Hershey Heights

We lived at Hershey Heights for more than four years, and our move-out experience was extremely disappointing. I originally moved there as a medical resident working at Hershey Medical Center, and it seemed like a convenient choice for someone affiliated with Penn State Health. Unfortunately, the management and move-out process have made this a decision I deeply regret. Only one week before our move-out date, we received an email stating that we owed more than $4,000—equivalent to two additional months of rent—because management said we had not provided 60 days’ notice. Management later told us that a notice had been placed in our door, but we never received it and never received an email reminder before the 60-day deadline. If a paper notice was left at our door, it could easily have been removed or lost before we saw it. What made the situation more difficult was the payment demand. Rather than allowing the amount to be handled through two normal end-of-month rent payments, we were told it had to be paid within 30 days of moving out. We were also told we might be reimbursed if someone else moved into the apartment. This left us facing uncertainty while taking on a new rent payment and planning a wedding that month. After more than four years as residents, this experience felt unfair, poorly communicated, and financially punitive. The policy may be included in the lease, but we believe clearer advance communication and more reliable delivery of important notices are important, especially for long-term tenants. Based on our experience, I would not recommend Hershey Heights to future medical residents, physicians, Penn State Health employees, or anyone relocating to work at Hershey Medical Center. I plan to share my experience with others considering housing in the area so they can make an informed decision.