ComplaintsforAmeri-Tech Companies, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  08/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  6Aug24 4years of Same Complaint Being Ignored Senior Disabled Veteran Angrier as Time goes on Ameritech HOA IGNORING OWNER COMPLAINT 4AUG24Good Day Mrs ****************** *********************************** IT HAD TO EXPLAIN HOWEVER THERE IS . A **** THAN RUN ACROSS ROOF TO DRAIN WATER AT THE REAR ROOF RIGHT NEAR MY BED ROOM FACING MAIN LAKE..THE **** HAS WHAT SOUNDS LIKE A LOOSE PIECE OF METAL THAT RUMBLE LOUDLY AN ANNOYING .TOTAL NUISANCE..WITH THE WINDS BEING STEADY /STORM.IT CAUSES THE VIBRATION OF WHATEVER THATS LOSE IN THE **** AS STATED RIGHT NEAR MY. BACK BEDROOM WINDOW..PLEASE NEED INSPECTION .TIGHTEN REPAIRED OR WHATEVER DETERMINED.AS SOON AS POSSIBLE..AS STATED .CAUSES GRAVE ANXIETY HEARING THAT RATTLING. NEEDS REPAIRS ON GOING 4 YEARS . 3HOA COMPANYS NONE OF THEM GIVE A DAM.PTSD VETERAN SENIOR ANGRY BECAUSE OF LACK OF ATTENTION .POSSIBLE DISCRIMINATION.AA *** CLIENT SENIOR. DISB VETERAN..CLANGING CLANGING CLANGING ALL WEEKEND DURING 4 AUG 24 STORM.INCREASED ANXIETY CAUSED TO ME..WROTE SEVERAL AMERITECH MANAGERS NO RESPONSE THEY CLEARLY DONT GIVE A DAM 4 YEARS OF EMAILS ************ MRS ******************

  Business response

  08/09/2024

  Ameri-Tech prides itself on addressing issues with Residents in a timely manner

  Upon investigation, the following was found: 

  On Sunday August 4, 2024, an email from the Homeowner was received detailing the issue as stated.  On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the issue was forwarded to a contractor to investigate the issue and potentially make an on-the-spot repair if needed.  An email was sent to the homeowner to advise with no response.  Please note the complaint to the BBB was made the same day as the potential repair was being referred to the contractor and status to the Homeowner attempted.  Ameri-Tech would request that time be given to work on a problem before initiating a formal complaint.

  The Board of Directors was contacted to advise them of the complaint.  It was noted that a few years ago the gutter of this home needed repair and was completed at that time, however, there have been no other issues brought forward other than the two mentioned above.  The statement 4 years of the same complaint could not be verified.
  

  At this time,a response from the contractor is pending and will be followed up.

• Initial Complaint

  06/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Mandatory *** fees cover pest control that should be provided by Ameritech. I have been reporting a hornet infestation inside the eve of my front door. I am being stung by hornets. One got inside my unit and stung my cat. Ameri-Tech's manager named ***************** who is the one managing the condo where I live will not provide the pest services. *****-Tech has responded with gaslighting, arguments, telling me I dont understand what exterior vs interior means, and they even told me to pay for an attorney to deal with them at one point. It actually seems straightforward to send a pest inspector when a resident is complaining of exterior pests, which the *** fees cover.

