!

I liked the place. It was clean and the contact person you suggested was not there but I saw [Name removed]. She was very friendly and polite. She was able to show me a two bedroom apt. with a balcony.The rooms was nice size. I liked what I saw.

My parents are doing fine with their move to this community. I do not think this is the ideal situation for them, but it is what we can afford at the moment. They have told me that the maintenance does not response, when things are needed to be fixed. The staff is kind for the most part. They seem to do good job with the cleanliness. I would recommend this community for an independent senior.

This place is the worst. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT TAKE YOUR LOVES ONE TO LIVE THERE. My aunt has lived alone there for a few years and the management is horrible. The premise does not have any type of security for the residents. Only a door code which is broken at this moment. I took pictures and I'm calling APS to report the [Removed] The heater never works nor does the A/c. All of the doors are broken so anyone can enter anytime of the day. Residents have complained about the improper treatment and the management said "if you don't like it move." How could management that is caring for the elderly in which pay a good amount to live there have no care about their safety? It's mind boggling they are there to live and not be worried if there will be hot running water. A water leak let's not forget to mention causes mold and mildew which is hazardous for the elderly to inhale.

I have no complaints about Manchester Lakes everything is fairly organized. I feel that i am in a safe place and the attention and care i receive is wonderful. I cook my own meals the community doesn't provide that. The activities are okay and the staff are really attentive. I would recommend the Manchester Lakes to family and friends.

I am happy with my apartment but because there was no resident manager for an extended period of time it appears that things have become out of control. This is suppose to be 55+ but there are people here that don't meet that age requirement and I have even heard children. Apparently if your income is a certain level you can get in here and pay very little while others are paying premium prices. New management came on board the first of 2016 and hopefully will get results. At the moment it takes a long time to get any maintenance handled.

It's very good. The people are friendly and they keep it pretty clean. I haven't heard any complaints about food, or being bored. So far it's working out pretty well. I don't have any major concerns or complaints.

WOW! My parents can't stop talking about this place. They moved in a little over a year ago and it was time to renew the lease last month. So we sat down and talked about if they wanted to stay here or not and the answer was a definite yes. The other complex they lived at before was cranking the rent up on them and the conditions were not the best. They moved into Manchester last year and couldn't be happier. We're so happy with Manchester and recommend it to all of our friends with aging parents.