Property Management Co. Responses to Charges of Tenant Abuse on Saratoga

8-plex in 4900 block of Saratoga Ave, managed by Torrey Pines Mgmt Co.

Editor: In the interests of providing a platform and encouraging a debate and discussion over the alleged abuse of their tenants on Saratoga Avenue in Ocean Beach, the following is an unedited response by Torrey Pines Property Management, written by Andrew “Andy” Parashos, their Senior Vice President.

 By Andy Parashos

In response to the mentioned article, please know that Torrey Pines Property Management has been successfully managing commercial and multi-family properties throughout Ocean Beach for over thirty years.

The property at Saratoga has been under our management since February of this year.  The physical conditions leading to those described in the article existed long before our management, and were detailed in a property inspection report conducted during the purchase process.  It was this information, along with new ownership’s desire to own a property they would be proud of, that lead to the repair, renovation and remodeling that is currently underway.

The specific issues of concern that existed at the property are too numerous to mention.  When all is complete the residents will have a more livable home, and the character of the property will be enhanced to the benefit of the community.

It is also important to note that no resident was asked to leave their home prior to, or during the renovation process.  More often than not, residents are asked to move from their homes in these situations.  We provided the residents the option to stay and endure the expected inconveniences, or move to protect their quite enjoyment.   Mr. Sundahl elected to stay in his home.

Other facts to consider:

Torrey Pines Property Management did not hide ownership’s intentions from the residents. Quite the contrary, a letter was delivered to all residents notifying them in advance that renovations were to take place.

The contractor is not Torrey Pines Property Management.

Contrary to Mr. Sundahl’s statement, the existing exterior paint did not have elevated lead content. Samples of existing paint were tested by an independent, third party, licensed laboratory. In fact, the data sent to Jessica Weislogel of the City of San Diego Environmental Services proved test results well below levels of concern.

As a result, Ms. Weislogel removed the stop work order and closed the case.  Low levels of lead is common in older buildings where paint has been eroded, scraped, sanded and re-painted over the years.

All contractors and vendors hired for this project are licensed and insured for liability as well as workman’s comp.  Torrey Pines Property Management does not allow unlicensed or uninsured work to be performed at our managed properties.

The entry doors to the apartments were never left unattended during the painting process.  Either a representative from the painting company, general contractor or Torrey Pines Property Management were on site during the painting process.

No units were entered without a notice posted or permission granted from the residents.  We have in our possession copies of notices that were posted, emailed and/or mailed to residents with a description of the work that needed to be performed, the date and approximate time of entry.

Again, Torrey Pines Property Management never issued a notice to vacate, nor raised rents on existing residents.  There was also never any “pressure” on a resident to move.  If the intention was to have residents leave, we would have simply provided them notice of such.

The two and half months of free rent mentioned by Mr. Sundahl simply did not happen and was never offered or agreed to.

There was no painting over black mold or reason to do so. New ownership would not have allowed this to occur.

Mr. Sundahl’s claim there was no potable water for nearly 6 weeks is untrue. Momentary discoloration of city water may occur when corroded pipes are being replaced. The renewal of water lines are a positive improvement.  This component failure at the property was also brought to ownership’s attention in the inspection report noted.

The gas lines were exposed when the soil was removed to provide waterproofing to the stucco at and below the soil level.  When exposed, the gas lines were found to be in poor condition and potentially unsafe. Torrey Pines Property Management reported the condition to SDG&E and proactively required ownership to run new gas lines. Was this not a good idea?

Torrey Pines Property Management understands the rental business and enjoys the relationships it has established with its residents, whom we call customers. It is unreasonable to think that every customer in this world can be satisfied, it just is not possible.  All we can do is our very best while employing the thirty plus years of experience in satisfying our customers. Our philosophy is that we are in this together and we do not take the position of “us versus them.”

Should there be any further concern regarding this matter please do not hesitate to let us know.