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  In response to the posts you placed on-line as well as in total 98 back and forth emails (yes, 98) in a 1 week period, on the same matter,so allow us to provide a response thats stated with facts:
   June 1st, you reported to the ******** Communications Mgr. *****, that you saw termites and other insects inside your unit and flying black wasps outside your front door area.  On June 2nd ***** asked you to have a conversation with the ***** Member, ****, who was working with the Associations termite inspector.  You declined to meet with her and stated you did not want her to come in to show you what to look for nor to show you where the termite traps were set outside your unit and added You are not a pest control expert, and I dont want you here, you dont know anything. 
  Then, on the same day, June 2nd  - which is a Sunday the *****s property manager T.C., also reached out to you, while she was still on vacation because she cares for the properties she manages, and her *****s appreciate her hard work and the attention she provides them.  She told you she will reach out to the *****s pest control company and have them come out as soon as possible to address your concerns. That pest control vendor, Bug Master, did indeed come out on June 6th to treat the area 1 day later you wrote several on-line reviews which were not factual, and you did that after the area of concern had already been treated.  Comments on the Bug Masters invoice were:  Found active live nest right corner by front bedroom.  Treated around the front door in each corner and up underneath the little lip that they have against the plywood.  Also checked the rest of the building I could not find anything else.
  You mentioned to us that your cat may have been bitten and you could have been bitten, but now you changed it to we WERE bitten.  When our manager asked you to provide a picture of the bite on you to show pest control you had nothing to provide. 
  Previously, starting on June 2nd you were advised that the interior of the units and the windows (you have an open area you cant afford to repair and possibly the insects on coming through there) are the responsibility of the owner and yet you still posted a disgruntled review. Our manager, her assistant and the ***** of ********* at your property
  
  
  tried to assist and advise you on how to take care of the is*** inside your unit, however, you refused the guidance claiming that they need to pay for it even though the ***** is not responsible for interior units.
  You also stated that T.C. advised you to hire an attorney,your statement was taken out of context and therefore incorrect as you stated.What she really said was that if you didnt want to believe what she was telling you as to what the Association covers vs the responsibility of the homeowners, then you might consider having an attorney do that for you. She did not suggest you hire an attorney to deal with us or to *** as you have stated.  
  If any insects, like the black wasp, as they were not hornets, come back, the area will be treated once again. The ***** spent over 25K on pest control so obviously they are doing their due diligence and care for their community and its owners. 
  With the facts stated here and with ***** concurrence, we consider this matter to be closed. We will not have further communication on this matter. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The disarray within the association is evident in various aspects, including lack of maintenance, disarray of porches with significant signs of black mold also detachment from building, also deterioration of metal and wood, Dead grass, potholes and cracks in the streets. I have spoke with *************************************** about these issues over a year ago and still nothing has been done

  Business response

  06/04/2024

  Ameri-Tech does not make the decisions; we execute them as directed by the Board.  In this instance, a lack of funds is a concern and is causing a delay in the repairs in question. However, there are ongoing projects in progress to help preserve the integrity of the buildings and to enhance the beauty of the property. The Board will be meeting on June 5, 2024 to introduce a proposal to move funds from one reserve to another or do a special assessment to perform these structural repairs. This will require community approval via a vote by the membership to move forward.  Please make every effort to attend your communitys Board meetings.  

• Initial Complaint

  07/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On May 3, I received an Estoppel letter forwarded to me by my realtor for the property at ************************************************** which indicated there was a violation for a Fence. At my request, my realtor obtained an estimate to replace the fence and proposed to the seller's agent that if the seller would put the money in Escrow, I would take care of the fence and if there was any money left over the proceeds would be returned.On May 5, I received an Estoppel letter that was forwarded to me by my realtor for the above property. This time there was no violation on the Estoppel Letter and was signed by **************************On May 11, the evening I closed, the *** president ***************************** informed me that the property was in violation and that she would give me 45 days to remedy. I informed her there was no such violation according to the most recent Estoppel letter I received which is legally binding.I have been harassed by the *** President since I've moved in, she has shared my personal information with 2 separate contractors performing work at my home, my neighbor who is not a board member and my realtor post sale and after repeated requests to stop harassing me, I've blocked her number.On 7/5 I contacted ********** Community Management located in ********** at ************ and requested to speak to ******* who is the manager over our community. In speaking with **************** asked her why the violation was removed from the Estoppel. She indicated that the seller repeatedly harassed her and indicated the buyer was going to take care of it. I then asked, so without verifying you falsified the Estoppel Letter? She said well what was I supposed to do he kept harassing me. She then asked me if I read the declarations that requires I maintain the property. I replied yes I have read the declarations received 10 days post closing. The fence was an obligation the seller should have remedied prior to closing. The Property Management company falsified the Estoppel letter and their falsification should make them liable for the expenses to obtain the money from the seller or for them to pay for the fence to be installed, holding me harmless. This is an Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts Practice which was intended to harm me.

