Highlands At Spectrum

I also disagree with the negative reviews I had read about Highlands at Spectrum. I lived there for a year from 2015 – 2016 and it was great. I was worried about high move-​out costs, but I only had to pay ~$ 140 for an hour of painting and carpet cleaning (less my $ 99 deposit, so about $ 40 cash).
Yolanda and the other staff members were always very nice to me. The maintenance guys always waved and made conversation. I didn’t have any issues getting a response or getting anything fixed (door trim, water heater leak upstairs, outlet in kitchen, pest control, window leak). They even held one rent check for a few days past the 1^st at my request.
That’s not to say my apartment was a dump, it just had a few quirks. My guests always complimented my place which made me feel good. My neighbors were nice and respectful when it came to noise (I work from home and have a 2 year old).
I would definitely live here again.
–Dana

I just moved in here one month ago and I’m in disbelief over the other reviews! While the ladies in the office do seem to be busy (it’s a large complex) They are all extremely friendly and willing to help. I’ve been dealing with Yolanda for a few months prior to my move from Oregon and while there were a couple of bumps in the road, it all went very smoothly. There was a small misunderstanding regarding what I owe for rent (I was told I owed extra for March because of a miscalculation) Yolanda went above and beyond and got it worked out in my favor that I didn’t have to pay the extra money. So thankful for her! Everyone here is wonderful. It’s a very clean complex and the pool is amazing! I LOVE it here! Give Highlands a go, I’m super happy here :)

Best apartment I have ever lived in, Maintenance is fantastic, the neighbors are great, office is always helpful and happy. I couldn’t ask for more with my money.

DO NOT LIVE HERE. Rent drastically increases every year, the office staff is awful and rude, and they screw you when you leave. They do not appreciate the renters who have been there for years.
If I could give them zero stars I would. Worst experience.

11−28−15 See how concerned Jessica is — third email deleted without reading: «Your message was deleted without being read on Friday, November 27, 2015 10:46:12 AM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada).»
Wish there was NO STARS!!! They are horrible. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you EVER consider a review before moving in… do so! I went off of reviews that were bad but were older and I suffered. I moved in and was assaulted by noise and bad neighbors right away. They refused to do anything about it despite their 24 hour peaceful enjoyment clause in the lease. I see that there are a lot of others in the same boat as me. I had to move right back out. Oh, and you will see that «Jessica» responds to all of the negative Google and Unilocal postings saying she will help and providing an email address. I have sent two emails to «her» and never gotten a response. Don’t believe the hype… Hi Jessica… third email now to you.

