RG
reddy gaaru
Jul 12, 2026
Our move-out experience with Woodland Park/Van Metre management was one of the most frustrating, unfair, and disappointing parts of our entire tenancy. After our final move-out inspection, we received a statement claiming the apartment’s condition was “unacceptable” and demanding $5,929.29 for “extensive damages” and “excessive cleaning,” along with a warning to pay quickly to avoid “collection activity.”
We formally disputed the charges because they did not match the condition we left the unit in. We stated that the apartment was returned clean, that the appliances and fixtures were functional, and that we have dated move-out photos supporting this. We also acknowledged a personal item left in a closet (our mistake), but that clearly does not justify thousands of dollars in alleged damages.
We paid $2,319 per month in rent. If the appliances and bathroom were truly not in good condition, not working, or not livable, how could we have lived there throughout our tenancy? Then, after we moved out, they did the final inspection about 10 days later and suddenly claimed those items were not in working condition. A representative from your office conducted a walkthrough inspection approximately 10 days prior to our move-out date. At that time, the inspector noted only a minor issue with one blind plank and explicitly stated there were no major damages or replacements needed. The inspector also took photographs during this visit. We requested that management provide these pre-move-out inspection photos and the inspector’s written notes so we could compare them directly to the damage charges now being claimed, especially the appliance replacements, tub/sink replacement, painting, and mold charges—none of which were flagged at that time. However, they did not share any pre-move-out inspection reports or notes when we requested them.
Woodland Park management’s demand for payment includes charges for replacing appliances, the bathroom tub, sink, and other items that were not new when we moved into the apartment. The appliances had already been in use for several years and functioned throughout our tenancy. When we vacated the unit, we left the apartment clean, and all appliances were in good working condition.
If Woodland Park chose to replace older appliances and other fixtures in preparation for a new tenant, that was a business decision made by management and is not a cost that can properly be charged to us. Normal wear and tear and the replacement of aging appliances are the responsibility of the property owner, not the departing resident.
We paid approximately $2,319 per month in rent and were provided appliances that were already used when we moved in. It is unreasonable to claim that appliances functioning when we surrendered possession suddenly became our financial responsibility after we vacated the unit. We did not damage the appliances or any other part of the property.
Our responsibility under the lease was to return the apartment in clean condition and with the appliances in proper working order, which we did. We reject any allegation that we caused damage requiring replacement.
We requested the pre-move-out photos/notes, photo timestamps/metadata, and itemized invoices/receipts to support these costs (including references to Virginia Code § 55.1-1226), but management refused to adjust anything and said the statement would remain unchanged.
I do not recommend Woodland Apartments. If you rent here, document everything, demand written inspection results, and be prepared for a non-transparent dispute process at move-out.