  Business response

  07/27/2023

  The issue presented is one of misunderstanding.  At the time of the sale, a violation regarding fence replacement existed.  It was on the estoppel.  The management company was contacted regarding removing the violation, i.e., updating the estoppel.  We were told that the seller and purchaser had communicated, and the new owner agreed to deal with the fence.  This was validated in a conversation with the Board President of the Association who waivered on the inclusion of the violation on the estoppel.  It was removed on the premise that the purchaser would take care of the issue. The Estoppel was never falsified but represented the information as shared at that time.  It has now been disputed despite numerous phone calls and emails that such an agreement between the parties involved existed.There was no attempt or act performed by the management company designed to harm a new Resident or the Association.

• Initial Complaint

  07/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My HOA, Shadow Run, in ****** **, is represented by **********. I've been a resident of Shadow Run for 4-1/2 years and bought the other half of my duplex villa 4 months ago.Shadow Run passed a bylaw in 2017 stating new owners can't rent to a new tenant, ********** approved the sale from a previous ownner to me in March 2023. I inherted a leased tenant with 3 months remaining on her 1 year lease. In June 2023, the **************** informed my Association manager that this single mom and 2 children should be evicted 3 months after ********** approved the sale. ********** is now threatening me with fines and legal fees! The only thing I did was buy a Villa! Now I need to hire a lawyer? My HOA fees are paying for this. The most disappointing thing to me is that my HOA board members have so much dislike toward their neighbors!

  Business response

  07/12/2023

  ********** Community Management assists Associations and their ***** of ********* in the day-to-day operation of their community. At no time do we approve sales or tenants. We collect data and forward all pertinent documents for the ***** to make informed decisions.

  
  Regarding his complaint:
  The owner has acquired a second unit in the Shadow Run Community in March of 2023.

  
  Prior to the sale and subsequent approval by the Association the prospective new owner was reminded of the document change that prohibited new owners from renting their unit for two (2) years. There were numerous conversations with the prospective owner regarding this. At that time, the prospective new owner questioned whether the tenant currently residing in the unit he was purchasing could finish out their lease since the sale was scheduled on March 17, 2023, and their lease was completed in three (3) months (June 30, 2023).

  
  The ***** of ********* approved the sale on the contingency that the unit would be vacated when the lease expired and he would neither extend the lease, renew it nor put someone else in. At that time,he questioned since he owns two (2) units and is it possible he swap units with the tenant? He was told yes. Since he has owned the first unit for over four (4) years he could indeed swap then rent that unit, but not the one he just bought.

  
  At that time, the owner indicated he would do that. If the owner has now decided not to swap with the tenant that is fine. This does not change that the one he just bought is not eligible to be rented and that unit must be vacated.

  
  It is important to note that the tenant was aware of this issue and the need to vacate the unit at lease completion. The owner in his complaint appears to suggest this information was just conveyed to him in June.This is not accurate as the issue was known prior to completion of the sale of the unit. Both the owner and tenant were reminded of the Declaration of Restriction and the need for the ***** of ********* to enforce the Declaration. They have also been given official letters of the need to comply with the Associations deed restrictions by the Association Attorney.

