I lived in Westgate townhouses from May 2022-July 2023. After I moved out, I never heard from them. My assumption was that everything was copacetic and they used my security deposit for cleaning and minor repairs. What I didn't realize is ... More I lived in Westgate townhouses from May 2022-July 2023. After I moved out, I never heard from them. My assumption was that everything was copacetic and they used my security deposit for cleaning and minor repairs. What I didn't realize is that not only was I charged for things that I believe don't apply to me, but they allegedly sent me "certified mail" containing the bill, however they sent it to the wrong address. Keep in mind they had my phone number and email address on file. When they couldnt reach me via USPS (again they sent it to the wrong apartment number), they sent the bill to collections and my credit score took a hit. I called and spoke to someone new in accounting and he basically told me to just contact the debt collector and see if they could reduce the amount. He also informed me that he was new and that the last person in his position was notorious for overcharging for things like paint. Two of the charges I questioned in my email correspondence with Palermo was for lock change and "damages." The lock change fee was because I allegedly turned in a copy of an original key, however I was the only tenant and I never copied a key, I turned in exactly what I was given by the property manager when I signed the lease. The supposed damages were never explained to me even when I asked for detailed receipts including material and labor costs. I was sent a very generic email response claiming that the prices are "fair." What isn't fair is how the gutter above my upstairs patio overflowed and caused water damage along the kitchen window and leaked into the basement almost into the electrical box. I took pictures and video of this and even requested maintenance come to fix it, but I never heard back. Now I'm thinking the so called "damages" they had to fix were related to this issue which was totally outside my control. On another occasion, there was a bird that somehow found itself stuck inside the air duct in my basement. I called the emergency maintenance line first. While I waited, I called several wildlife rescue services and was willing to pay out of pocket to help the poor thing. Eventually I was able to get it free, but I never once heard back from Palermo after submitting an emergency request. They never called to even check on the situation. Every material used in the townhouse is of the absolute lowest quality. The walls are extremely thin and I could literally hear everything from both sides. The neighbors to my right smoked weed which literally filled my living room and reeked like a frat house. They would fight and scream and pound the walls. The neighbors to my left would scream at their kids all day. I couldn't care less what people choose to do in their personal space, but it's like the walls were hollow. As far as I can see, the hit on my credit score is still present and I'm absolutely pissed. I regret ever living there. I'm not sure what to do at this point because I no longer live in Erie and I can't afford the time off to take them to court. If you can avoid living here, I suggest you do everything to find somewhere else. This is a predatory business and no matter what condition you leave the apartment in, you will have unknown charges on your bill, if the bill even makes it to you before it reaches collections. read more

TRISH! Was absolutely the worst, she never made any easy for me! Never took care of the place! The conversation I had with her she was plain rude! I loved where I live but Palermo you don't know how to run a business, you up charge for everything! read more

If I could leave less than 1 star I would. Apartment was decent, but management was horrible. Trisha, the property manager, is absolutely horrible to work with. Condescending, unhelpful, and unprofessional. Maintenance was a nightmare, I went almost a month with no hot water and later had snow melt dripping from my ceiling. My neighbor was an elderly lady with a cane and they refuse to install rail for her to walk up the steps to her front door. This place treats its tenants terribly, charges outrageous fees, and will cut any corner they can get away with to save a buck. read more

Joe Palermo is a slumlord. I rented a townhome from them. Zero updates were made but rent kept increasing. Lights outside were broken, loud neighbors, they refused to replace old carpet before we moved in and then wanted us to replace it when we left. They wanted us to repaint the entire interior of the property and refused to give us our security deposit after we cleaned. The home was spotless when we left and still did not receive the security deposit. Stay away from these properties. read more

Had 1 experience with Palermo, which was copper leaf. I wish Joe (the owner) knew how to avoid turning his townhouse complex into a (debris ridden)construction site. If you move here expect at least 1 flat tire from the nails, screws etc. left behind by the construction workers. Also the bottom of your vehicle will be pretty beat by driving down (extremely) uneven pavement. It's sad to see how much of a prime example this is of pure greed to keep getting bigger and making more money, before considering the tenants quality of life. read more

