OLiVE DTLA — Local services in Los Angeles

Out of the six apartment buildings I lived in over the course of the last decade, OLiVE DTLA is by far the worst residential experience to date. While numerous issues have been experienced and I was waiting to address them in a review upon moving out, seeing Hunter Seymour’s review of property theft convinced me to speak out earlier and warn others to consider alternative living arrangements.

First, like Hunter, my car was broken into while parked in the subterrain garage on December 16, 2024. Despite $1,400 of property stolen along with important taxpayer documents, the property management team refused to assist police with reviewing video footage. In fact, the then-lead property manager, Emily Stone, informed both police and me that OLiVE had to “protect privacy rights over property rights” and redirected me to review the lease stating OLiVE had no responsibility for lost or stolen property. The LAPD denoted how unusual her response was as no one accused OLiVE of bearing responsibility. Rather, they simply wished to investigate a motor vehicle break-in and property theft. But, as an aside, the inclination to protect the privacy rights of a thief over the property rights of a tenant is asinine. Seeing Hunter’s review months later is confirmation that the issue has not been addressed even with new management and the OLiVE company culture will continue to be problematic for tenants.

Second, despite having security on-site and in close proximity, packages have been stolen from the lobby whenever the delivery system has been down.

Third, apartment appliances are at the end of their life cycle. My washing machine broke down four times before maintenance replaced it. However, I do commend the maintenance team for their response time and attitude knowing how disruptive it can be to go without a washer and dryer for extended periods of time.

Fourth, despite assurances from both Jon Penkala and Emily Stone that I could move-in and not have to pay the pet deposit as my health care provider was traveling for the holidays and my certification form expired the prior month, I was charged the pet deposit. Emily refused to refund it. The management team dodged emails and inquiries for nearly four months before Emily made her decision. Misleading tenants regarding the reimbursement timeline paid for a documented service animal is the antithesis of professionalism.

Fifth, since Emily and Jon were replaced with a new property management team, core issues above are still unaddressed as noted in Hunter’s review. Further issues being non-permitted cars parking in handicapped parking spaces; car break-ins and property theft in the garage; etc. When the issue was raised with the new management and assurance that a community-wide email would address the former, no action has been taken over two months later.

Last, when I raised concern that the lease is not compliant with the Servicemember Credit Relief Act and asked it to be amended to meet the statutory protections afforded to military service members who need to break leases for military orders, which the law dictates only requires a 30-day notice rather than the 60-day notice in the lease, I was met with outright hostility by the property management team and informed their legal reviewed it and said it was fine. If you are military and consider renting here, be sure to send a copy of your lease to JAG and the California State AG should they give you any difficulty with breaking...

I’m approaching my 3rd month living at this property. While it is still early, it has literally been everything I wanted and needed in a space and more, especially since it’s my first time living alone without a roommate. I love how secure the building is. After hours, the first parking gate closes and the elevators and doors require swiping your phone for entry. The swiping feature does get annoying sometimes if you are carrying a lot in your hand but I don’t mind it because I feel safe with that feature being available. The second parking gate is not accessible to the public at any time and people who live here have an opener that grants them access. Security is at the desk overnight. I feel very safe and secure in the parking garage.

The building smells so fresh which was one of the first things I noticed and was important to me when I was touring and making my decision. Other buildings I toured did not smell fresh at all so that really won me over. The building has janitors cleaning each floor and amenities very frequently. The amenities are 10/10 from the rooftop, to the pool area and workout room.

I love how they allow you to mount TVs and repaint your apartment as long as it is painted back to how it was when you first move in. I love that there is a package room which you get access to once your package arrives with a code sent to your phone/email.

The ONLY thing I do not like about this place is the person that lives above me stomps with every step they take and it’s very disruptive to my sleep and overall peace at times. I actually don’t mind the hustle and bustle of the city noise but that constant stomping gets me and there’s not much I can do about it unless the property responds with a solution for that. But 10/10 recommend. I was always told not to move downtown so moving from East Hollywood I was hesitant but I’m so glad I did my own research on the area and went with my gut decision. It’s so close to Santee Alley which is perfect because I like to shop and it’s close to a lot of other main attractions and cute spots in DTLA. There’s no homeless people camped out outside the building. The staff are nice and helpful. I love calling this place home. I hope to upgrade eventually to a one bedroom or loft as they are really nice in this building also but I...

DO NOT MOVE IN HERE!!!!!! Management SUCKS! There was an issue regarding leaking water at my unit in April. Water was dripping down the walls. At that time, the repair construction went over 2 weeks. Strangers entered my unit everyday and there were two big fans to dry the walls. I should have turned the fans on all day and the fans made an awful racket. Also, construction workers touched and used my stuff without my permission. I had lots of stress. I really wanted to move out but because management team compensated for the loss at that time, I accepted it. And now, the same issue happened again. Water leaked through the ceiling. It is exactly same spot as last time. Today is Friday, and it has been started from Monday. Maintenance people came to my unit and left two big fans again. Room temperature was over 87F because of the fans. Also they enter my unit everyday to see and repair the wall. I demanded compensation, but they rejected. I told them I’m going to move out without penalty but they requested lease break fee. Today, constuction workers came to my house when I was sleeping. I didn’t want to stay at home due to the workers and construction, so I went out. During my absence, they started construction. They left the plastic barricade and fans. They said I have to turn the fans on whole day and I have to use zipper to enter bathroom. They also removed washer and dryer from my unit. When they remove washer and dryer, they took off my clothes and underwear. In addition, they got rid of bathroom doors. The construction wasn’t even finished when I came back home. Workers kept going in and out my unit and worked with a loud noise. It was over 6pm already. The construction lasted for about an hour after that. I coudn’t even use bathroom and eat dinner at MY PLACE. Nevertheless, management team still don’t want to compensate entirely. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I pay over $2,000 every month. They say they understand how much I get stress. REALLY? I don’t think so. I really really do regret moving in this apartment. I want to move out ASAP. I had never experienced this kind of terrible thing. If I can, I want to give 0 star for review. I do not recommend anyone move in...