What do you think about your apartment? (Alexandria: apartments, rental)

[InDC08]

I have bee reading online on apartments, since I want to move when my lease expires. My biggest concern is the property management. If you live in a rental place, can you share your experience with the management? This might be a good topic for all future NoVa residents

Thanks!

[FindingZen]

Just remember that consumer complaints aren't allowed on the forum as the other party isn't here to defend themselves. So while constructive criticism is fine, a vent or rant about a specific place would not be appropriate.

[InDC08]

Maybe I can change the direction a little bit. I am more interested in people having good experience with a place. Let's just stick with the positives!

[Hester Prynne]

How about looking at the various apartment ratings websites? I know there is a lot of ranting on those sites, but you might see a trend or be able to detect at least a grain of truth here and there.

I've lived in Bozzuto and found them to be very professional. However, I think some of that depends on the actual manager and, perhaps, how you treat them. I was always super nice and didn't complain about small things. I've heard that Archstone raises rents fairly steeply when you renew, but I've not had personal experience with that. Bozzuto seemed fair with their increases.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by InDC08

I have bee reading online on apartments, since I want to move when my lease expires. My biggest concern is the property management. If you live in a rental place, can you share your experience with the management? This might be a good topic for all future NoVa residents

Thanks!

I live in a rented condo on the West side of Alexandria. The people we're renting from have been good. The property management staff have changed a lot since I moved here but have always been decent. The handyman here is decent. With that said, I'm so happy to be getting the out of here.

[preppyglam]

In my experience in CA, the HUGE complexes.....multi-story, tons of units on site have the worst prop. management- and they are also the worst to live in (very far to laundry, to the parking lot, mail boxes, etc., you don't see your neighbors...its like living in a hotel).

The smaller complexes (max two levels, not that many units on site- maybe 80 max) and individual owners who rent directly to tenants have the best prop. management....and they area also nicer places to live. You know your neighbors, short walk to laundry, etc.

Not sure if any of that helps- but I'm sure the same positives/negatives ring true no matter where you go in the country.

[FindingZen]

Thanks for your contribution, preppyglam although keep in mind that the focus is on apartments in Northern Virginia.