Palermo Realty & Development - The construction site (Copperleaf) - Apartments Near Me - Erie, Pennsylvania

This company regularly engages in shady business practices and our situation was no different than the hundreds of negative reviews you will find online. We moved out only 7 months after signing our lease and spent hours cleaning the apartment when we first moved it. It was filthy, things were missing like the shower head and smoke alarms, and we found metal nails everywhere which presented a huge safety hazard. We spent a lot of time and effort to clean and get things repaired during our time living there. Before moving out the ONLY damage was a section of the utility room floor which we promptly notified the staff of before move out. We had the entire apartment professionally cleaned and carpet shampooed the day we moved out. We were also told by staff this was one of the best apartments at move out they had seen and we shouldn't expect any additional money taken from our security deposit. Over a month later, almost $1000 had been deducted from our deposit- only $100 of which was used for the floor damage. They claimed we owed them $800 for paint/wall repair and $200 for cleaning. The walkthrough video THEY provided showed very small wall marks, discoloration, and furniture scuffs and the other half of the things they mentioned you couldn't even see on video. The lady walking through would say an entire wall had to be repainted even though only a 1cm mark was visible. We asked for proof of all the wall painting that was done and the cleaning since the apartment was in perfect condition at move out. They did not respond and didn't provide any evidence besides the video where only normal wear and tear is visible. They clearly think they can scam anyone who lives there and makes a huge profit out of wrongly withholding security deposits without evidence of damages. read more

I write this review to eulogize my stay at Palermo. Although my views are subjective (based on my personal experience) I will use pros and cons to be as neutral as possible. Since I've lived in several different states, cities and parts of the world, I believe that I am qualified to provide a grade for this business, since businesses rate us based on our credit, and past rental history. Pros: -Great location! (In Millcreek, which is a desirable area for Erie county) -Near Belle Valley Elementary school (Millcreek School District has good schools, from what I'm told) -Has a pool and exercise room -Has a daycare near the leasing office -Not far from Penn State Behrend University or Mercyhurst University -Lots of racial and ethnic diversity (White, Black, Hispanic, East Indian, Asian, etc..) -Close to two local banks and Kmart, CVS -Close to Country Fair gas station -Not far from multiple pizza places, E 38th St Post Office, some local restaurants Cons: -Like a previous review stated, management can seem rude and are very unresponsive -The pool is ALWAYS dirty with debris, foliage, bugs, etc... -The exercise room has dated equipment and doesn't appear to get wiped down AT ALL -The garbage dumpsters are ALWAYS overflowing with trash, sometimes the trash is sitting on the outside of the dumpster -Dog poop everywhere in the grass -The outside of the townhouses are dirty (plastic vinyl siding isn't power washed looks dingy) -The doors on the townhomes are not uniform (my neighbor's door has a peep hole and no deadbolt, my door has a deadbolt but no peep hole) -Vandalism has occurred at the property twice within the year and a half that I've lived here (someone tampered with the air conditioning units and someone broke into my neighbor's apartment after they moved out) -Maintenance doesn't do a good job (We moved in and there was an issue, we called maintenance and they left a hole in the wall. We had to call them back just to get the hole fixed. They made the issue worse which was initially to do with the shower) -High turnover for property managers!!! (When I first came to view the property in 2014 there was Paul, then I rented in 2015 there was Fred, and now in 2016 there is Julie) -Mix of owned townhouses and rented townhouses (this is NEVER good) -Inside of townhouse: OUTDATED APPLIANCES -EXPENSIVE FOR ERIE AREA: These are NOT in the Fair Market Value for a two bedroom in Erie (FMV is $565. First year I paid $900 and then it went up $925) -Baby HOA fee: You pay $65 as a 'community fee' for trash, sewer and water...also they provide landscaping -SLOW SNOW REMOVAL during winter!!! -No retention incentives for existing tenants -No community gatherings or parties -No community area with coffee, tv, etc... Overall for the price of the property more is expected. I feel like the bare minimum is done and most of the time the employees don't seem happy to be working for the company, you have to wonder if they like their jobs. It's sad. I really would like to see this place change for the better because it could really be a great place for Erie but it just seems like the work isn't being done and if it is done, it's done subpar. I'm not going to say whether or not I recommend this place to someone because I believe it's a personal decision and people chose where they live for a multitude of reasons. I will say that there are other places in Erie that you might like better. read more

