BBB Complaint ID #24729011 Response

April 9, 2026
CONSUMER’S ORIGINAL COMPLAINT*:

I am seeking the personal belongings of my deceased family member, Keith Connor, who died on 2/23/26, and resided at Grafton Place Apartments.

Since Feb 2026, I have repeatedly contacted GP to recover sentimental belongings, especially Keith’s Polaroid collection and family photos.

On 2/28/26, Tamra Youngblut confirmed that Keith’s “salvageable items” had been removed from the apartment and placed in secure storage.

On 3/2/26, she stated that legal documentation and identification would be required before release.

In response, we provided:

* notarized Affidavit of Heirship
* notarized Liability Waiver & Indemnification Agreement
* government-issued photo IDs
* unofficial death record

We also repeatedly requested required notices under RCW 59.18.595, an inventory or photographic documentation of stored and discarded items, and clear instructions for retrieval or shipping to Virginia.

On 3/9/26, Tamra stated their legal team required a court order and in-person
appearance to release information or belongings. On 3/13/26, we narrowed our request to only 2 sentimental categories: Keith’s Polaroids and family photos, offered to pay for packing and shipping, and again provided supporting docs.

On 3/29/26, after another follow-up asking only whether those photographs existed or had been discarded, Tamra replied that they were “waiting for reports” and that lawyers had asked for “no response until this has all been released,” without explaining what reports were pending, what “released” meant, or when we could expect answers.

Despite repeated good-faith efforts and full compliance with documentation requests, we still have not received confirmation of whether these items exist, an inventory, required notices, or a clear timeline.

We want immediate confirmation whether Keith’s Polaroids and family photographs are in storage or were discarded, confirmation of the status of all personal belongings, and a clear timeline and process for release.

*Due to the character restrictions, the abbreviated complaint listed above was amended with this complaint document. 

May 12, 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE BUSINESS:
This complaint arose from a very difficult situation where a tenant committed suicide in his apartment and in the process caused a fire that resulted in hazardous chemicals throughout the apartment, and significant smoke and water damage at the property.  Shortly after the fire, a family member, unknown to us, made claims for the tenant’s property. 

Grafton Place has worked to understand and respond to the family member’s requests for return of certain sentimental items as quickly as possible and within its legal obligations to preserve the tenant’s confidentiality.  Grafton Place is also simultaneously working with the fire marshal, insurance inspectors/adjusters and property restoration contractors to respond to their investigation of the fire and restore the unit.

Unfortunately, it is a slow process but we anticipate returning the requested property this week, which should resolve the complaint.

We sent the requested items last week to the address for Mr. ands Mrs. Fran Conner.

May 12, 2026
REJECTION OF RESPONSE:
I am rejecting this response because it does not accurately or fully address the complaint.

First, the business states that Keith Connor “committed suicide,” but suicide has not been ruled as the official cause of death. Until an official determination has been made, Grafton Place should not present that as fact. Additionally, the phrase “committed suicide” is outdated and offensive language. If suicide were ever officially determined, the appropriate wording would be “died by suicide.”

Second, the response minimizes the issue by suggesting that returning a few requested sentimental items “should resolve the complaint.” This matter is not resolved simply because some items were reportedly sent. For more than two months, our family asked for basic answers about Keith’s personal property, including what was saved, what was discarded, what was damaged, and what remained in storage.

This complaint was never about money. It was about dignity, transparency, communication, and the handling of a deceased tenant’s personal property with basic humanity. We narrowed our request to sentimental items: photographs, Polaroids, cameras, film, memory cards, SD cards, digital media, family photographs, and related photographic materials. These are irreplaceable family items connected to Keith’s memory.

Third, even after legal counsel became involved, the process remained confusing and delayed. We were told communications should go through counsel, but that did not result in clear answers, a timely inventory, or prompt shipment. Instead, our follow-up emails were repeatedly framed as contributing to the delay, even though the delays had already been ongoing for weeks and involved Grafton/Grandview determining what property existed, what would be sent, who would pay, and how it would be shipped.

Fourth, Grafton Place’s response does not provide a complete accounting of Keith’s belongings. It does not clarify what was recovered, what was discarded, what was damaged, what remains in storage, or what documentation exists regarding those decisions. It also does not explain the process used to identify and preserve his property after his death.

Fifth, the business refers to “Mr. ands Mrs. Fran Conner,” which is carelessly written and spells our last name incorrectly. Our last name is Connor. This lack of care is especially upsetting given the seriousness and sensitivity of the situation.

To resolve this complaint, I am asking Grafton Place to provide:

1. Written documentation explaining what was retained, what was discarded, what was damaged, and what remains in Grafton Place’s possession.

2. A correction of the inaccurate and insensitive statement regarding Keith’s cause of death.

​3. An acknowledgment of the harm caused by the delay, silence, lack of clarity, and lack of care shown to our family during this process.

For these reasons, I do not accept the business’s response as a resolution.

Sincerely, Fran and Leah Connor