Think TWICE Before Renting at Piazza or Any 2B Residential Property in STL.
If you're considering living at Piazza or any 2B-managed property in the St. Louis area, I strongly urge you to read this review carefully before making your decision. Unfortunately, my experience was overwhelmingly negative, and I cannot recommend renting here.
First, let me acknowledge the positives: the maintenance team, Abel and Calvin, are fantastic. They work tirelessly to maintain the property to the best of their ability, often going above and beyond. Similarly, Major, the leasing agent, is respectful, professional, and direct--an asset to the property. However, both are limited in what they can do because all decisions ultimately fall under the property manager.
Now to the heart of the issue: the property manager, Emily, is by far the WORST I've encountered in over four years of living here. She is mean-spirited, vindictive, and unprofessional to an extreme degree. Her communication, particularly via email, is curt, condescending, and entirely inappropriate for someone in a customer-facing role. Rather than addressing issues collaboratively, she often escalates conflicts unnecessarily, displaying a complete lack of empathy or willingness to help.
For instance, we experienced a billing issue due to a payment portal glitch. Instead of seeking clarification or addressing the matter with tact, Emily immediately levied a $100 late fee and issued threats of eviction on a first time basis and an account that hasn't had such issues in the past. After providing proof of our payments, she eventually admitted the issue was related to a prior utility bill error that had never been communicated to us. Despite her mistake, she offered no apology or acknowledgment of the undue stress caused and time wasted. She has shown the inability to manage issues appropriately or respectfully. To add to this, throughout our tenancy, complaints sent via email were often ignored entirely, showing a consistent lack of accountability and follow-through on her part.
Billing and Maintenance:
The billing system is riddled with inconsistencies. Utility charges often fluctuated inexplicably, even when we were not on-site. Sewer fees would sometimes double or triple without explanation, so keeping meticulous records of payments is essential. We were notified by management that utility fees at times don' align up when rent is due nor get paid via auto-pay. Additionally, residents report difficulty reclaiming security deposits. Carpets need much needed replacements, even for pre-existing wear or pet-related stains, are routinely deducted from deposits. Buildings were built in 2016 and carpets just wreak and look dirty and smell like urine.
Declining Quality and Safety Concerns:
The property has significantly declined since 2020-2022. While initially a decent place to live, 2B's focus shifted to newer properties, neglecting Piazza and its residents. Promises of secure parking and patrolled buildings fell by the wayside, leaving tenants to deal with frequent car break-ins and unauthorized individuals entering the premises.
Management dismisses safety concerns outright, advising residents to "call 911" if they feel unsafe. Despite advertising "secure lots with cameras," footage is NEVER available to RESIDENTS and conveniently deleted within days per 2B policy. Worse, management refuses to invest in adequate security measures, citing cost concerns, despite collecting substantial rent and fees. Cameras are ONLY on ground floors with a lot of blind spots. Camera Blind Spot in Phase 1, is by the Elevator as well. If something happens to you in that area, you will not be covered. Trash needs to be walked to the trash bin which is quite an inconvenience, since majority of Newer "Premium" apartments have a chute on each floor which makes it easier for residents.
The buildings are POORLY Insulated, making noise from neighbors unbearable at all hours. Maintenance issues, such as broken elevators, linger for months, causing significant inconvenience, especially for elderly residents. Common areas, like carpets, are left in disrepair and smell. This happens due to management not being on top of seeing that things need to be taken care of on a timely basis. Even though maintenance does their best it all ends at the management that fails to handle issues accordingly.
Parking comes w/exorbitant monthly rates--$75 to $150 depending on the lot or garage. Despite these fees, cars are still broken into. Parking is via app based by Parkade, the Phase 1 garages still need a manual remote.
Piazza has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer a viable option for safe or comfortable living. The lack of accountability, poor management, and neglectful practices by 2B Residential make this a property & company to be avoided. If you value your time, money, and peace of mind, do thorough research and explore other options before signing a lease here. I regret not leaving sooner. read more