Do Not Recommend - Initial agreement and SECURITY DEPOSIT. Initial Agreement: Initially they told me to give a 100 dollar discount which I had written in my email while talking with the agent. but when I moved out from my old apartment and went to get the keys and sign the lease. They said they cant give me this discount as that's their final decision. I had no other option other than move in with extra 100 bucks per month. so very bad experience from the day 1 with the property manager. Security deposit: Don't be surprised to know they charge me 2400 dollars when I move out. I have rented many times in Erie and always received 60-70% of my security deposit. I had a security deposit of 1200 and they asked me for more 1200 dollars and it sent it to collections and then finally I paid if every thing. They charged around 350 dollars to repaint the apartment, 100 $ each for every door they paint. 100 dollars for the garage cleaning, carpet cleaning, closet paint, etc etc etc. Each of their work cost me more than 80 dollars each and think of how it becomes 2400 dollars. Not sure what kind of professional services they did after I moved out on this apartment and believe me i have lived the same way in all other apartments. My neighbor gave me hint of their style of taking whole security deposit but didn't think they can ask for extra 1200 dollars which I paid. Snow Plough service is very bad as well. my 2 years of stay during snow was pathetic, could not take my car out on the public road, always got struck in their private property. If you wanna pay all the things/security deposit and no services, then you can rent it or better go for others which are very good in all ways. god bless all! read more

If you are considering moving into Copperleaf, READ THIS FIRST. Yes, it looks good on the outside but it is just a façade for an organization that does not care about the tenants beyond lease signing. If you read this and are still considering moving here, drive thru and if you see folks outside, ask them. My last month there I had the opportunity to give some potential renters some solid advise. I am not hiding who I am Pam Evatt and you can e-mail (Pevatt3626@gmail.com) me if you want further details. I am not a disgruntled renter who missed payments or had late payments (except the one detailed below) just a renter who is appalled at the level of dis-service and lack of human kindness and how it is so common in folks that live and have lived there and maybe can spare someone else the experience. I moved into Copperleaf 2 years ago after transferring to Erie for my job. I saw it taking the back roads back to the hotel where I was staying. It looked great. The rent was a little more that we wanted to pay but we thought it would be worth it so my sister and I moved in. I will spare you the stories about living thru the construction but in hindsight, that wasn't the worst part. Snow removal is not what they claim it to be. Last winter I asked one of the kids who was shoveling the walkways (one of the 2 times it was done) why it was taking so long and he said they only had one shovel. I set my shovel out and told him they could use it if need be. The trash compactor is a different story. Always full or jammed and a threatening letter and/or e-mail could be expected every time. Compactor, pool, parking, any issues, always a threat from management. My sister passed away unexpectedly July 22, 2021. July 27th 2021, I sent an e-mail to Trisha Reeger asking if my sister had paid our rent as I would give her the money and she would pay it. July 28thTrisha responded that the rent was paid. August 5th while I was in Texas for my sister funeral service, I received a photo and message from one of my neighbors of a note on my door saying that my rent was not paid and my discount was lost. I had to ask them to go pay my rent and I would return the money when I returned from Texas. So if my August rent wasn't paid by the 5thand I got the note on my door, why would Trisha tell me on July 28ththat my rent was paid. Wouldn't common sense indicate that my question was for my August rent? Our rent was never late. As a matter of fact it was usually at least a week early. This is where the caring and human kindness come in. If you can send a threatening letter/e-mail for everything under the stars, could you not make a phone call or send an e-mail to me since you knew the situation. So after I moved out, I received ~$300 of my ~$1500 security deposit (not exact amounts but within $50.00). Money was withheld because I turned in all the keys but not both originals. Why does this matter if they have to change the locks anyway. I was charged for painting walls. I painted what I could but I am not a professional painter. I was also charged a cleaning fee to clean up after the painters who are supposedly contractors. Don't painters clean up after their selves and include that in their bid? I don't expect to recover any additional money since I believe everyone who moves out has this same issue and this is an easy money grab for Palermo, I just want other prospective "victims" of their unethical business practices to be forewarned. I will also be submitting this information to the BBB. In closing, if you are not bothered by threatening letters and e-mails that go out to all residents and you don't want your deposit back and you don't have a problem with shady business practices, move here. read more

