If you take only one thing from this review, it should be that the management staff will flat-out neglect any problems. I have lived at the Barclay House for 4 years, and in that time I have seen many residents and members of the management staff come and go. Turnover is high in this building. For the first 3 years here, I would have considered this a nice place to live. Unfortunately, that has changed now that I have had to deal with the staff and management company.

I had heard horror stories about their ineptitude and inability to respond to residents' concerns (see the many reviews about it on this site). However, for 3 years I was lucky enough to have considerate neighbors and a problem-free apartment, and therefore never had to deal much with the management.

That all changed at the start of year 4 when a couple with a small dog moved into the adjacent apartment. The dog barks (notice the present tense) nonstop anytime the couple is not home. This includes every weekday while they're at work and weekends often as early as 7:30 and as late as midnight. I don't know if you've ever experienced a consistently barking dog before (I hadn't), but it is incredibly frustrating for me and my roommates.

After a month or two of tolerating the dog (in hopes that he would calm down and stop barking), I politely brought my concerns to management. 8 more visits, 2 property managers, and 9 months later, nothing has been done. Management gives the old bait-and-switch every time I bring it up, claiming they'll do something but never following through. They have made no effort to fix the situation, and I continue to pay 100% of my rent each month as if the value of my apartment is unaffected by the excessive noise pollution.

As for other factors to consider when looking at this building, rent has increased for me every year at an average rate of 5%. The building also has garage parking, in which you can rent a space for a monthly rate. That rate increased last year by 40% (!!), although before the increase I'd say the rate was slightly below what you'd expect. Garage parking is a great amenity, but many of the spots have enormous puddles (I have to roll up my pants on rainy days) and can be very slippery.

It's not all bad though. The building is in a great location, right on the T in Brookline. There is also a rooftop pool with beautiful views of the city, and a small fitness room on the top floor. I've also found the concierges to be generally friendly, which is a plus.

Living in this apartment building does have its upsides, but if you choose to live here you're rolling the dice. If you get stuck next to a noisy neighbor, or if you have a problem in your unit, you're on your own.

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