ZERO STARS SHOULD BE AN OPTION! And clearly the attractive (ONLY physically I might add, the personalities and attitudes leave MUCH to be desired) female employees here (ALL of management staff is female, the only male employees here are maintenance workers) have been bribing the male residents here who probably crush on them to give them good reviews on the site forrent, EVERY other site has horrible reviews and for good reason! First of all, I read other bad reviews (sadly AFTER) I moved in here last year where the assistant manager whined like a baby that her name was used, apparently its «not legal» to use a name in a negative comment (I doubt this highly but that is what they claim. Then again they also think getting upset is also illegal as I learned today after they called the cops on me for screaming at them). And of course I was NOT in any trouble and not arrested, shocker. Its pathetic they cant handle their own disgruntled residents without calling the cops and wasting their time when they need to be going after real criminals. Where I was going with this is, I don’t HAVE to name ANY names! Why? EVERYONE ON STAFF IS TRASH! I met many of them during today’s incident. NONE of them are fair, NONE of them listen. No names necessary. If they work here, assume they are filth, they are. The problem I had today was regarding my pre walk through for move out. I fully accepted that I had two damages that WERE my fault and I would be charged for. A bleach stain on the bdrm carpet, and a broken panel on the blinds on the patio door. Both those were FINE with me, but BOY was I wrong to assume they would be reasonable about anything else. For starters, you aren’t allowed to clean your stove top when you move out. No, you are REQUIRED to actually REPLACE the drip pans! Not clean, REPLACE. What is that? No place I have ever lived has said cleaning was NOT an option. I had planned on using CLR to ensure they were like new, but no, that isn’t good enough. Anything to charge their residents more! But IT GETS MUCH WORSE. There is ONE and ONLY ONE logical place to put a trash can in their COMICALLY small kitchens (esp considering the astronomical price of these apts) and that is alongside the back wall of the kitchen between the fridge and the washer/​dryer closet. My SMALL trash can can’t even fit under the sink because of the way the pipes are placed. Sadly, my apt had been freshly painted shortly before I moved in. Paint does NOT FULLY DRY after a couple weeks, obviously, as their maintenance staff WELL KNOWS but tries to pretend that’s NOT the case, when it is a common and well known fact that paint takes SEVERAL weeks to FULLY dry. I didn’t realize until a couple months after I moved in, when I went to move the trash can away from the wall, that the black color from the plastic trash can rubbed off onto the damp paint. It sucked, but I could not get it cleaned off. Because its EMBEDDED INTO THE PAINT (something else maintenance well knows but denies SO MNGMT CAN CHARGE MORE). I was furious when the manager, who was supervising the walk through, told me I would be charged for painting if the stain couldn’t be removed. IF THE PAINT WAS NOT FULLY DRY PRIOR TO ME MOVING IN THAT IS NOT MY FAULT! And it CAN’T be removed, they suggested Windex and it DOES NOT work! I tried to explain and get them to understand that wasn’t reasonable WHILE the manager was still in the apt. She just walked out on me because she CAN, they don’t care they want as much money as possible, which they really need based upon how empty their units are becoming. The bad reviews are catching up to them. So naturally, after she walked out on me when I was still trying to talk to her, I showed up at the office to complain publicly. Other residents and potential residents have every right to know what is happening! And I fully admit I was RAGING at them almost immediately, because I was met with more of their «oh well too bad so sad» attitude! DO NOT MOVE HERE you will be treated like a criminal and bled dry!

OUTRAGEOUS — $ 1882.24
During the final walk through I was told that they’re not going to charge me for carpet because I had original carpet and it needed to be replaced anyway. It seems to me like they were trying to pull a fast one and get me to pay for the carpet when I didn’t do anything wrong. Scandalous.
Also, I had a bathroom door that needed to be replaced. Carol (the manager) said she’d give me a call with the cost to replace it. I never received a call so I called in 3 days later and spoke with Brittany and she said Carol didn’t know how much it’ll cost that she needs to speak with maintenance and call me back. When she called back she said it would be $ 121.00 to fix it. When I received the paperwork from my move out it shows they’re charging me $ 165.00. When I called to question this I was told I needed written proof stating the cost was $ 121.00. I told her I don’t have written proof it was verbal over the phone. They don’t communicate with each other and they wont honor the amount they originally told me so I’m most likely going to get stuck with the additional charge.
Now to address all of the move out charges… I put a $ 600.00 deposit down and I’m only getting $ 35.44 back. I don’t understand where they’re coming up with this amount but out of every complex I’ve lived in this is extremely excessive. I’ve always had every deposit returned to me in FULL except for this complex.
FACT: TO MOVE OUT OF THIS COMPLEX IT COST ME A TOTAL OF $ 1263.68 + $ 564.56 ($ I’m not getting back from my deposit) = $ 1882.24
OUTRAGEOUS — $ 1882.24
I can’t say this enough, the complex may look nice but my bottom-​line issues with this place is the manager and the amount of money they charged me. $ 1882.24 IS ABSURD. I would suggest moving into the Mark Taylor apartments next door or the Azle apartments near Costco before moving to this place.
They never have time to deal with any issues so the only way to get things done is to constantly go into the office and make them make time to deal with you. Very sad in my opinion.

