Lark at Randall, madison-wi

I had a very frustrating move-out experience at Lark at Randall. After completing an in-person move-out inspection on June 30 and returning our keys, we were later assessed move-out damage charges for furniture in the unit. The property charged a total of $888 for replacing a couch and loveseat, plus an additional charge for a missing window screen. I understand that residents can be responsible for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. However, what I found unreasonable was the lack of transparency in how the charge was calculated. We asked for basic supporting documentation, including the age of the furniture, original purchase price, replacement invoice or estimate, depreciation calculation, repair/refinishing assessment, or any explanation of why repair was not feasible. The property refused to provide these records, stating that they were internal or proprietary documents. The inspection report available in the resident portal showed photos marked “No Note,” yet management later determined that full replacement was required. They also stated that the furniture did not meet their internal quality standard for future residents, but did not provide documentation showing why full replacement, rather than repair, was reasonably necessary. My issue is not that they inspected the unit after move-out. My issue is that they assessed a significant replacement charge while refusing to provide meaningful documentation supporting the amount. For future residents, I strongly recommend taking detailed move-in photos, submitting the move-in inspection no matter how small the issue seems, documenting everything at move-out, and getting written confirmation of any charges. Overall, this experience made the move-out process feel opaque and unfair.

Most updates: Their management team is the worst that I have ever experienced during my 4-year life in Madison. They are rude and try their best to squeeze the last money for the residents. I was never charged for cleaning or damaging in the past three years, but Lark at Randall charged me 1100 dollars. I believe I did not change my lifestyle throughout my life. They can always find “wear and tear” everywhere, even behind the television that I never used. What is more, my roommate transferred to another school in another country and they cannot make contact with my roommate. They imposed all the charges to me even for those belongings that are not mine. They said they sent an email to me and asked if my roommate moved all his stuff or not to when my roommate left, but I never received an email like that. Also, they repeatedly charged the utilities. They said it was for two months, but there is no way that I have same water, gas, electricity utilities for two months. Last but not least, they said they would use your deposit for the last month, but they just told lies. They imposed the June and July rent bills as the screenshots show. The manage team always tell lies, get rid of their responsibilities and try their best to charge as much as they can. Also, they would conduct all kinds of construction almost once a month and made the entire building so noisy. They should finish those renewals during the gaps between two leases. I love the location, but I have to say the manage team destroyed this only advantage that Lark at Randall has. I will keep updating my situations and share all the true situations in Lark at Randall. I really would like to let all the people know what is happening in this apartment before they make decisions.

if you’re looking for unreasonable staff then this is the place you’re looking for. charging premium rent prices but the service surely ain’t on that level. constantly entering your apartment almost monthly to do various checks just demonstrates the inefficiency in the management. they are not afraid to overuse the words “sorry if we have caused any inconvenience” in their many emails. on two separate occasions have the staff been unreasonable to my requests as a tenant here. 1. during the last day of my finals i requested that they came in another day to complete the paint job in my roommates room (she just moved out) and they declined and saying it’ll just take awhile and they had to do it on two consecutive days (ok so why not next monday and tuesday? instead of thursday and friday i won’t have finals then.) To add on, my apartment smelled like paint for the rest of the day. 2. they had a cabinet renovation which was suppose to be done on wed, thurs, fri and asked us to clear the trash and other tasks to allow the workers to work. I did and they never came. then on friday i received an email saying that they would come in on monday, Tuesday, wed. i politely asked if they could avoid coming into my apartment on monday and once again unreasonable they said NO. 3. once on 18th april 2025, my FOB was not working and showed red. I informed them that it was not working and they replied me with utter nonsense, saying that I need to use my key once a week for it to work. By that time i’ve lived here for almost a year and i have barely used my keys. i am certain that there have been many times i have not used it in more than a month. i also have a friend who has not touched her key the whole semester and the app works. they refused to double check it was working before leaving work on friday. But there was one staff who has always been nice and friendly to me, Shemeka. She always greets me with a smile and addresses my concerns in the best way possible within her ability.

I’ve lived here under both the old and new management, and the difference is night and day (and not in a good way). The new management is disorganized, unprofessional, and completely lacking in transparency. They charged me over $500 in damage and cleaning fees without any explanation or itemized receipt, even after I moved units. (on receipt says charged $175 for new binds). Meanwhile, my roommate — who lived in the same unit — was only charged $55 for cleaning and nothing for damage. The only difference? I moved out, and she just transferred to another unit. So why was I hit with all the charges? It’s honestly unacceptable to charge people without itemized receipt. Also, I’m not sure but if the repairs and cleaning were done by Lark’s own staff, not a third-party company. That means they can basically charge whatever they want with no oversight or proof. This is a serious issue for transparency and fairness. Parking has always been overpriced, but at least before, you knew what you were paying for. Now? Zero explanation, no communication, and terrible customer service. The front desk staff are kind and helpful, but unfortunately they can’t fix how bad the management has become. I used to recommend this place to friends, but now I tell everyone to stay far away. For the price and supposed convenience, it’s just not worth the stress. This is my true honest review so far and i will update as far as communication goes.

Loved the staff, and a huge shoutout to Kyle Coney for helping me solve any issues I faced!