Apartment Review for Whispering Pines - Fort Collins, CO

On 3/31/09 I inquired about an apartment with the manager. We spoke at 4pm and I viewed the apartment at 4:45pm. After seeing the apartment, I was hesitant due to the stench and suspected it was somewhat toxic. The manager assured me the smell was from the cleaning chemicals. She informed me that I should provide a cash or money order for the deposit. I had $300 cash for the deposit to hold the apartment that day, which I gave to her and received a hand written receipt. I did not sign the application for her to check my credit but discovered at 4pm when we first spoke that she had already checked my credit and approved me. On the following day, 4/1/09, I returned to Whispering Pines to obtain my security deposit back as I found an apartment I was more comfortable with. The manager refused to return my deposit. I contacted the police, who knew the manager by her full name (I didn't know her last name) as they have received so many calls on account of her unethical and questionable business practices. I was instructed to contact the civil courts and pursue action as the previous complaints were not followed up with. The officer was more than willing to attest to the facts associated with his encounters with this apartment. After speaking with the Ft. Collins Police, I did contact the owner, Ron Helten and his office manager to request my deposit again. Both Ron and the manager, Sandy Diamond hung up on me, interrupting me before I could complete a sentence. The reviews already listed describing them as irate are accurate. Even approaching and requesting calmly and politely, both were confrontational and abrasive, not wanting to hear what was being said. I have been informed that in civil court a ruling in favor could entitle up to three times the deposit I made. This deposit is for repairs and damages on an apartment I never lived in nor signed a lease for. In fact, I have not even signed for them to complete a credit/ background check...