UPDATE after 2-year tenancy - still the best agency I have ever met!…read more
I wrote the review below 2 years ago shortly after I moved in. I've just moved out last month and the only reason is that I finally bought my own house. Otherwise I would definitely stay with this property or other ST Living-managed properties. Renting with them is just such an ease.
Now, after living there for 2 years and just closing the move-out process, I'm finally able to provide a complete review. When renting a property, two major concerns are (1) how the management cares about you and takes care of issues, and (2) whether you are getting your deposit back.
On No.1, ST Living provides the best management experience so far. During my tenancy, I had a few requests with the management, including sewerage clog, repair and maintenance, noise, painting odor, and parking spot assignment. I just submitted requests within tenant portal, or texted the manager, and management responded and reacted promptly. Management also takes care of the maintenance of the common area in a very responsible way, such as installing state-of-art ring bell, repainting hallway, active reinforcement of pet nuance rules, etc.
On No.2, I'd say very rarely, the move-out process was the easiest and smoothest I have had. No hassle, no drama, no greedy excuse for overcharge to retain your deposit. Although we tried our best to clean the property, we know that it still needs deep cleaning. ST's final bill came with a reasonable breakdown of deep cleaning, repair of a hole on the wall that I wasn't able to fix, and a replacement of broken fridge part. Remaining deposit is refunded to my account within one day of the closure of accounting. If you have ever experienced asking your money back from a greedy landlord who tried 100 ways to eat up your deposit, including your effort going to small claims court, you know what I mean.
At the end, I want to give them a shout-out that I can feel that they care about how you feel. Within my 15 years of renting life, I have dealt with big management companies, small agencies, and individual landlords. I dare say that this level of management is ultra ultra ultra rare. I sincerely hope ST Living keeps it up so that I can remain confident of recommending them to my friends who have the need.
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ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Since I'm just moving in now, I would only be sharing my experience of the application and move-in at this moment. I have rented with many companies, and I have had terrible experience with listing agents and good ones, but the good ones are not as good as with these folks.
Charm and Amanda are the best agents - prompt, friendly, careful and thoughtful. They are far beyond making a commitment and never following up like a lot of other agents; instead, they make efforts in coordinating with the property manager and even the owner of the property for my requests.
Amanda was the first person we talked to and who showed us the place. On that day the street was full and I wasn't able to find a nearby street parking spot at the appointment. Amanda parked half a block away herself and offered me to park in the garage. Charm always replies quickly and gives the most comprehensive but super clear instructions on what is going on and what I need to do.
Some might think these are basic but to be honest I don't always feel warmly or equally regarded with some other companies in the area. It especially eases the anxiety when you are short in time in finding an ideal place. Well I do see comments about the company's management services may deteriorate in a longer time span but at least from what I currently have received from Charm and Amanda, I would definitely love to believe that they will keep it up.
Overall, I have been having all great impressions and feelings with ST Living and I recommend checking their listings if you are looking for a place in the area.