Definitely STAY AWAY from Palermo...They will take your deposit ( and often charge extra) and charge a ridiculous amount to clean. It's a side hustle; paint and clean, paint and clean, no matter the condition ; and profiting from this. These are not damages they charge for, this is general "wear and tear". Legal? The management team are pathetically unprofessional. Generic granite and stainless steel don't make for quality housing. I think one of the 3 wolves put these units together. They wasted money on things like brick siding, when the units could use insulation. You can hear the neighbors TV, talk, sneeze, cough and get it on. Snow storm...another excuse for never shoveling or plowing properly and the trash compactor ,forget it, always full . You have to drive around with trash in your car because if you you leave it outside you get threatened with a fine. Do yourself a favor and move on to somewhere else.Could give this a negative star . read more

This is one of the worst management companies I have ever dealt with. The complete lack of communication, both with you and within the company itself, is astounding. Their apartments are average, at best. The one I lived in for two years had no central heat or air, just two window units. It had a nice balcony, but they didn't have the foresight to install a screen door so you could leave the door open for a breeze. Then upon move out, they'll try to nickel and dime you over every perceived bit of damage. A $70 cleaning fee, and the best explanation they could come up with was "a lot of tenants miss baseboards and fixtures." When you ask them to come over for an inspection: "oh, we don't do that with tenants. We make a YouTube video." If you're looking for an apartment or other housing in Erie, look anywhere else. read more

Nice apartments, good neighborhood. Been here only a couple months so far. Poor response to tenant maintenance. It took a solid week to get a refrigerator working again. Freezer was working but fan was not so fridge was at 60 degrees for a week. All perishable food had to be thrown out. To make matters worse, no credit for lost food. The first day all maintenance did was move stuff around in the freezer and left a note saying they would check back the next day - why not later that day? Why not get a repair person on call right away? Then a lack of communication between maintenance and the repair person caused further delay that I had to resolve myself to even get a part ordered. I'm sure that if this were an issue that could have damaged the property, like a water leak or such, the reaction time would have been much better. Very disappointed in the level of service and sense of urgency about the situation. read more

The management at the new Copperleaf complex is the most unprofessional people I've ever come across. They are very rude to their tenants and are at no help at all. If you have a problem in the townhouse they do not care and respond in a very rude manner. I do not recommend renting from here and all they care about is your money. Also, while this construction is going on, I can't even park outside of my place. If I could go back, I would have never given them my money. read more

Horrible management team.. legit had numerous water leaks when I moved in took them two days to fix. After that they towed my car saying it was on privet property even though I'm a tenant.. highly recommended not renting from them. read more

wish i could give ZERO stars. worst experience of my life. their apartments in the city are UNSAFE!! there is unsafe electrical wiring throughout units and this was told to me by penelec after i unknowingly paid my neighbor's and my own electricity bills for months. palermo is too cheap to rewire the electricity so my unit was sharing a breaker with the neighbor. our power would go out almost every day as a result. palermo never fixed the problem. now they are suing me for leaving a month before my lease was up! there was also other issues with the apartment to the point where i was calling maintenance just about every week. this was my first apartment (i am a college student) and i have never been so disappointed. worst rental company in the city. SHADY AND MONEY HUNGRY. DO NOT RENT FROM THEM. read more

this place was horrible! I rented for only 3 months and it had dead roaches when I moved in. I carefully cleaned everything in the short time I was there and got a bill for 975 for cleaning and painting-they said the kids left handprints on the walls -my kids are 16 and 14 they do not hold onto walls like toddlers. The apt was not freshly painted when I moved in. DO NOT RENT read more

