Community Resource Management, LLC - Bennington, Vermont

Jade

I’ve waited 4 years to write this review as at the time I decide to just cut ties and move on, but recently it has come back where I feel I should let others know about my experience.

In February 2021, I rented an apartment from Rachel Hale. This was my first apartment ever as I was 19 going on 20. I was young and naive which made it so I didn’t look her up or any reviews before jumping on the apartment. A few months later towards October, I’d have to break the lease due to an abusive relationship that suddenly (but thankfully) came to an end where he moved out - leaving me with all the responsibilities of the apartment which at the time I could not afford alone as I was 19 turning 20 in May with a decent job but not enough to afford an apartment alone.

I immediately let Rachel know everything that was going (still have the texts to this day) and informed her I couldn’t afford rent by myself and would have to break the lease. Despite it not being stated in the lease (not sure if they updated this since), she demanded I pay (even when I moved out and wouldn’t be living there) to continue to pay rent until she re-rented the apartment despite the fact I was moving out due to not being able to afford rent. Thankfully she was able to rent the apartment before I moved out so I did not owe October rent as someone moved in for October.

However, they still charged me $754 and when I inquired on why they said it was for “paperwork fees” to show the apartment, print off paperwork, and get someone to sign it - which I consulted with Vermont legal aid on and they stated in Vermont, landlords could not charge for those things. Let alone, I’m sure printing papers did not cost $754 - which I still refuse to pay as it is a ridiculous charge. On top of all this, they had me get rid of my ESA (without warning or letting me know of any reasons until I had to fight it out of her) because of complaints made - that again wasn’t told to me until suddenly I had to get rid of the dog who was again my ESA and was protected under the fair housing act which she argued with me about. Again Vermont legal aid said I could report them under that act but I decided not to as I was 20 and didn’t know how to go about it.I had an ESA due to severe depression to the point I was trying to end my life every week at the time, which is another part of why I needed to break my lease so I could move in with family for stability/support for my mental health. I ended up in a crisis house shortly after moving out due to my mental health but also the stress caused by this. Following that, another tenant was allowed to have small dogs who were never leashed (against lease rules) and were constantly barking all day and night.

Overall, Rachel Hale was a not the greatest landlord when I was always nice, respectful, and communicated constantly with her to let her know of things going on. I broke a lease that she agreed to allow happen and we had agreed upon certain things that she did not hold up to on her side (again still have all the messages).

Now 4 years later, almost 24, I am struggling to rent my second apartment ever in my life, as she lies to landlords telling them I stopped paying rent (which I in fact didn’t - I paid until I moved out) and trashed the apartment which I have my own photos that I took on move out that showed it was clean and I even shampooed each room - they took points off for not cleaning a bathroom mirror which only had fingerprint smudges. I do not think this should be held against me 4 years later.

I wasn’t the perfect tenant, but I was always super responsive, willing to fix my mistakes (IF I was told about them), and constantly trying my best at the time of being in an abusive relationship and severe mental health issues.

I also have other people I know who have had similar experiences and issues with the Hales so it is not just me - just many do not write a review. I didn’t but I’ve been silent for long enough and want to protect others from the same mistakes I made.

Save yourself the headache and do not rent from them.

petra V.

I have rented off Community Resource Management for 8 years. I started by working with their office when I recently moved to Bennington. I worked with their staff to find appropriate housing for myself. The staff was very kind and helpful through the whole process. I then outgrew the studio apartment I was renting from them. They kindly transferred me to a one bedroom that better fit my needs. I love my apartment very much. The staff is very responsive if I have any questions or concerns. All maintenance in my apartment is addressed immediately. I am very pleased with my experience with them.

Nicole J.

The team they have here went above and beyond to cater to our specific rental needs. My boyfriend can be a bit demanding sometimes but the staff was so patient & understanding. Shoutout to Rachel for answering ALL our questions. Happy couple in a new home thanks to them.

tyler S.

So to start, we first got there it was nice, perfect for me and my partner, after the previous tenant left, we noticed a large crack in the bedroom window, they said it doesn't matter because they pay the heat and will not be fixing it, OK. Winter comes along and we swiftly found out they are not on an automatic renewal as we went 3 days without heat in single digit temperatures with a dog and a cat, furthermore, you are not allowed to have personal heaters, so it was just blankets for us. The mailing issue is still something that has not been fixed after telling Rachel Hale numerous times about and still was not fixed even on the day we moved out. The door we had broke a quarter way through our stay and the lock failed to actually lock, so we had resorted to use the deadlock, we had maintenance come by to fix it, they claimed they "Fixed it" but it remained the same as ever to simply push it open without turning the nob which as a result caused our animals to get loose twice, luckily they didn't go far. The neighborhood isn't that great either but that isn't on them in particular but if you have kids steer clear. Move out time comes, they claimed we left the apartment excessively dirty which is false as well as we spent 5 days on and off after moving even cleaning it, claimed our animals did damage which never occurred, sinks, fridge, Bathroom toilet (Who doesn't clean their toilet honestly.) vanity and tub. all of which were spick and span, the dirtiest we probably left it was when we had one last sandwich eating on the floor, sorry if the crumbs cost you $2,300.00 to clean up. Any who, steer clear of this property and others that the CRM (hale resources company) own!

Fabi S.

I have used the Community Resource Management in Bennington, VT. They are very helpful and very efficient. They are very nice and great resource to use if you move to Bennington area, I am very happy using their service. Highly recommended.

xzavier S.

Had lock break on door and one of there guys Zack hope im spelling name right came out after hours and in the dark to make sure my family were able to get into are place of living tonight thank you Rachel and her staff helped everyday possible and was able to get it done very fast so thank you to Rachel and your staff and thank you to Zack for coming out at night and getting my family back inside.

Noodles T.

Spoke with a Rachel hale most disrespectful person I’ve ever spoke with on the phone would not do business through here again

Katelyn M.

Easy to work with and professional