Where to begin with my experience... I'll start with the one positive thing: the unit I viewed at 32 W 86 was beautiful. That's where the positivity ends. This seemingly professional company was anything but.
I viewed the listing with Nadia, who seemed to be a proxy for Inna, the property manager often mentioned in these reviews. Inna was on vacation, which I knew. Nadia showed the apartment to myself and two others at once. NYC is competitive, even during covid and I knew I had to move quickly.
First, I tried for HOURS to apply on a Sunday. My application (you apply through an online portal) would not submit, saying I had not attached a document that was already attached. I emailed poor Inna multiple times, begging for some help so I could get my application in.
Monday morning Inna said I could send her all documents directly and was quick to confirm receipt. That was the last I heard from her for the rest of her vacation. (Which is fine... I respect PTO. What happened next... not so fine).
I sent Inna a follow up email asking when I should expect to hear whether or not my application was chosen. After she did not respond for 24 hours, I called the Coutinho office. I spoke with a gentleman who said Inna should contact me the next day, Wednesday.
Obviously, she did not.
Thursday I called again, and the gentleman seemed confused as to why I was calling again. He transferred me to Lauren, the assistant property manger, who let me know I was "preliminarily approved" - she explained my application was chosen and Inna would contact me Monday to finalize. I was thrilled. She assured me I was set and not to look at any other apartments. At no time on Tuesday or Thursday did anybody mention another application was under consideration.
Imagine my shock when Inna emails me Sunday afternoon hoping someone got in touch with me to let me know another previous applicant got the apartment. Minimal apology, offers to refund my fee.
I explained, briefly, what I described above. Obviously, Inna does not respond. Still on vacation. Monday morning I call the office three times before getting someone, and get Lauren on the phone. Lauren seems embarrassed and apologetic, telling me she hadn't known that not only was there another applicant, but they had already signed the lease by the time I called on Thursday.
How in the hell does that type of mistake get made? I've been fired for a lot less.
Inna, of course, wants no part in the blame. And for that, I don't blame her. She was on vacation after all. I took the time to once again explain where my frustration is coming from. Not my entitlement to an apartment, but the complete lack of professional communication and care, as well as being mislead.
She had the nerve to offer me an upcoming unit in the same building, a listing that is $500 more in rent. No offer of a reduced price or any concessions.
At least my application fee was refunded. Even if I like a listing with the Coutinho name (and there was one, sadly), I will not be reaching out after this bleak experience. Apartment hunting in NYC is hard enough. I don't need the emotional rollercoaster of complete misinformation. read more