A Risky Venture
From:
airbeagle
Date posted:
1/27/2002
Years at this apartment:
1999
-
2002
1. Management staff which took over in summer 2001 is very corporate, focused on the bottom line, generally only concerned about avoiding liability for problems. Complaints over noisy neighbors and leashless dogs ignored time and again. Management takes no responsibility to deal with such problems - even though both are violations of the rental agreement.
2. Building built in 1974 still has generally the original appliances, yellow shag carpeting, etc., from that era. In recent months, hallways have been repainted and 1970s wallpaper was finally removed. But appliances and carpeting are rarely replaced. Exterior was finally repainted a year ago.
3. Maintenance staff which started work in the fall of 2001 is friendly, profesional and excellent. Office staff is not.
4. Walls are fairly thin, and woe to you if you have a neighbor who enjoys loud music.
5. Since most rental units in the neighborhood do not accept dogs, this complex has a high number of them. Great for dog owners, but if they scare you, it's a problem.
6. Located near busy intersection; traffic can be noisy, especially during rush hour. Crossing the streets around the complex can be hazardous. Bus connections are excellent; complex is on three MUNI lines. Located near a nice shopping district - very handy.
7. Washers/Dryers and/or connections do not exist in the apartments. There are two washers/two dryers on three floors, and one facility with three washers/three dryers in another part of the building. Wash is $1.25 for 25 minutes; dry is $1.00 for 48 minutes. Prices were recently raised. Some machines break down frequently. Laundry rooms frequently dirty.
8. Parking is an open-air garage. Thefts/vandalism are fairly frequent, ranging from petty theft of articles in cars to one memorable occasion when a resident had all four tires/wheels of his vehicle removed. Requests for enclosing the garage have been met with complete silence by management, which also refuses to allow residents to pass around notices that thefts have occurred.
9. Natural setting is nice; complex backs up against Mt. Sutro, so is not as claustrophobic as some places. Raccoons are frequent garage/dumpster visitors.
10. Elevator is hydraulic and old and slow; breakdowns in the summer of 2000 were chronic and frequent. Seems to be working better now.
11. With few exceptions, residents are quiet professionals. It is estimated that some 70% are medical professionals who work at UCSF Medical Center, which is four blocks away.
All in all, if you have another choice in terms of better management, non-corporate ownership, up-to-date construction and cheaper rent in San Francisco, take it. Can be comfortable, maintenance staff is great, but office staff is too corporate to be believed.
We plan to move as soon as possible.
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