Florida — Finding a rental property is difficult these days, and when one does come along, most people looking jump at the opportunity.

Is there a sign outside the property that says “Action Rental Management Realty”? You might want to think twice before calling their number.

Action Rental is accused of illegally withholding thousands of dollars in security deposits and rent from customers and tenants. The company is also accused of using predatory practices.

Hundreds of unsuspecting tenants have used the company’s services, not knowing that their lives would soon become a nightmare.

Stories of clogged sinks, broken cabinets, blocked drains, faulty wiring and non-refundable deposits are commonplace at the company.

For years, residents have complained to Action Rental Management Inc. about sewage backing up in sinks, dishwashers and toilets at an apartment building in Lecanto managed by Action Rental.

For years, landlords ignored the problem.

Instead of fixing the problem, which turned out to be a faulty drain field, Action Rental had the septic tank pumped out repeatedly. However, residents say the septic company told the landlords multiple times that the drain field needed to be replaced.

Even after the septic tank was pumped out, toilets, sinks and dishwashers kept flowing back into the apartments, especially when it rained. Sometimes it took days for the water to drain away.

One of the tenants reported that the sink was clogged for four days before Action Rental sent a plumber.

On site, the plumber informed the tenant that there had been a problem at the Forestview Apartments for years.

Two years after the first complaint, the drainage bed was finally replaced.

The biggest complaint from tenants concerns Action Rental owner Marie Hager, who refuses to return security deposits.

Sarah P. said: “The owner of this company is appalling at best. She has no class or professionalism and treats potential tenants insensitively.”

There are dozens of complaints alleging that Hager is refusing to repay liens.

Tenants say that it doesn’t matter whether a tenant vacates the apartment and leaves it in immaculate condition or whether he hires professional cleaners: “Hager always finds an excuse to keep the deposit.”

Ocala Post was provided with photos from several tenants. The images show clogged sinks and broken cabinets. In addition, the photos show immaculate apartments that were professionally cleaned upon move-out.

Joy P. said: “Not recommended at all. It was a terrible experience between Action Rental and the mobile home owner. I rented the house for 5 years and was never late. There was no damage even after he assured me he would make sure Marie returned the deposit. They refused to give me my deposit back.”

In addition to the tenants, the owners also complained about Hager’s unlawful withholding of rent payments.

Dave, a property owner, said, “Poor communication with customers. I have been a customer for about 10 years. The entire time I felt trapped with (Action Realty). Because of the way the contract is worded, the only way you can get out of the contract is if the house is not rented. That’s what finally happened to me. I was not informed that the tenant had communicated that he would be moving out at the end (of the month). I expected my portion of the rent to arrive in the mail. (Two weeks had passed) and the check had not arrived (not unusual), so I waited a few more days before contacting Action Rental Management to ask what was going on. I have sent about 10 emails in the last 8 weeks trying to resolve the issues, but to no avail. On July 10th the President of the company (Marie Hagar) called me screaming and yelling about how dare I say they ignore my emails, how I have no reason to complain since I keep my property in such poor condition, and how sick she is of owners like me who are always whining about how poor they are and how they need their money right now!! This company has held my property hostage by not returning the keys to me, making it impossible for me to hire a new property manager. Additionally, they still have not paid me the $1330.00 they owe me.”

This is just one of dozens of complaints not only from tenants but also from property owners who have hired Hager’s company.

John H. said, “If you don’t mind being treated like a child and dealing with the arrogance of the owner and don’t mind having your security deposit taken, then this is the place for you.”

Tanya D. said: “Why bother cleaning the apartment and worrying about the security deposit if you’re not going to get it back anyway? Provide it and make them work for it.”

Even more disturbing is the Ocala Post’s discovery that Action Rental allows pest control contractors to enter properties without giving tenants 24 hours’ notice.

The Ocala Post reviewed a lease from Action Rental and it makes no mention of giving pest control contractors keys to the property.

One tenant described having no idea that technicians had entered her apartment and feeling for months that sometimes when she came home, a piece of her underwear was missing. She also reported a missing bra and a pillow.

Ocala Post reached out to Action Realty during our investigation, but the company declined to answer questions.

Ocala Post has also reached out to the Federal Trade Commission. Once they respond, a follow-up article will be published.