Pros:
Amazing/ convenient location (literally within a minute of the 1/2/3 train), and responsive on-site super. We were able to get the dishwasher replaced shortly after moving in. They let us put up a full flex wall that went to the ceiling. Couldn’t hear neighbors within building. Freight elevator is very helpful for moving in / out. It’s convenient to have the laundry chute. Saw very few pests in 3 years. Overall a good and very livable building.
Cons:
While the super was extremely responsive, it was hard to get bigger issues fixed - like for our example, our toilet was broken for much of the 3 years I lived in this apartment, and the super would do sort of quick fixes, but I think we needed a plumber to come and make a longer term fix. So even though the super was great and fast, there were multiple nights and even a long weekend where we couldn’t use our toilet. The block is a bit loud, though the construction that went on for the entire 3 years I lived in the apartment is almost done. On site laundry is very convenient, but the machines and room is kind of gross, and that made me not want to do laundry. While the building overall is very clean, the laundry room is in a basement that never feels clean (but I think they try - it’s just gross.) So much animal hair in the driers. Elevator is so slow and breaks down too much - again, seems like they need to bring in an elevator repair person but instead are relying on short term fixes from the super. The move in was VERY stressful, the building didn’t have any time between the leases, so even though we signed a new lease, we moved in hours after the last tenants. The apartment was still filled with their stuff. I cleaned with the super as I moved in, it was not painted. Just getting the keys was quite stressful because of this. It left a bad tasted in my mouth the whole time I lived here. The biggest con, that pushed me out ultimately, was a huge rent increase management was unwilling to budge on. This was somewhat of a surprise, after being tenants for years and not ever getting a “Covid deal.”
Advice to owner:
Invest in fixing things longer term (like bring in plumber, elevator repair person.) The super is amazing - give him a raise! Keep him forever! He is one of the best parts of that building. Raising rent 1000+ dollars a month is rude, even in this economy.