I’m very very disappointed in the service HIGHLAND AT SPECTRUM gave me and my family. Don’t get me wrong at one point we were really excited to move from our $ 1500 apartment in San Privada so a comfortable $ 1000. Our tour person was named Pam, she seemed to not be as excited as we were. But that’s besides the point.
We were ready, we signed the papers paid a ridiculous $ 554 deposit… did I say $ 554 deposit and non-​refundable. A ganky place like the highlands obviously need to charge their potential tennants this much because seemingly enough their business module sucks. So I signed the papers got ready to pack our things and we get a call from Pam saying our apartment was off the market… obviously my reaction of me and my wife was more confused like how did we «lose» or apartment when we paid $ 554 to save it. Pam said she has been contacting us but we never received a call.
So Since we were pressed for time we asked if there was another available apartment within the week otherwise we would have no place to go. Pam said no. We ask for our «non-​refundable» deposit. Pam also said no. The reason why we were not going to get t back was because they were waiting for our PAY STUBS… our pay stubs!!! No please tell me you would not be upset that your apartment that you wanted was forfeited because you didn’t give pay stubs! No way. She never called and didn’t even want to work with us.
I am SO done with this place. For them to steal $ 554 because of dumm pay stubs is ridiculous. Yea yea, I signed an agreement but they can’t even accommodate or have the nerve to let us know that if we don’t give «PAY STUBS» you will lose and forfeit the money and the apartment.
This place is a total rip off. San Privada, and other Mark Taylor apartments would never do anything like this. They will give you your money back if you do not find an apartment.
My wife and I are in the process of legal action if thr money is not being processed to us. Stay away from this place. This place has one of the worst compliments I have seen, and I should of known better to come here. I wanted to give this place a shot, but I was wronged. They need to change how they run business, because although legally they are right they do not have the best interest of their tennants. These people are scum, distasteful and knowing they can sleep at night stealing $ 554 from a family is disgusting.

This place is a joke… i had really bad experiance and the mangment is really bad there… and if you want them to fix something in your house it wil take from 2 – 4 days!!! Plus they don’t appreciate thier costumers they just hungry for your money

My husband and I lived at the Highlands for over 3 years in a one bedroom. Management changed a few times during our stay. We had very noisy neighbors that lived above us (a drawback in certain units, so ask about your neighbors). The only person who ever listened and tried to take action was Yolanda. She has great customer service and was so helpful. We moved out in December of 2014 and when she did a walk-​through with us, she made sure we would get our deposit back. We moved out due to the rent increase every renewal as well as the noisy people. The beautiful grounds, proximity to San Tan and Yolanda’s customer service were the only reasons we renewed the past three years and considered the possibility of staying.

I have lived at the Highlands for 16 months and love it! Yolanda is my favorite staff person and maintenance is friendly. Some pros: My 2 bedroom apartment is VERY roomy! Decent natural lighting, great view if you’re in the right building. Some cons: The master bed and bath get very little ac. I sweat doing my hair in master bath. The kitchen sucks — lame stove, small fridge and freezer, and NO ventilation (I refuse to cook meat here anymore).
Gorgeous scenery when looking around the community from the pool & spa.
Stipulation: I’m a great detail cleaner and nail hole patcher so I will update my review if charged more than $ 100 in move out fees.

I called this place to inquire about pricing and availability. The first time I called Brittany hung up on me. When I called back, Brittany said that she couldn’t hear anything which is a lie because right after introducing herself, I barely got to say anything and then the receiver was hung up. I called from a different line and when speaking to Brittany, she seemed shot and condescending. She did not follow Fair Housing rules when discussing noise issues on the community. Giving her condescending tone, I would not lease here. If this is how people are treated before they sign a lease, I can only imagine the terrible customer service to follow.

Wow I really had a lot of expectations from Highlands as the customer service was perfect in the beginning. I had a little issue and it had to be fixed right away, unfortunately as soon as they got my business I couldn’t reach them at all.
I called from different line, I had Dina to assist me, she was really there for me. And this is the only reason I’m giving this «business» 1 additional star.

