Metes & Bounds Management Corporation

Pros

• Cynthia and her crew go above and beyond in taking care of the apartments.
• Cynthia and her team are always responsive, professional, and keep everything well-maintained.
• Cynthia's attention to detail and commitment to excellence are unmatched.
• The staff at the main office and the apartment complex manager, Mrs. Tracy B., are friendly, respectful, and diligent.
• They take pride in their work, which makes a noticeable difference in the quality of residents' living spaces.

Cons

• They say the management company overcharges for older, 50+ year?old buildings.
• They allege it's hard to file for service animals and that pet fees are above market rate.
• They claim laundry fees were raised multiple times and a new, fee-heavy system was imposed.
• They report the company failed to follow Minnesota statute 504 on non-emergency entries.
• They say pest problems are blamed on tenants while underlying building issues exist.
• They describe dumpster changes that led to raccoon activity and other wildlife problems.
• They allege condensation/humidity issues were used to justify doors freezing shut, creating safety concerns.
• They accuse the company of hiding fees and delaying paperwork, sometimes for about a month.
• They claim embezzlement-like behavior and inconsistent rent charges among tenants.
• They report forged signatures, rude treatment, and high staff turnover, indicating overall unprofessionalism.

Review

The collection of experiences surrounding Metes and Bounds and the Glenwood and Glen Place properties paints a picture of a management company that several tenants feel operates more like a business built on fees, delays, and opaque communications than a responsive landlord. In one family's ongoing situation, a mother had to move out quickly for health reasons, and the tenant promptly notified the on-site manager, only to encounter a frustrating process around the return of a security deposit. Wisconsin law requires a security deposit to be returned within 21 days, with an itemized list of any deductions. In this case, day 25 arrived without the check or any itemized statement. When questions were pressed, the on-site manager claimed the matter was "not in my hands, it's up to corporate (Metes and Bounds)." After eventually reaching corporate, the tenant heard that the check was mailed only two days before, and that their mother would receive a mere $16.12 back from the security deposit, despite claims of no damages and the tenant's account of clean, well-kept occupancy. There was also reference to needed repairs that would have been tenant-covered (new carpet two years prior), which the family had paid for themselves, supported by prior promises from management that were never fulfilled. The entire episode left the impression that the company does not prioritize timely, transparent handling of deposits, especially for vulnerable seniors.

Beyond this specific incident, a broader thread runs through many of the reviews: a perceived pattern of governance issues at Metes and Bounds and its properties. Several reviewers accuse the company of overcharging on rents and fees, particularly in older buildings that are 50 years or more. The sentiment is that there is a general prioritization of profits over the quality of living conditions. Mold remediation is cited as a notable failure in places where tenants expected a proper upgrade rather than a cosmetic patch. One resident recounted that when a long-standing mold problem affected an entire end of their unit, the promised replacement of a walk-in shower was replaced with tile scrubbing and patching of moldy ceiling areas, suggesting a mismatch between promises and actual improvements.

Financial frictions also appear frequently in these accounts. A recurring complaint is that certain fees are not clearly documented up front, with residents reporting that paperwork is not provided promptly, and that communication is slow or unhelpful when questions arise. Pet policies are another friction point: the pet fee, which had previously been $25 per animal, rose to $50 per animal, and residents say the process to file for service animals has become more cumbersome, effectively making it harder for tenants to avoid above-market-rate charges. Laundry services add to the cost burden as well, with a return to traditional coin-operated machines replaced by a provider (ShinePay) that allegedly layered in more fees, leading to what some tenants describe as double the cost for a single wash load before a full transition away from coin pay.

A cluster of reviews highlights concerns about entry and maintenance practices, especially given the aging infrastructure of many properties. There are allegations that management has not complied with state statutes governing entry into tenanted units, including non-emergency entries. Pest activity is linked to structural problems such as foundation issues and water damage, with some tenants reporting that pests are blamed on residents rather than addressing underlying building conditions. Changes in building processes, like altering dumpster models, are blamed for attracting wildlife such as raccoons, while older, drafty doors and humidity controls contribute to real safety and comfort concerns, including doors freezing shut during cold weather and raising fears about safe evacuations in emergencies.