  Customer response

  07/14/2023

   
  Complaint: 20279635
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have all correspondences documented prior to the sale yet AmeriTech keeps insisting we had "conversations" that never happened. Now they're saying we had a contingency to evict my tenant. No such contingency exist! They made that up!!  Shadow Run and ********** both signed off on the sale and they both know that nothing was mentioned verbally nor in writing about requiring me to evict our tenant. A new twist to their story,in this BBB complaint, is that my tenant knew, in advance, that Shadow Run required her to vacate the premises on June 30, 2023 or "swap" sides with me. I have proof that is not true. They threatened her in writing 2 days before her lease expired so I'm not sure why they claim she was notified many times. I know for a fact that she was unaware of this bizarre request by this board and **********. Think about what's happening here! This board, along with **********, are both compicate in an effort to control where a single mom with 2 children can live! They believe they can control their lives based on such trivial grounds. So let me get this straight, the board and ********** will sleep better at night if an established tenant makes her home on the other side of a wall! The board also works for me and I know that bylaws are to protect the integrity of it's members quality of life and this flawed bylaw was adopted to limit the number of tenants based on a percentage.This does not change that at all. The adopted tenant bylaw does not even mention leased tenants status after an approved sale. Now these people are just trying to make up the rules on the fly! The bylaw does mention that the board has the "power" to adopt rules to maintain the integrity of this provision yet here we are! This is nothing more than an attempt to abuse power rather than acting like any resonable person on an HOA board should act like in representing the best interest of all it's members. I believe if there was ever a reason to authorize a variance of this bylaw-this is it! I wish ********** would have reached out to my wife and I and straightened this out prior to this sale IN WRITING! I would have had no problem putting together an agreement back then. Now all I'm getting is unfounded and undocumented accusations while my tenant's well being is being threatened. I am still open to a settlement that will avoid further legal action and still protect the interest of all involved. I wish someone, other than the board members and our ********** rep, could look at this case for what it is-a series of unfortunate events! I want someone from ********** to re-evaluate this issue and come up with an agreement we can all live with. I think that sometimes people will not admit when they're wrong and in this case I'm not even blaming the board for the flawed bylaw. I just think it was hastily adopted with very, very poor language. This scenerio is a direct result of the flawed bylaw and was a disaster waiting to happen!
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  07/20/2023

  I remind you that ********** Community Management does not make decisions but relays information and assists the Board in the day-to-day operation of the Association.

  My understanding is that the Homeowner asked the question regarding swapping sides  to someone on the Board.   Perhaps someone misunderstood.  If so, I apologize.  It was not a request from either the Association or **********.  It is,however, a way the tenant can legally remain. The other unit  has been owned for more than the minimum time required and would not be a violation.  Please remember the amendment must be adhered to by all homeowners and the Board must enforce it.  They cannot pick and choose enforcement.

  The statement of control regarding the current tenants living arrangement is not correct.  The issue  is regarding the violation of the amendment regarding rentals by new owner not a bizarre request.  Regardless of marital status, whether children are present or any other condition of a tenant the Board must enforce the Documents. 

  The question why the adopted bylaw did not refer to tenant status  is simply because it is an amendment and states the rule regarding rental by a new owner.  A currently leased tenant with a long-term owner is not affected as the amendment passed refers to the rental by a newly purchased unit and immediate wish rental following purchase.  Whether the tenant has been renting is irrelevant.  The unit has been sold and comes under the amendment for enforcement.

  The request to have a variance of the by-law is unfortunately not possible.  ********* cannot give a variance to a legal requirement and allow a non-compliance to become a compliance.  It appears the only agreement acceptable to this homeowner is one that allows his tenant to remain in a newly acquired unit against the provision of the Documents, i.e., the **************** ********* cannot go against the Documents in their governance of the Association.  The Owners empathy with the tenant and his disagreement with the amendment cannot be factors in upholding the Documents for any Association Owner.

  Customer response

  07/24/2023

   
  Complaint: 20279635
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I want to negotiate a settlement. I really do not believe anyone really wants me to kick her and her children out on the street for something she has nothing to do with! My wife and I did nothing wrong either. All I did was buy a unit that Shadow Run approved and immediately passed  onto us with my tenant that they accepted over a year ago. Anyone with a heart can see this for what it is and realize this is not necessary. The bottom line is she lives in 1 unit in Shadow Run and her living there does not change that number. The integrity of our bylaws will not change.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  06/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Water leaking from a unit Nextdoor. Representative ******* is not addressing the problem and has informed that because the neighbors wont let them in to check the leakage all that can be done is a roof repair. The water is coming from neighbors plumbing. This is the 3rd time they will be out to repairs this leak. The refuse to repair the source.

