I have lived at Catalina for about six months. The community is filled with incredible people, the location is great, and for those of us lucky enough to take advantage of the lower rents during the pandemic, the value for the amenities is great. Rafael is also an incredible human and a huge part of why I moved in. But we need to talk about vomitgate. To set the stage, each building only has a single elevator and two stairwells (both of which are locked). This means that for residents with mobility issues, postal workers, and delivery people, the only access to the units is via this one elevator. Which is why it's particularly alarming to me that we are now entering day three of our elevator being inaccessible due to a large pool of vomit. I first discovered it Saturday afternoon, when trying to use the elevator to take my dog out for a walk. There was something that looked like dog drool on the elevator floor, but when the elevator doors opened I saw the puddle of vomit and immediately went down to the parking garage to exit that way. There is no emergency maintenance line that I am aware of, but several residents texted the managers to let them know the situation. Saturday evening, the vomit was still there, but someone had placed a "caution wet floor" sign over it. It is now Monday morning. The vomit is still blocking the entrance to the elevator. I am thankful I am able bodied, as the lobby must be accessed in order to use the gym, trash room, dog park, and of course to enter and leave the building. Thinking of the people entering the building who have no choice but to use the elevator, as well as residents who are not able to use the stairs and have to choose whether to walk across a puddle of vomit during a global pandemic or not enter or leave their homes is truly alarming. This is a health and safety hazard, not to mention flat out bizarre. I have heard from other residents another puddle of vomit has gone untouched on the third floor. I will continue to report back on how long it remains before being taken care of. read more

Fast and efficient maintenance response and repair in my apartment! Very friendly maintenance man.

These apartments are an awesome place to live. The location is the best in studio city, walking distance to everything. The management is really nice, responsive, and accommodating. My friend and I are currently renting out a 1 bedroom, and they gave us 2 reserved, covered parking spots, when they usually only give out 1. We have had no problems with neighbors whatsoever. This is genuinely a safe place to live. There are no pests either, which is a big thing for me. I highly recommend this place to anyone, as it's easily the best/nicest apartment I've ever lived in (I've been a tenant in 8+ apartments). Amenities include a pool, 10+ BBQs spread out between two separate areas, a huge jacuzzi (fits 10-15), and an exercise gym. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and laundry in-unit are all big pluses. Go ahead and check this place out. The old (negative) comments are probably in regards to the old management. Current management (Glen) is awesome! read more

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I recently finish a tour of the 2x2. Ashley was the person to show me and my sister the unit. Off the bat she was incredibly RUDE. We waited outside the building for a good 4 minutes. If the maintenance guy didn't open the door we would still be outside (we had a scheduled appointment btw). When we finally get in she's just sitting there, didn't apologize, didn't greet us just seemed like she didn't care. Then she takes us to a unit that wasn't vacant. She literally opened someone's apartment. Then tried to quickly walk away. The guy opened the door questioning me and my sister (understandable) she is no where to be found. We were literally standing there looking like crazy girls trying to break in someone's apartment. She apologized but at that point I was over it. The apartment wasn't even nice. The building also had a sign that said the building was toxic and could cause birth defects. So overall this place is HORRIBLE and I wouldn't recommend it to my worse enemy. read more

Great location with wonderful options nearby. However, renter beware, the managing company, Berglas and Garfield will charge you for painting, cleaning and carpet after you move out. Even when you return the apartment in perfect condition. I can somewhat understand the cleaning, but the painting and carpet seems bogus. Especially, when their community managers tell you not to worry about normal wear and tear. I now understand why I was strongly encouraged by an office employee mind you, to "screw them" by not paying my entire last month, and just let them "charge your deposit" when I gave my notice. I don't believe in such poor actions, however is frustrating that good behavior won't be fully rewarded here. read more

I felt compelled to write a review after reading what seemingly a couple bitter people wrote that from what I personally experienced was absolutely NOT TRUE! Although I never actually moved in because my job decided not to relocate me from San Diego to LA but I was more than happy with the building and especially the manager who was super nice, very helpful and made me feel very comfortable. The buildings and units were very nice and the area was right next to everything. If I ever do end up making the move to LA I will have these folks on speed dial! I was super impressed and recommend this complex 100%! read more

