Custer Village

Pros

• They were an exceptional tenant for 6.5 years.
• They always paid on time and kept the place clean.
• They recommend renting from Allie's and describe them as great to rent from.

Cons

• Doneffs nickel-and-dimes tenants for their security deposits.
• Doneffs retained only a quarter of the security deposit after tenancy.
• Doneffs charges tenants for light bulbs.
• The company imposes ridiculous move-in conditions, such as double security deposit and 12 months' rent upfront.
• A cosigner who must earn three times the monthly rent is required.
• The complex makes moving stressful and difficult, with a risk of homelessness.
• The reviewer would not recommend Doneffs to out-of-state movers.

Review

There are several things that stand out in this account of living with Doneffs as a landlord and property manager. After more than six years of renting with them, the tenant describes a steady, reliable relationship: on-time payments, careful upkeep of the property, and a level of care that one would expect from a responsible renter. The duration of the tenancy - about six and a half years - suggests a period of stability and routine, making the later experiences all the more jarring. The overall tone from the start signals a sense of disappointment that grows as the review unfolds.

A central grievance concerns the security deposit. Despite years of responsible tenancy, the renter says they received only a fraction of their security deposit back - a mere quarter of the original amount. The charges cited include a cost for light bulbs, which the reviewer seems to view as an unwarranted or excessive deduction for ordinary wear and tear or normal maintenance. The combination of a long tenancy, clean living, and timely payments contrasts starkly with what is described as an aggressive, even punitive, accounting of the move-out costs. This discrepancy has left the renter feeling shortchanged and publicly venting frustration about how deposits are handled.

In a pointed aside to prospective tenants, the reviewer offers a clear recommendation: opt to rent from Allie's instead of Doneffs. The positive phrasing about Allie's, framed as "they are great to rent from," serves as a practical counterpoint within the narrative. It shifts from a critique of one landlord to a recommendation of another, implying that the experience with Allie's could be more favorable, especially for someone who values straightforward terms and fair treatment of deposits and move-out responsibilities.

The second part of the account broadens the critique beyond a single incident at move-out. The reviewer acknowledges that they do not typically leave one-star reviews, but they feel compelled to share warnings for people moving from out of state. The move is described as a relocation from Arizona to Manitowoc, with the reviewer stating that they meet income requirements and already have a job lined up in Manitowoc. Nevertheless, they encounter what they describe as "ridiculous conditions" imposed by the complex or management company that they deem unacceptable for someone in a similar situation.

Three specific scenarios are highlighted as examples of these onerous requirements. The first is a doubling of the security deposit alongside 12 months of rent paid up front. The second is a double security deposit coupled with a cosigner who must be "perfect" and earn three times the monthly rent. The emphasis here is on the impossibility or near-impossibility of meeting such criteria for many renters, particularly those relocating from out of state who may already be juggling moving costs, job transitions, and housing searches under time pressure.

The reviewer frames moving as already stressful enough without additional hurdles from the landlord or management company. A cross-country move magnifies the anxiety, and the impression is that the complex's policies add significant friction rather than providing a straightforward path to securing housing. The fear expressed is palpable: with only about four weeks to secure a new place, the prospect of becoming homeless becomes a real and pressing concern.

In closing, the message blends personal disappointment with a practical, if somewhat desperate, plea: to find a better housing option quickly and avoid homelessness. The hope is that others facing a similar transition will consider alternatives and not be subjected to the same perceived barriers. The overall sentiment is a blend of gratitude for a long-term tenancy that was well-kept and paid, and stark frustration at what is described as unfair or harsh financial terms and verification requirements that complicate the already challenging process of moving and securing housing.

This part of Manitowoc, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies located within close proximity, residents have easy access to medical care and prescriptions. The selection of restaurants and cafes provide convenient dining options, while the nearby theaters offer entertainment opportunities. For those seeking worship places, there are several churches in the area. Additionally, the parks offer outdoor spaces for leisurely walks or relaxation. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors to live comfortably and access necessary services conveniently.

Physicians

• Prevea Manitowoc Health Center (0.4 miles)
• Forefront Dermatology Manitowoc, WI (0.4 miles)
• Hfm (0.8 miles)
• Lakeshore Orthopaedics (0.8 miles)
• Lakeshore Orthopedics (0.8 miles)
• Allen Jeffrey Holy Family Memorial Family Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Zhong Ling HFM Harbor Town Campus Manitowoc (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Meijer Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Shopko Manitowoc (1.3 miles)
• HFM Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Lakeshore Family Health Shoppe (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Custom Health Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• River Wood Estates (0.6 miles)
• Panda Express (0.8 miles)
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (0.8 miles)
• Wendy's (0.8 miles)
• Arby's (0.9 miles)
• Applebee's (0.9 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Jenn's Java (2.7 miles)
• Dali's Cafe (3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Manitowoc 1 (1.1 miles)
• Dare To Dream Theatre (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Tammi Gags MPAS, PA-C (1.4 miles)
• Hfm Sleep Program (2.2 miles)
• Holy Family Memorial (2.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Pauls Catholic Church - Rectory (2.1 miles)
• Calvary Assembly Of God (2.4 miles)
• St John's Ucc Manitowoc (2.4 miles)
• St John's United Church of Christ (2.5 miles)
• Open Bible Baptist Church (2.6 miles)
• Rosethorn Community Church (2.8 miles)
• Saint Francis of Assissi Annex (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Manitowoc Park & Recreation (2.7 miles)
• Lincolnshire Park (3.2 miles)
• Silver Creek Park (3.3 miles)