The Berk — Local services in Berkeley

Very expensive and scammed me out of 50 dollars.

Scam: They told me that my application fee (which is 50 dollars) would be waived via a promotional code but it wasn't due to an electronic glitch that cleared the promo field as I was submitting. I then proceeded to inquire about this and they completey dodged the question, it was only after the 3rd time I emailed they said too bad you didn't put the code in so its non refundable. I explained to them that it wasn't that "I didn't put the code in" its that the place to enter the code cleared as I submitted due to chrome autofill settings. But to no avail they did not care and would rather take my 50 dollars and in return have me right this review. Oh and the only way you will get in contact with them is over email, at least in my case, as they never picked up the phone the Monday through Thursday I called. Not very smart business sense but as you will read further on in this review theres a lot going on here that doesn't add up.

Actual Review: The location is great but I'm not sure about 16,000 an academic year great (that's with roommates by the way). They argue this price is fair because that's what UC Berkeley charges, which is true, but if you know anything about how financial aid works your package goes down when moving to off campus housing as the university EXPECTS the price to be cheaper not more expensive and thus you are allocated less funds. Not here though, expect the price to be about the same if not more than university housing because at least with university housing you get 12 meals a week included in your contract.

Conclusion: Overall they will say, "well that's the price you have to pay living in Berkeley", this is definitely not true you can find much much much cheaper places. For example, if you apply ahead of time, the Berkeley CO-OPs are 6,000 not a semester, A YEAR,...

I had the pleasure of staying at The Berk with my friends during the summer, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The Berk offers the perfect blend of a fantastic location, top-notch facilities, and exceptional management that truly sets it apart.

From the moment we arrived, the convenience of the location was apparent. Situated in Berkeley, the accommodation is close to everything - campus, stores, dining spots, and public transportation.

The facilities at The Berk are impeccable. The rooms were not only modern and well-furnished but also exceptionally clean and comfortable. The common areas were perfect for socializing and relaxing, providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. We felt right at home.

One aspect that truly impressed us was the management and staff at The Berk. They were incredibly friendly, professional, and always willing to assist with any inquiries or concerns we had. Their dedication to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all residents was evident throughout our time there.

Overall, our stay at The Berk was exceptional, and I highly recommend this student accommodation to anyone seeking a memorable and convenient stay in Berkeley. I will undoubtedly be returning whenever I'm back in the area. Kudos to The Berk team for a...

Poor management. I contacted the housing office via email and phone about terminating my lease three months ago. No response for weeks. Finally emailed me back two options: an early termination fee of three months' rent or continue to pay rent until a replacement tenant is found. Early termination fees have been prohibited since April. Also, it will be more difficult to find replacement tenants now due to the pandemic and Berkeley classes being held online for Fall semester.

If the Berk was truly dedicated to safeguarding their residents, then they would understand their tenants’ financial and health concerns during these unprecedented times. Rent relief would be provided through discount, deferral, or forgiveness. Leases would be terminated without an early termination fee. But instead, they are offering me unreasonable and unethical options. I hope they reconsider their options.

Considering that I paid rent for the months of April and May despite not living there and gave a 60 days' notice, I expected a bit more leniency. Also, there were rats in the apartment at Le Conte....