My air conditioning unit does not work and there have been about 10 hot days already this summer where we had to suffer through over 80 degree days and NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. $2,500 per month rent for a 1-BEDROOM and zero service. The development is too cheap to install a new unit so they send incompetent workers to re-assure us it's going to work and NOTHING. NOTHING. read more

This is an incredible location and has everything you could want in and around the place. The main reason for the post is for the shout out I want to leave Rafael. The most accommodating, kind and enjoyable person you could ask for. He helped us get the apartment we wanted! He was honest and helpful the whole way. Thank you Rafael read more

I have lived at Catalina Apartments for more than one year and I really liked it here. The building is quiet, family environment, very clean, the Manager Vanessa is really nice and pro-active for everything we need here. The gym is great! The pool and hot tube are big and always very clean. We can walk around the neighborhood for all that we need, there are many great restaurants and bars, is a great location! I really recommend this place.Great read more

We lived both in 3930 and 3912 when they were newly built. One of the first residents. Happy times there. Scary too trying to pull in and out of garage during busy times. Laurel Canyon is always busy. Building was severely damaged in north ridge quake( both buildings). It was yellow tagged and owners took it down so residents wouldn't see. We moved immediately after that. Unless it's been reinforced, building is not structurally safe. Just sayin'. read more

I wish Yelp allowed for 0 stars, and I rarely ever give my opinion, but feel in this case it's quite necessary. I was shown the apartment complex by the landlord, Rafael. As we made our way to the vacant apartment, I noticed egg shells and wilted lettuce sitting on the floor by the elevator to which he quietly remarked, "that's embarrassing". We then continued to proceed to the apartment, yet passed another section in the hallway which smelled like an actual sewer. I said, "what's that smell?" to which he replied, "I think that tenant is out of town, sorry." We finally got to the vacant apartment to which I must admit was nice. It was newly renovated and had a washer dryer in the unit which I liked. Despite the aforementioned complaints (maybe it was just a bad day), I thought this place would be a good fit for me. I applied for the one bedroom, and I heard back a day later. Because my income is a bit lower some months that others (I'm an actor) they wanted a guarantor. No problem, my Dad was happy to do it. He sent all the necessary paperwork and it was more than cleared. They came back the next day and said, "Hey sorry we actually want him to be the guarantor AND TWELVE MONTHS UP FRONT. That's the entire duration of the lease that they wanted - upfront!!! I've never in my life heard of such a ridiculous request, especially in Covid times. My Dad and I obviously refused, and very quickly they said, "okay never-mind, just the guarantor and nothing upfront is fine." I said, "great" and paid for all the application fees ($120). They then said, "sorry one owner wasn't in, they actually want 3 months upfront now plus the guarantor. THIS WAS THE MOST DISGUSTING BAIT AND SWITCH I'VE EVER BEEN A PART OF. I said no way and will never be applying to this place again. They obviously never gave back the $120. Beware of this place, and I would LOVE to see Catalina Apartments try to retort this and say anything I've said above is false..... read more

I scheduled an appointment to view a two bedroom unit @ Catalina Apartments a week ago for my mom and brother. Spoke to a girl named Vanessa who was very responsive and was able to get us to the property for viewing within the same week. Loved the unit , new and remodeled and very modern looking. My mom loved the neighborhood and was very pleased with the unit as well... (Of course my Mom had so many questions so it was nice to see that the building manager (Vanessa) was also very patient)..were hoping the unit works out for them but felt that our experience was so pleasant that it was worth the review regardless! read more

