CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT INC

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Our problems began when our downstairs neighbors (a couple who is "unofficially" renting from the unit's owners; the owners are listed as owner-occupants but do not actually live there) complained of noise from our unit. Their major complaint was loud noise from a bouncing ball and a few loud thuds from dropped items (which we apologized for and took corrective action with our son). Later they complained about our infant son's walker making a rolling noise on the floor. We put the walker away. They still complained. They even complained of noise AFTER we had moved out of the unit and it was vacant! The male half of the couple (Sean) admitted to being an extremely light sleeper. He stated that he and his wife did not even use the master bedroom because it shared a wall with the unit next door (also on the ground level) and they could hear sounds through the wall (such as muffled talking). They instead slept in the outer corner room with no shared walls. We reduced our noise level when requested but our neighbors stopped speaking to us. They later told us that Certified Management had instructed them not to talk to us and report any disturbances directly to them. We then received notices regarding noise in our unit. The notice stated that we had installed laminate flooring without approval from the board and had to request permission. We called aboout the notice, stating that we had received verbal permission to install the flooring and had never been told that a informal request for approval was required. We were told that this was stated in the condo by-laws (after review of the by-laws it states that owners must obtain permission to make "structural changes" to a unit). We were again advised to submit a written request to install flooring. We did this and it was not only rejected but Certified Management also demanded that we remove the laminate and replace it with carpet within 30 days. When we asked to be shown where the by-laws state that written permission is required and informed Certified Management (MS Afuso-Nichols) that other second floor units that had laminate flooring, we received a very NASTY voice message (from Ms Afuso-Nichols) stating that Certified Management had well-paid lawyers and that if we did not remove the flooring they would break down the door and "rip it out" our flooring themselves (I have this voicemail saved and would make copies and distribute it if I could). When I confronted her at a community meeting she was extremely rude and dismissive stating Certified Management had the legal right to enter any unit at anytime if they felt the need and could remove any items they felt needed to be removed. She then asked me to leave "right now" because the board had more important matters to attend to. Later, after we had complied with Certified Management's request they CONTINUED to harass us. After we had moved out of our condo they alleged that FOUR other units had complained about noise from our unit. We are only surrounded by THREE - how could that be possible? Furthermore, the people living in the other ground floor unit and the unit next to us denied making any noise complaints against us. The people in the unit next to us even asked to rent our condo when available. So which are the FOUR units that filed complaints???? Is this just a lie? When we called to ask about how it was possible that we were still receiving noise complaints when the condo was VACANT, all we were told was that information could not be disclosed. We asked why other second floor units had laminate flooring. We were told that several upstairs units had laminate but had obtained prior WRITTEN permission. The board also informed our realtor that it was actually considering changing the by-laws to allow laminate in any/all units. So apparently our biggest mistake was the "audacity" we showed by putting in laminate without requesting written approval (that we did not know was required). We did not properly ask the association's for its "blessing". It seems that wounded egos are more at work in this situation than reason or equitable and unbiased treatment. In one of our most recent encounters with Ms Afsuo-Nichols she stated that Certified Management needed access to our condo to inspect the condition that were causing the multiple complaints (presumably she wanted to verify we had installed carpet so that she could continue to harass us or fine us if we hadn't? or perhaps she was upset by the complaint I filed with the BBB, requesting her termination for unprofessional conduct). When we asked what would happen if we denied Certified Management access she stated that Certified Management would "break in" if they had to. (FYI: we reviewed the current association by-laws regarding "access to units" and "breaking in" to allow inspection of flooring is NOT listed as a valid reason for entry by representatives of Certified Management.) In my opinion this management company is HORRIBLE - they are unethical, have double-standards, don't honor their word, are rude and unprofessional, are manipulative and divisive, are not above lying and also mismanage the community funds (ie, they use funds to go out for dinner every month which I am sure many condo owners are not aware of). I am not sure what Ms Afuso-Nichols personal problems might be but it seems clear to me that something of a personal nature is going on on her end - what else could be the reason for use of threatening language? In speaking with others who own condos (specifically a nurse whom I work with and a soldier) the customer relations with Certified Management at their other locations is equally poor. The nurse stated that her condo was damaged by sewage caused by a cracked sewage line. The crack was caused by the roots of a tree (planted and maintained by the association). The association tried to assert that the nurse's homeowner's insurance was responsible for repairing the damage and covering the cost. It was only when they had the damage professionally inspected, photos taken and stated that they were going to get a lawyer, did Certified Management admit it was their responsibility and remedied the problem. It is my understanding that Certified no longer manages that property. The soldier's story was that Certified Management is charging each tenant in his building over $5500 / month (PER MONTH) to fix worn pipes. Shouldn't associations' fees cover this cost? And how is such a decision made without owner input? If Certified Management manages a property you are considering buying you may want to think twice.