JA
Jean Andrei
Aug 22, 2026
UPDATE: I wanted to follow up on my original review because I believe it’s equally important to acknowledge when management responds well and makes an effort to resolve an issue.
I met with Ashley Ferguson, the property manager, regarding everything that happened with my lock, the after-hours maintenance situation, and the $399 emergency locksmith expense. Ashley took the time to sit down with me, listen to my concerns, hear the full context of what happened, and have a genuine conversation with me about the situation.
I couldn’t have asked for a better response from her. She was understanding, professional, and receptive to my concerns, and ultimately resolved the issue completely by agreeing to credit the full $399 locksmith expense back to my account.
While my original review reflected how frustrated I was with the situation that night, I think it’s only fair that my review also reflects how well management handled it once I was able to speak directly with Ashley. I felt heard, my concerns were taken seriously, and a solution was reached that I feel was completely fair.
I’m very satisfied with how Ashley handled the situation and with the final resolution. I genuinely appreciate her taking the time to speak with me and make things right.
Original:
I’m extremely frustrated and disappointed with how Forest Park handled an after-hours emergency involving access to my apartment.
Late at night, my key broke inside my front-door lock while I was simply trying to get into my apartment. I immediately submitted a maintenance request through the resident portal because I assumed that was exactly what after-hours maintenance was there for.
Maintenance called me back, but instead of receiving help, I was told they couldn’t assist me for legal reasons.
So there I was, locked outside of the apartment I pay to live in, late at night, with my dog, and the apartment complex telling me they couldn’t help me get through my own front door.
I cannot adequately describe how frustrating that was.
I spent the next several hours trying to find an emergency locksmith. Multiple locksmiths either didn’t answer or never called me back. Eventually I found someone willing to come out, and I had to pay $399 out of pocket just to regain access to my apartment.
What bothers me most is that I didn’t ignore Forest Park and immediately hire someone on my own. I followed the process. I submitted the maintenance request first. Maintenance received it. They called me. And they told me they couldn’t help.
If your after-hours maintenance staff cannot assist a resident who is physically locked out because their key breaks inside their apartment lock, then what exactly is that resident supposed to do at midnight? Apparently, in my case, the answer was to figure it out myself and pay hundreds of dollars.
I went into the leasing office the following morning and explained what happened. They reiterated that maintenance could not have helped me at the time, and I was told the manager will not be available until Monday.
I have documentation of everything: the maintenance request, phone records, the broken key, photos of the lock, Ring camera footage showing me attempting to enter my apartment when the key broke, and documentation of the $399 locksmith expense.
I understand that apartment complexes have policies and that there may be limitations on what maintenance employees are allowed to do. What I don’t understand is how there can apparently be no workable solution for a resident who cannot access their own home in the middle of the night, especially after that resident follows the proper process and contacts the property for help.
I’m now out $399 because I had to solve an emergency access problem myself after Forest Park told me they couldn’t assist.
I’ll be speaking with the manager Monday and requesting reimbursement. I will update this review afterward based on how management chooses to handle the situation.
I will make sure BBB and those seeking apartments are aware of this conduct.