Management is incredibly poor. Snow removal was always delayed and required inquiry. Palermo kept a significant portion of my security deposit when no damage was present beyond normal wear and tear. They were unable to produce still images of the disputes. Rather, they sent me a link to a youtube video that was a blur and included minor damages initially reported on move in that were never corrected. I spoke with several other prior tenants and this is a common problem. My advice is to avoid dealing with this company at all costs. read more

I'd give zero stars if it were an option. There are some pro's: it's a nice area. Good school district, within 5 minutes of the highway and 10-15 minutes of downtown Erie. We lived on Kate's way in Brookwood village. Something we didn't notice during our walk through was the carpet had no padding underneath it. There was no way to quietly walk through the place. Sound proofing between the units was poor at best. You can easily hear foot steps, conversations, kids playing/crying from your neighbors. The pool was never cared for, I'd rather swim in the lake. Appliances were outdated. Shortly after we moved in, our roof started leaking. Now you'd think this is something they would want to fix rather quickly...nope. The roof leaked for SIX MONTHS! That's right, the roof in our "luxury" townhouse leaked for six months with not as much as a penny taken off our monthly rent. On top of that, there was a rodent issue. The place was crawling with mice. When we moved out we left the place spotless, yet somehow they still managed to only give us 10% of our security deposit back. If you enjoy eavesdropping on neighbors conversations, rain inside your home, mice everywhere, and forfeiting 90% of a security deposit, then this is the place for you. Otherwise...steer clear of Palermo Realty, don't make the same mistake we did. These people are crooks. read more

Stay away from this company. Management is rude and unresponsive. Numerous problems with little to no action from management. Leaking roof, busted water pipe, leaking dishwasher, backed up sewer within in 9 months. The only issue that management addressed is the busted water pipe. We had to pay for a plumber to unclog the sewer. The roof and dishwasher are still leaking.. Run and run fast. read more

The apartments at Westin are great. Every time I call for maintenance it's done right away. I would absolutely recommend renting from Palermo Realty. Fred is the best property manager I've ever dealt with. Jesse was also a great help. Thanks for such great service guys. read more

I usually do not write reviews but it seems like enough residents are not telling their experiences with this company wish is why they keep doing what they are doing. I rented this apartment without reading the reviews or doing my homework on this company. I was between 1st and 2nd year of medical school so time I had time constraints. My 2 reasons for renting this apartment were: first, because of my obligations I had 1 week to move (they were available). Second, I needed a big place for all the items I had (moved from a house) that would allowed pets (I have a very small dog). The agent seemed nice and genuine so although it was faily overpriced for Erie (you can find a much nicer place for less) I signed a lease. I had five days to find all the faults with this place (not enough time). Although it looked clean, the cupboards were dirty, the showers had no rods, the blinds were dirty, the furnace had not been cleaned in years, toilet seats broken etc. I wrote all this down and it took about 3 months to fix some things. Some things were never fixed. Every time the office was called for a complaint they were very rude and had no interpersonal skills. Communication with them was diminished and never a good experience. The workers that come out to the house are malodorous, not professional, and get upset if you ask them to take off their shoes. Lastly, there is a 1400 dollar deposit that you never get back at least in it's entirety. They will find a way to steal your money. For example, I live there just over a year...not a catch on the wall, nothing hanging yet they charge me to paint the wall. I was charged for curtain rods, there were no curtain rods when I moved in. They charged me for cleaning after I got carpet and a cleaning service. I was also charged for other miscellaneous items. I think renters should have the information to make informed decisions. I hope these reviews help you in doing that. Lastly, I have owned 3 homes, I am now living in my 3rd one. My renters are treated with respect and courtesy. After all, I expect them to pay their rent so they should expect me to honor my agreement and be fair. I will never recommend anyone renting from or buying from this agency. In fact I will never tell anyone I even did business with them. read more

Quiet small family friendly neighborhood. Quick response to any issues by management or maintenance. Very Safe and comfortable.