First I’m going to complain. When I moved in, the office ladies were very helpful! The manager Dina was great until she got replaced with the new manager that is here now. She doesn’t even come out of her office! Youlanda S. is the only representative in the front office that actually cares about her employees. The others are rude and apparently do not care for the people living here. I try calling the office whenever I need maintence and NO ONE answers the phone. I’ve tried calling at least 15 different times, and no one picks up. I’ve put in work orders that were supposed to be submitted. I was even told a time frame that they would have someone come to my apt and no one showed up. The stuff in the apartment is cheap! I’ve had the laundry door and pantry door fall on me over 3 times now. I’ve also has stuff stolen from my patio… I even caught a male (stranger) standing on my patio looking around when I was home by myself. I called Gilbert PD and when I spoke with the new manager she advised me to «take a picture» of the thief… are you joking? The good things about this place is the rent is cheap for the area that it’s in. I’ve been here 3 years now and my rent has never been raised. Also, the maintence staff are great! They leave this complex looking spectacular and are always willing to help when needed!

Stay away from this place. They are unprofessional and the biggest liars. Yolanda S. gets her enjoyment from making tenants lives miserable. You can not treat people the way she does and get away with it. People need to be warned about her behavior.

1. If you want every neighbor that joins your apartment to hear every word you say while on the phone then this complex is just for you. The walls are paper thin, I use to hear the neighbor above me have phone sex. The neighbor to the left and right of me I could here mushy romance talk from the couples while I’m watching tv. You will have no privacy.
2. The ladies working in the front office are rude and have no compassion or even desire to actually help someone. If you are moving into the complex they are more than happy to help but if you live in the complex already, they really don’t care about you.
3.The new manager who replaced Dina is a flat out fake person. I whitened with my own eyes beg ACTUALLY beg a male tenant to stay and renew a lease saying PLEASE times! She asked him to name anything just anything and she will do it. The next day I was returning mail mistakenly delivered to me when he came in. He asked for his rent to not be raised and he would stay… they said no. He then asked for two months with $ 200 off his rent. they said no… The manager this time hid in her office. Never even coming out to talk with him. IF YOU ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO DICTATE TERMS THEN WHY EVEN F***ING BOTHER???
4. Every neighbor that I have had that lived in this complex and moved out has told me that «The Highlands At Spectrum» sent them a bill for $ 700 another received a bill for $ 500 another for $ 698 and the reason you might ask… Dirty light fixtures… Dusty walls… one single thumbtack hole on a wall cost $ 20.00 I helped my last neighbor scrub her apartment from top to bottom for 3 days after she had moved out and she still received a bill for $ 533…IF YOU LOVE SPENDING MONEY THIS IS THE PLACE!!!
5. This complex has a lot of vandalism, break in attempts and really you would never think that but its true. Twice I had personal belongings of mine stolen off of my patio. Even my patio furniture. I called Gilbert PD then after PD left I went to the office to tell them and they really could care less. I WAS SHOCKED
The ONLY thing that complex has going for itself is that is beautiful and clean, It was such a headache just living there. PLEASE KEEP APARTMENT SHOPPING!!!

Yes I will complain first, but there are more positives: A little annoying the rent goes up so drastically each year. Not to mention the pet deposit each month. I am looking forward to getting a house before they can raise my rent again. HOWEVER, the grounds and the apartments are nice. I consider myself lucky for finding this gem in the east valley– Built in 2007. Garages and covered parking available. Lots of amenities in the clubhouse, and a great pool. Gym is small, but has the basics. Neighbors are quiet, location is right by the 202 and major cross streets. For people who just moved to Gilbert and don’t have much going on, this is prime location for how close it is to the highway and major stores.

This place will completely rip you off when you move out. I lived there for two and half years and when I moved out they charged me 600 dollars to clean. They will charge you if there is dust on the window sill and they could care less about you when you decide to move out. They have went through two or three managers in the last three years and their staff are complete morons. The location is at the very bottom of southeast Gilbert so expect a long drive if you ever need to get to Phoenix or Scottsdale. For the price you will pay in rent and to move out you could rent a house for much cheaper somewhere else.