⚠️ BEWARE — STAMFORD RENTERS / 11 FOREST ST ⚠️
Posting anonymously because I want other Stamford renters to know about an experience involving Charles Pia and 11 Forest St, the apartments above CVS in downtown Stamford.
Someone very close to me recently went through the rental process with him. They provided their information, signed a lease, and believed the apartment was secured. Then, on the day everything was supposed to move forward, the arrangement was canceled, leaving them scrambling for somewhere to live.
We have documentation of the signed lease and communications surrounding what happened.
The communication surrounding the situation was also extremely concerning to us and, in our experience, became hostile. Someone I personally know also experienced behavior from him that they considered inappropriate. I’m intentionally leaving out the details to protect that person’s privacy.
After this happened, we found reviews for 11 Forest St on ApartmentRatings that prospective renters may want to read for themselves. Some reviewers describe alleged aggressive, hostile or inappropriate behavior, while others allege difficulties getting security deposits returned. I can’t independently verify those reviewers’ experiences, so I’m not presenting those allegations as facts. People can read the reviews and make their own judgment.
I also noticed that after concerns about some reviews were reported to ApartmentRatings, Charles’s name later appeared as “––” in multiple reviews. I don’t know why the website made that change or what, if anything, ApartmentRatings concluded, so I’m not going to speculate about it.
There is also a separate, publicly reported criminal matter involving Charles Pia. In 2019, he faced charges arising from matters involving the Stamford Babe Ruth Girls Softball League. The Stamford Advocate later reported that he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of misappropriation of funds and fourth-degree larceny and was ordered to make restitution and pay a fine.
That case is completely separate from this rental situation. I’m not suggesting the two are connected or that the prior case proves anything about what happened here. I’m mentioning it because it’s publicly reported information that I personally would have wanted to know before entering into a rental arrangement.
Stamford land records list Carlton Manor FL LLC as the owner of 11 Forest St. A complaint concerning this situation has also been made with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Based on communications we received, DCP has had difficulty reaching the property owner despite attempts to make contact. I’m not claiming to know why contact has been unsuccessful.
I’m not posting this to encourage anyone to contact, harass, threaten or target anyone involved. I’m sharing what happened so prospective renters can do their own research and make their own decisions.
If you’re considering renting at 11 Forest St, verify everything independently, save your texts and emails, and keep copies of anything you sign.
Hopefully sharing our experience helps another renter make a more informed decision.