There are also grim anecdotes about financial and administrative integrity. A number of tenants complain about alleged misleading or opaque billing practices, including accusations that money has been "stolen" in the form of undisclosed or misrepresented fees, with some asserting they were charged amounts far beyond what was agreed upon and that crucial documentation was withheld or delayed. Several reviewers recount experiences where staff reportedly "hang up on you," fail to return calls or emails, or provide inconsistent information from different branches or personnel. A particularly alarming theme is the suggestion that there has been fraudulent behavior, including claims of forged signatures and even embezzlement concerns, with multiple tenants expressing suspicion that the corporate leadership tolerates or enables such conduct to protect profits.

Despite the prevalent criticisms, there are notable exceptions in the public feedback. Some individuals praise specific staff members, calling out professionals who go above and beyond in their roles. One reviewer singled out Cynthia and her crew for their dedication to doing things "the right way," praising their responsiveness, attentiveness to detail, and overall professionalism in maintaining units. Another review extolled the main office staff, particularly someone named Tracy B., for being friendly, respectful, and thorough in their dealings, with a clear impression that these individuals treated tenants with equality and fairness. A few residents even recommended renting from the properties based on these positive interactions, indicating that the experience can vary significantly depending on which team member you encounter and which property you inhabit.

Taken together, the feedback sketches a nuanced portrait of Metes and Bounds as a management group that can deliver responsive, respectful service in some contexts while leaving others feeling undervalued, misinformed, or financially strained. The contrast between the praise for specific staff members and the broader criticisms about deposit handling, fees, aging infrastructure, and opaque communications suggests a fragmentation in both culture and operations across properties. For tenants and families facing health-related moves or ongoing residency, these reviews underscore the importance of documenting every interaction, keeping careful records of deposits and repairs, and seeking clarity on all incoming and outgoing charges, as well as rights related to entry, pest control, and major repairs. In the end, the experiences shared here reveal a community navigating a complex relationship with a management company that appears capable of both commendable personal service and troubling lapses in administrative transparency and tenant protection.

This part of Richfield, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple dining options including fast food chains like McDonald's and Culver's, as well as sit-down restaurants like Pizza Lucé and Chick-Fil-A, residents have plenty of choices for meals. There are also several pharmacies nearby such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medications and health supplies. For medical care, there are various physician offices specializing in dermatology, cardiology, fertility treatment, orthopedics, pediatrics, and endocrinology within a short distance. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks where seniors can relax with a hot beverage. Several parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation such as Taft Park and Centennial Lakes Park. The area is also home to the Fairview Southdale Hospital for any healthcare needs that may arise. Overall, this part of Richfield offers a bustling yet peaceful environment with ample resources for senior living.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0 miles)
• Pizza Lucé Richfield (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.5 miles)
• Culver's (1.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.9 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Physicians

• Southwest Dermatology Specialist (0.5 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Physicians Building (1.9 miles)
• University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview Southdale Hospital (2 miles)
• CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis (2 miles)
• Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis (2.1 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina - Crosstown (2.2 miles)
• Southdale Pediatrics (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Jinx Tea (3.4 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (5.3 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (5.9 miles)

Parks

• Taft Park (1.9 miles)
• Centennial Lakes Park (2.2 miles)
• Bossen Field (3 miles)
• Lake Hiawatha Park (3.9 miles)
• McGuire Park (4.1 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (4.6 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (4.7 miles)

Theaters

• 0705 Amc Southdale 16 (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Fairview Southdale Hospital (1.9 miles)
• VA Medical Center (4.2 miles)
• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Abbott Northwestern Center For Outpatient Care (5.4 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (6.2 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Delta Employee Bus Stop #1 (3 miles)
• Terminal 2-Humphrey (3 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint 1 (3 miles)
• Mall of America LRT Station (3.1 miles)
• Concourse F (3.6 miles)
• Concourse E (3.7 miles)
• Escape Lounge (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.4 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (6.2 miles)