  Business response

  07/05/2023

  This Homeowner currently resides in an HOA .  As such she is responsible for her home unless items are specifically covered in the Association **************** *************** did upon the notification of a possible water intrusion called out a roofer who came out three (3) times to check the roof.  (*************** is responsible for the roofs.)  Unfortunately, living in an HOA does not mean all home issues belong to the Association.

  The Homeowner believes the water is now from her neighbor.  She has been advised to contact a leak detector to verify the source of the leak or possibly  remove drywall as part of the investigation.  She has been told the Association cannot take responsibility for her home and as such the investigation is hers at this time.  She has declined. 
  

  The neighbor has been advised of the water issue, has stated they do not have an issue and has also declined to investigate.
  

  It is unfortunate that both parties do not move forward to together to investigate and resolve this issue. *************** has attempted to facilitate conversation to this end.

• Initial Complaint

  05/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ********** is an HOA/ property management company that has significantly inflated HOA monthly fees based on 2 individuals approving their budget. The 2 individuals supposedly represent everyone living in the community. ********** is charging tremendously high, quarterly and annual fees, unjustifiable service or intent of service has been provided. I myself being one of the owners living in that community (Avenida ********* at *************************************** am unable to afford those fees. I am temporarily handicapped in addition I have dependents.

  Business response

  05/23/2023

  ******* ********* Townhomes representatives approached Ameri Tech Community Management to manage their community.  It was self-managed.  Ameritech Community Management agreed to take on this community beginning May 1st, 2023. 
  
  Once we began to work with the Community, we reviewed their financials, and it was noted they were grossly underfunded. We made the recommendation to the ***** of ******* ********* Townhomes that the monthly dues needed to be increased in order to help pay their current monthly and past-due bills. We conducted a budget workshop with the ***** and Homeowners in which we reviewed all the community commitments line item by line item. The ***** agreed that an increase was needed. We then scheduled a budget approval meeting at which two of the three ***** Members approved the proposed budget.  ********** Community Management as the management company does not make any decisions.  We act to assist the ***** in the day-to-day operations of the Association.  *********** ********* Townhomes ***** of Directors made the budget approval decision.
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The *** management company president and property manager are not communicating with homeowners with regard to deed restriction violations status when notified of such.

  Business response

  02/01/2023

  ********** Community Management prides ourselves on the positive communication we maintained with our Associations. Looking at the supporting documents provided in this complaint and investigating at our end, we have found the homeowner has been given the name and access to the Community Manager.  There have been emails shared.  The issue presented in the supporting documents has been resolved- finding the identity of the manager.

  The above statement is in error.  Communications regarding violations is done both orally and in writing.  The violation is sent to the homeowner needing to address the issue stated in the violation notice. The homeowner with a violation is encouraged to contact the Association through the Manager if questions and the Association Manager verifies compliance or unfortunately noncompliance.  Communication is maintained until the violation has been resolved.  Note: the company president ******** to all issues though he may be represented by other senior staff.  We disagree with the statement, The *** management company president and property manager are not communicating with homeowners with regard to deed restriction violations status when notified of such.

• Initial Complaint

  02/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I own a condo in Tampa, FL, that was under the management of American-Tech. They were regularly non-responsive when problems arose and you could not rely on them to respond to problems, etc. It was a constant problem. The Condo Association ended our contract with them and has hired a new management company that took over as of January 1. However-- Ameri-Tech continues to take our HOA fees every month (both January and February so far) and REFUSES to give it back. They are modern day thieves. I owe them nothing. Never, ever missed an on-time payment. Don't do business with these people. They are incompetent. I want my money back...

