Apartment Review for Archstone Ballston Square - Arlington, VA

I had no problems with Archstone until they showed their true colors. With the current economy, we had inquired about average rent increases upon move-in. At that time we were told by a leasing agent 3-5% had been the average increase after the first year. Worst case scenario we had expected 8%. Imagine our surprise when they slid the letter under the door stating a whopping 15% increase in our rent after the first year. I went and talked to management. Rent increases normally don't soar much higher than current inflation rates. The average rent increase for Arlington in 2010 is 6.3% yet our increase is more than double. I also explained we had been great tenants and very understanding of multiple problems in the building (including a flood), yet this is how we are being repaid. We were even going to sign a new full-year lease. Management's response was that everyone up for renewal in September is looking at a 13+ % increase, and "their hands are tied." What a joke. I WILL NOT BE RECOMMENDING ARCHSTONE BALLSTON SQUARE, or any Archstone property for that matter, to anyone in the future. DO NOT RENT HERE UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO BE PRICE GAUGED!