IF (and it's a BIG "IF") there are pluses to living at Catalina Apartments it's the location. There are some terrific restaurants nearby, a CVS (two really) grocery stores (including a Trader Joe's), a Starbucks, etc. all within walking distance. The neighborhood is nice (although the homeowners look at renters with true disgust)... However, the bad far outweighs the good. The management is awful. The resident manager Jennifer, when you can find her (and don't look in the office) likes to play the game called, "Blame everybody but me." And she's good at it, too. The building is NOISY. From idiot residents who think nothing of blasting their TeeVee and stereos, to running down hallways and slamming doors, to just plain ordinary rudeness. And then there's the street noise from Laurel Canyon Boulevard, the Post Office, and the drunks using the hot tub at 3am and yelling at one another. Add to all of that the fact that Catalina caters to a traveling circus known as traveling nurses who move in and out like people change their underwear and factor in the people who don't pickup their dog crap or can't be bother putting trash in the actual trash can, etc. and Catalina is a very expensive dump. read more

I've lived here for about a year and a half and don't have any complaints, other than my apartment not coming with a fridge which I had to buy myself. Whenever there's an issue, it's usually fixed within one day. The property is well kept and clean too. Considering the location and price, rent is very reasonable. Parking is just a pain if you have friends/family over since the spots out front are usually taken by employees working in the shopping center next door. read more

I have been living here since 2003. I am very happy as a tenant. Great management, especially Vanessa is the best manager we ever had. She makes sure if there is any problem, she gets it fixed right away. We have cleaning crews 6 days a week so its nice and clean. I love the new remodeled courtyard and Jacuzzi area! Very relaxing! Also very convenient and walking distance to lots of stores and restaurants. read more

I would give this place zero stars if I could. I drove 2 hours to come to an open house here that ended at 4pm and I got here at 4:05. The manager? An older woman with a bob was incredibly rude to me on the phone and yelled at me "I SHOWED TWO PEOPLE THIS APARTMENT AND I AM TIRED AND I WILL NOT DO IT!" Even after I asked just to see the outside of the unit. I asked for her name and she would not give it to me. I can't imagine what the tenants would have to deal with with a manager that rude. read more

Location location location. You can walk to everything from these apartments which, along with the fact that they accept dogs of all sizes are really the only two reasons to live here. Management is horrible. The building manager, Jennifer, is either never there, closes shop early or just is non-responsive to calls, etc. If you do need maintenance done in the apartment, good luck. When she does schedule it she wont tell you. Like most people you'll be at work and the handyman will knock at your door, then leave. When inspections and maintenance is scheduled, you will come home from work to find a note on your door that someone will be coming into your apt the next morning and this is your 24 hr notice...really, then why didn't I get this BEFORE I left for work??? It really not good for those of you who do own a dog. If you live in one of the apts that faces Laurel Cyn or the post office, there will be noise and a lot of it! I didnt realize how much noise could be made but I met plenty of people who had to move out because they couldnt take the noise anymore. The apts that face out the back don't have it as bad but its still not quiet. As mentioned before, the location is awesome and there were a lot of people we met in the building who lived there without a car. If you do have a car, parking in the building is good and there was always parking on the street. Overall the building seemed secure and to be honest, who is going to bother a bunch of people who have dogs coming and going all day? I would not recommend this building to anyone who does not like living around dogs. We have a dog and love them but the reality is that there is barking, the occasional rogue poop, etc...and if this isn't something you are willing to deal with on a day to day basis...don't move into a dog friendly community and then give the dog owners the evil eye (you know who you were). read more

I've lived at Catalina for over 3 years and really liked being there. The location is perfect. Just south of Ventura on Laurel Canyon, the area is full of great restaurants, markets, banks, shops, and on Sunday's even a Farmer's Market, all within walking distance. Overall, it's a clean, well maintained building. The office staff is very responsive, and my neighbors were pleasant. I was pleased with my spacious interior court 1 bedroom apartment with Central Air, Granite Counter tops, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, wood laminate flooring, one parking space, a dog run, pool, Jacuzzi, gym, & BBQ grills. However, while I loved living there, and was saddened that I had to move, there were two drawbacks. Noise, and no guest parking. I could hear the tenants above me walking around, and at times, the post office next door could get pretty loud at 6 am. During the day, it would be impossible for guests to find parking in front of the building. But parking could always be found 1 block away on Maxwellton Rd. After 7 PM, parking in front of the building was never a problem. read more

Love the location and the walkability. Even better, the management (Glen) is amazing. Very proactive and attentive to requests. The building is unassuming but perfect location for jetting over the hill to Hollywood through Laurel Canyon or the 101. read more

