$$$ avoid if possible... (long/info packed review)
From:
-Anonymous-
Date posted:
7/6/2004
Years at this apartment:
2001
-
2004
Where to start, sorry if I ramble on... I have lived here since March of 2001 and was one of the first on the floor. (My original review is with the other listing for the Left Bank, not this listing.) Basically I am giving an update.
I said before that management was useless... Well it's gotten worse but I think it is due to the fact that Jim is out and Melissa is in and has been in for a little while now. She has to be one of the most unorganized and unprofessional people I have had to deal with. The leasing agents/staff are of no use either. I should have realized we were "in trouble" when the leasing agent we worked with, Cindy, left (whether it was to the Victor, like Jim, or elsewhere, I don't know.)
We just graduated from Drexel and the main reason we stayed for 3 years was because we were going to Drexel, did not want to live in the dorms, worked in the city, and above all else, it was super convenient. Aside from the fact that you wind up paying as much in the dorms, with half the ammenities, TO US, there was no other choice. That may seem silly, but neither one of us really wanted to partake in the college "scene".
Now that we have no ties here for school and one of us has a job outside of the city... it is more than time to go.
I dreaded renewing the lease b/c I was terrified as to how much it might go up. Over the past 3 years we have had a total increase of $300 (not including the ridiculous increases on the additional parking fee). We are paying more than most people's mortgages at this point and with the amount we are spending we could easily be affording a 200,000 home with putting down a minimal down payment.
When it came time to renew in March, we opted for a 6month extension. They honored it, but it was going to cost $200 extra. We had hoped to purchase a house during that time, but found ourselves with no time while trying to wrap up school. Come June we asked for a 3month extension and we were informed that it would cost an additional $150 PER MONTH. Now, I have looked around and I understand that it isn't abnormal for a month-month lease fee to be around $100, but the rent at those places is a LOT cheaper too. That was the final blow and we were done with this place that I affectionately refer to these days as a hellhole.
It bothers me severly that mgmt has not a care in the world for their residents. Snooty attitudes b/c for some reason they think they are holier than though. They are always pleasant on the phone and in the hallways, but it is that fake pleasant.
And I am not asking for special treatment, but for the few of us that have been there since the begining, I would have hoped we would be treated a little better... cut us some slack b/c we were the originals... but after reading other posts and talking to some people, I realize we are not alone in that unfulfilled desire.
In response to the person's review that said mgmt found out how their apartment was decorated. According to the lease they can enter the apartment at anytime, however they are supposed to notify you when they do so. I was and still am pissed that they can come in (whether you are there or not) to show your apartment to a prospective renter. 1) I don't really feel comfortable with strangers walking through my apartment when I am not around, with all of my personal items laying around. 2) It is an inconvenience to me PERIOD. 3) Yeah, they call you before they come, but it is literally, hi, we will be up in 5min, and i will knock before i enter. What if you are in the shower or on the toilet and can't get to the phone''''''' I really think it is an insult and a slap in the face to residents that they would show the apartment with so little warning b/c they get "walk-ins". And I would hope that the walk-ins and others realize that they will be treated just like this if they move here.
Also, even though we only have a few holes in the walls from hanging pictures, I sincerely doubt I will see any of my security deposit. I am sure somehow a painter will cost $1350, b/c that is how much the deposit was (that was one months rent at the time.)
Bottom line, if you don't NEED to live in the city or NEED to live close to campus, don't live here.
I have about had it with the dishwasher... it needs to be basically empty to clean anything... Other than that, the w/d, mw, ov meet their purpose but GE HOT POINT anything sucks.
Where are we going... we are moving out to Coatesville to a super nice and brand new (not refurbished building) place and I already love the management office... they are GENUINELY nice and if it is just an act, they act a heck of a lot better than the mgmt at the Left Bank.
I do have a give a shout out to the Concierge desk... Treat them with the respect that they deserve, understanding that they are meeting the needs of ALL the residents as best they can, and they will treat you with respect that you deserve. Same with maintenance.
Half the peope that live in that building don't comprehend respect, and that is one of its biggest problems... So I can't blame everything on mgmt b/c it is really said when they have to send out memos about proper use of a trashroom, more than once or twice... have to keep shopping/luggage carts under lock and key b/c people are too lazy to walk them back downstairs and RETURN THEM.
the walls are THIN... people are unfriendly...
it's going to hell in a hand basket, so avoid it if you can.
if you would like to see how my feelings have changed over the years, you can read the other really long review for the other Left Bank listing. It's definitely been a learning experience!
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