  Business response

  03/07/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/02/17) */ There are inaccuracies in the statements as presented. Yes, The Landings of Tampa changed management companies as of 1/1/2022. The lack of responsiveness statement when issues arise is misleading. Perhaps due to the homeowner's lack of knowledge on the circumstances surrounding the autopay issue. Fact: The new management company handles payments differently than Ameri-Tech and we were told by them, and by the Condo President to cancel all auto pays. Fact: This was requested from the bank, on 12/27/21 and we subsequently received a confirmation email stating the request was submitted. Fact: This was confirmed with the Board President that this had been completed, and the auto pays would not get withdrawn for the month of January. Fact: On January 3, 2022, we were made aware that the auto pays had been drafted by the bank, and the money had been directly deposited into the new management's bank account. On January 3, 2022, both the Board President and Ameri-Tech contacted Truist Bank with the issue. Fact: The President received this response back on the same day: "You are correct we received the cancellation request from Ameri-Tech before the deadline and we did not process it. They did what they are supposed to do. However, the bank's process is to wait on these cancellation requests until we are at the end of the month in case the association is moving between existing management companies that we have on record. We receive a number of cancellation requests from the outgoing management company and the new management is not aware and they expect the ACH to transfer when they take over." This proved that the fault was the bank's NOT Ameri-Tech's. Truist assured the Board President, the new management company, and Ameri-Tech that the auto pays would no longer get drafted. Fact: On February 3, 2022, Ameri-Tech was made aware the bank drafted the auto pays again for February. Once again, the money was put into the new management's account and Ameri-Tech did not have any knowledge this happened. Fact: The President reached out to Truist, and this is the response he received from the bank, "My apologies these ACH did not get cancelled before the February debit. Since this was our issue do you want us to reverse all the payments today or wait and see if some of the payments are returned before issuing the credits? Again, I apologize for this not being done." Fact: The bank failed to cancel the auto pays NOT Ameri-Tech! On February 16th Ameri-Tech received a threatening email from this homeowner stating incorrectly Ameri-Tech continues to take HOA fees out of her account. (Never possible as she authorizes autopay through her banking institution) She defamed Ameri-Tech as she has done in her complaint above and called us thieves. She threatened to file a criminal complaint with Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and the State of Florida. Fact: She got an immediate response and was told to do what she felt she needed and reminded the bank auto drafted her account. Her new management company has that money. Ameri-Tech did not draft anything from her account. We have no money from any Landings homeowner. This is a bank issue, not an Ameri-Tech issue. She was encouraged to contact the new management company for verification. The email was forwarded to the Board President and the new management company. The Board President contacted the homeowner and explained what happened. He assured us that she appreciated his call and explanation and that she was fine. Fact: here we are with a BBB complaint. This will be a onetime response as Ameri-Tech had nothing to do with this issue and by labeling us as "thieves" and incompetent is a defamation of character. Remove this complaint and all public reference to it and the calling of Ameri-Tech thieves and/or incompetent. Failure to do so will result in legal action against the homeowner.

• Initial Complaint

  12/15/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The property management company has violated Florida's Condominium Act. Specifically, to be in compliance with the statutes there needs to be a full membership vote to pool the reserve funds. This law was enacted to protect the homeowners of the association. It's important because if you do not adhere to the law eventually a special assessment will be levied or the building will be in disrepair. The company was made aware of this and won't address it. Secondly, another statute may have been violated whereas again it takes a full membership ship vote to defund the present reserves. This has come about because the building needed to be fully renovated, roof to painting because of prior poor management. I am reaching out because as a board member and a homeowner Ameritech is not protecting our interests.

  Business response

  01/21/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/12/22) */ The content of this complaint is incorrect and misleading. The Board of Directors, not Ameri-Tech Community Management makes all decisions in the day-to-day operation of the Association. The Better Business Organization would serve the community better by helping those making complaints recognize if they are complaining against the right entity and thus assisting the complainant in getting a more accurate and swift resolution to their issues. As a former Board Member, the homeowner has knowledge that the Board of Directors and not Ameri-Tech makes all decisions. The legal questions that the homeowner is asking requires a legal review and answer. This is not something that Ameri-Tech is permitted through Florida Statute to respond. The Board of Directors will be advised of the complaint and recommended to obtain answers to the issues presented by the complainant from the Association's Attorney.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