I've been there 1 year. Jennifer (manager) is a really nice person. The company itself is horrible. When you decide to leave, they'll rip you off. Before I left, I've cleaned my apt. thorougly. They charged me $76 for cleaning, $175 for painting ! Don't rent there-you 'll lose your money one way or another. Marina read more

I have lived in Catalina Apartments for five yearsThe new Manager Rafael is great ! He is friendly polite and welcoming. Rafael ensures the place runs smoothly. Even the smallest of requests is taken care of quickly. Rafael greets each resident with a smile and a treat if there is a little pup. We are fortunate to him watching over the building. read more

The property was pretty nice but the manager who showed us was kind of rude. She couldn't be bothered. We basically walked to the unit in awkward silence, showed ourselves the apartment, and then she walked us out. It was one of the most awkward experiences I've ever had actually. Also, when we asked about an extra parking spot, she shot down the idea as if I had asked her to be our third roommate or something. read more

Great location and the new manager Rafael is amazing!! He is friendly, welcoming, professional, and always available and responsive to tenants. read more

As has been stated, the location is great and the facilities are a step above the peer group at this price point. The truly special part of Catalina Apartments is the management, the Director Glen is attentive, professional and seems invested in the resolution of a given request or concern. I have noted his ability to both respect my time as a resident when an issue arises and yet also take time with my young children when they want to share a fun moment from their day, a rare talent in my opinion. I have lived in a number of apartments on both the east ( NYC ) and west coasts and I can write without reservation that Glen and his team are the best you will find; they set the tone for a safe, clean and well run building. read more

This place is well kept, in an amazing location, and all around great to live in. It is clean and quite and the neighbors are all very nice.

Old apartment complex but great location, friendly staff and remodeling underway

Jennifer the manager is awesome! The maintenance man Jaime is great! This is a nice building that has washers/dryers in the units! That is awesome! Although they should lower the rents a bit. come be my neighbor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Looked at this building with my sister over the very rainy weekend of the LA Marathon. Super sweet assistant manager showed the small but pleasant apartment (good enough for the price). Surprised to find carpet when every other place now has hardwood floors. My sister applied for the apartment because it is walking distance to everything in Studio City. Although she is not yet employed, she was very upfront with all the facts and stated she would pre-pay the entire 12 month lease. Yes, pay in advance! When the application was forwarded to the "owner," the request came back to find a guarantor. When asked why that would be necessary in view of the advance payment of the entire 12 month lease, the response was "the fact that you have a lower credit rating than we prefer shows that you have very poor character and, since you asked, we wouldn't rent to you even with a two year pre-paid lease." Apparently, the owner isn't interested in a paying tenant so much as he is interested in travelling nurses - who we were told are given preference. read more

I loved Catalina apartments. Responsive, attentive, and caring management. A very polite and helpful property manager (Glen) that goes the extra mile to meet tenants' needs. Pet friendly building. Convenient location close to Ventura Blvd. and next to a top-rated school. Prompt maintenance, fixed an issue with my dryer immediately (in-unit!). They keep the property clean and pleasant. Quiet community, with many desirable amenities for a reasonable price. Would definitely recommend. read more

My mother in law lived here for 5 years. The apartment is centrally located near stores and restaurants. Her unit was lovely with a garden view and laundry inside the unit. The building has a pool and every year it seems they are doing some sort of upgrade to make the building stay new. We never had any sort of a pest issue which I is in large part due to the fact that all the common areas are always spotless and maintained. But the best part of this building is the the management. The manager Glen is very kind and helpful to the tenants. Countless times my mother in law would call us with some issue and we were at work and unable to get to her fast enough and within a few minutes she would call to tell us not to worry because Glen had fixed her problem (ranging from fixing her cable or internet, spending the time to make various calls to different places, walking her some place if she needed help, and countless other daily assistances). Living in an apartment can be isolating for the elderly but our nana always talked about how friendly and kind everyone was and particularly how fond she was of her friend Glen. We are so thankful for the professionalism and caring attitude of the management at these apartments. read more