Gallery Bethesda I — Local services in Bethesda

This new Broger management company is the worst I’ve ever had the displeasure of dealing with in my 15+ years of renting across three states. Unprofessional and slimy! When management switched from Greystar, Broger raised our rent 15% and proceeded to avoid a conversation with us for 3 weeks until I finally found someone in their office. When I explained I’m a teacher and this is an insane hike, they not only refused to negotiate, but offered neither compassion nor kindness for my plight. I have since learned from other residence that some were able to negotiate lowered increases. Check all bills closely for unexplained fees. There is no clarity in how the shared utility charges are calculated and this bill ranges from $10-$70 dollars monthly. Additionally, there are few fun events for residents, they advertise and then don't follow through. The concierges are great, but will help leasing office staff avoid calls. I do NOT recommend this building or any Booger buildings, as they are money-grubbing and heartless, resting on obfuscating policy that office employee seem oblivious to until it suits them. The number listed to “better understand the issues” on my and other low star reviews is just the front desk number to GB1 and leads to absolutely nothing. They do not care. Now that I have finally been able to end my lease and move out, they have continued to be poor communicators, failing to send emails and documentation they say they will. Vanessa and Laurie has avoided my calls for 3 weeks now and I believe that charges were intentionally sought to keep the entirety of my security deposit out of spite. With this said, I have found Vanessa's incompetence to be consistent for years and perhaps shouldn't be surprised. She has often conveyed misinformation about policy and protocol, playing the victim rather than take accountability. I was denied an opportunity to be present at a final walkthrough, but Laurie assured me it would be fine. When I asked about whether or not they had the initial walk through paperwork from my move-in, they were "unsure," but said they "should". I found on my unofficial closing statement (that I had to call and ask for one week later) of final charges such things as "tub reglazing" and $210 for "additional cleaning." My request for clarification or photos has been ignored as well as my legal right to an itemized list of charges. I'd hoped to delete this review rather than update it; however, here I am, still trying with them and getting zero understanding, apology, or accountability and certainly no clarity. When someone at the Broger level sent an official closing statement of final amount owed, they listed GB1 as the number to contact for question - LOL! They kept my $400 security deposit and are trying to charge additional. Take pictures, document, and be prepared to pay or fight a soulless...

Unfortunately, have to echo what others posted. Ever since Borger took over, they went ahead and raised rent by 10%, which equates to 20% over about 2 years for me, but at least with Graystar you could negotiate concessions and they were willing to work with you, but not this new management. What’s worse is that as I made a hard decision to move out, I noticed they posted an apartment with the same floor plan as mine only 4 floors above for much less than what they were going to charge me. When I raised that issue with the management, the manager told me that’s essentially for new people and they won’t honor the same price for me, which means that good tenants they have now they don’t value at all.

Aside from this, what is insane is that they hiked the prices to catch up with all the newer buildings but this building and amenities are so low quality you start wondering is it even worth the money. Here are the examples:

The call box downstairs doesn’t work, so you are at the mercy of the concierges and they many times just walk away. I even heard that once paramedics couldn’t walk in.

The handicap button on B1 garage has been missing for months (I’m sure it’s some code violation). Similarly, at the pool - the lifeguard was MIA last weekend I went and the pool was disgustingly dirty. This isn’t the first time I’m at this pool and the water has bird poop, hair, insects floating around you and not just in one little spot, the entire pool. They clearly don’t clean it. Pics don’t make it justice, can’t upload video where you can see how much gunk is floating around.

Handicap people wouldn’t be able to use the pool either because now for some reason all lounge chairs are at the outer wall and it’s impossible to walk by.

Out of 4 charge stations for over 10 EVs between 2 buildings, 1 had been broken for months with a paper hanging on it that it’s out of order and no response as to when it’s going to be fixed from management.

Appliances in units are old and rusty and just not well maintained. My kitchen sink constantly makes some crazy gurgling sound and from talking to neighbors - same issues for all.

Walls are thin so that so I could hear my neighbor’s laugh and gurgling from above neighbor’s plumbing coming from my son’s bedroom closet.

So let me know if all of this is worth close to $4K a month for a tiny 1000sq/f 2 bedroom. If you can afford this amount, take your money to one of the newer...

I recently moved into the building. My actual move in and experience in the past 2 weeks has been seamless. The common spaces are well-kept, the empty apartment was in great condition, and the front desk staff are incredibly kind and friendly.

My application process was tedious (see dates below). I submitted my application on a Sunday, but didn’t receive my lease until 10 days later. This process is the longest I’ve ever experienced. The apparent policy at Gallery I requires additional verification forms filled out by your former landlord/rental company and current employer before receiving your apartment reservation confirmation. This was strange to me, as I have good credit and my gross monthly income is well above the recommend 3x ratio. Policy is policy, but this left me very insecure throughout the long process.

It was also very hard to get into contact with my leasing agent since she also had tours all day, so was never available when I would call. I do have to give credit to Jermaine for always reaching back out to me before the end of the business day, she kept me updated daily at the progress of my application even though she is incredibly busy. Thank you Jermaine! Seems like leasing staff could get more support.

The apartment I was planning to rent also had a last-minute issue with the dishwasher which was never fully explained but resulted in that apartment no longer being available (this was more than a week into the process of applying, and the apartment has already been empty for some time). Finally I signed the lease for a different, identical apartment at the same price but with a move in date 15 days later. This required me to change travel plans, at a $200 personal cost.

The application process was so long and different than any of my past rentals in Chicago, St Louis, and Pittsburgh, and really made me feel insecure as to whether I would ultimately even get the apartment. I’m just writing this as a warning for anyone looking into this building. The staff here really is great, and I’m very happy in my new home. However, the application process should be reexamined. Maybe the apartment reservation could be sent after the credit score check, and all apartments should be thoroughly inspected before they’re put on the market so original move in date...