My experience renting from Barry Realty, also known as B&A Associates, was the worst renting experience in my 10 years as a tenant in Evanston. I lived at 1420 Central St.



My lease ran from April 2000 to March 2001. Approximately mid-way through my rental term, my bathroom ceiling began leaking, just above my toilet. The leaking was constant, and loud, as water was dripping directly into my toilet. If the toilet lid was up, the water plopped all night. If it was down, I had to put a pan on the seat to catch water.



Soon water was dripping from two other spots in the bathroom ceiling.



I?m a responsible tenant, so I immediately called B&A and reported the problem. No one returned my calls. I then called another dozen times over the next two months. All the while, the leaking grew worse. At one point I sent a certified letter to the office. As a last straw I went to the office in person and threatened legal action.



B&A did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to help me, or fix this situation for several months.



And then one day the woman upstairs flushed her toilet, and a huge hole opened in my bathroom ceiling, and water came through like Niagra Falls. It was a nightmare. But worse yet, two of the walls inside the bathroom, plus walls in the closet outside, were leaking water from small cracks. It was like the walls were crying.



I went to a lawyer the next day. I called the city to report this and other problems-- including gas hookup violations and improperly maintained electrical meters--and I reported Barry/B&A Associates to the Better Business Bureau.



And to cap it all off, the month I moved out I got a renewal notice asking me to accept a rental increase of $100 a month the next year. They expected payment of $850 a month instead of $750, for what amounted to a nightmare apartment and building.



I?ve now known three other people who have been in Barry buildings that were poorly maintained, to say the least. So here?s my advice: Stay as far away from Barry Realty/B&A Associates as you can. Also watch out for North Shore Apartments, which is a broker for Barry. You could end up in a Barry building and not realize it if you go through North Shore.



More importantly, if you?re in a Barry building now, call the city immediately if there are problems. Call the Better Business Bureau if you don?t get a response from Barry. Send certified letters when you complain so you have proof of your communication. And do not be afraid to contact a lawyer to help you break your lease if conditions are bad enough.





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