CV
Cecilia Vaquera
Jul 13, 2026
Update 7/16: On July 11, I received a voicemail from Tamara, the Assistant Manager, stating that my holding deposit refund had been processed and that I should expect it within 3–5 business days. In the same voicemail, she mentioned that she was leaving for the day.
Because I wanted to confirm whether the refund had actually been processed before she left, I attempted to call the office. Despite previously being told that someone would be available to answer the phone, no one answered, so I followed up by email. I was told that if Tamara had not processed the refund on July 11, it would be completed on Monday, July 13.
When I followed up today, I was informed that the refund was not actually processed until July 15. I am extremely disappointed by yet another instance of conflicting information and poor communication. There was also no acknowledgment or apology for the misinformation or delay.
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I absolutely fell in love with The Bryant at Yorba Linda. The community is beautiful, the amenities were impressive, and I loved the unit I selected. Keisha was incredible during my tour and absolutely deserves five stars. Unfortunately, my experience with the rest of the leasing team did not reflect the same level of communication or customer service.
During my tour, I explained that I had recently relocated from out of state, had not started my new job, and needed to move in as soon as possible. I specifically asked whether my offer letter would be sufficient and was told yes. Based on that, I applied Wednesday morning and paid a $400 deposit plus a $50 application fee.
I had to initiate the follow-up myself. About 24 hours later, I called for an update, could not get through, and left a voicemail. I was not contacted until Friday afternoon, when I learned additional employment verification was required.
Had I known that sooner, I would have contacted my new employer earlier. By then, my recruiter explained that my future manager was the appropriate contact, but she was on PTO until the 20th, which was my scheduled start date. My recruiter reached her, and she offered her personal email, but the leasing team could not accept it, which I understand. What was frustrating was repeatedly being asked whether anyone else could complete the verification after I had already explained the situation multiple times. Throughout the process, I often felt I had to keep repeating the same circumstances rather than receiving clear guidance.
Saturday was the last day I could cancel and receive my deposit back. I explained that I was on a time crunch and needed to know whether to keep waiting or continue my apartment search. I was initially told someone would call me back, but instead received a text saying a manager would call Monday, after my deadline. Once I expressed concern, I received a voicemail saying my options were to wait until I started work or cancel. I understand if those were the only options, but I needed to know that sooner rather than later.
My urgency was not arbitrary. I have a six-year-old daughter who needs time to get settled before her school year begins on August 13, so losing several days during the apartment search mattered.
The application status added to the confusion and frustration. My portal said, “Congratulations, your income has been verified,” and my tenant screening report showed “Accepted,” yet I was later told my application was denied. I had also been told the $50 application fee would be refunded for an approved application, so the conflicting status mattered.
I appreciate that my $400 deposit is being refunded. My frustration is not with the outcome, but with the communication. Knowing all the requirements upfront would have allowed me to begin verification sooner and avoid being left with only two options: wait until my start date or withdraw my application.