Living New York — Local services in New York

I had an incredibly disappointing experience with Living New York, specifically with agents Michael and Cade. What should have been a simple apartment viewing turned into a two-week ordeal filled with miscommunication, dismissiveness, and a complete lack of care.

It all began on June 27th, when I showed up for a scheduled and confirmed apartment viewing. I had confirmed the appointment the night before with Michael. At no point was I told that I would be meeting with his partner, Cade — someone I had never been introduced to or included in any prior communication. I arrived at the property only to find that the building attendant had no idea who I was or that a showing was scheduled.

Once I was told by the building attendant that they had no knowledge of a scheduled showing, I reached out to Michael for clarity. That’s when I found an email from him stating that his “partner” had texted me to confirm the appointment. I checked my phone and saw the message from Cade. I immediately responded to let him know I was already at the building, only to be told, very casually, that he wasn’t available and asked if I could come the following day at 2:30. No apology, no concern. When I explained that this wasn’t a short trip for me, and asked if there was any way he could make it work — he simply said he was “booked the rest of the day.” After some back and forth trying to reschedule (since the next day’s time didn’t work for me), Cade just stopped responding altogether.

I followed up again with Michael and was met with a cold “what time are you actually available to view the apartment,” as if I hadn’t already explained this several times. The dismissiveness was unreal.

Eventually, after almost two weeks of trying, we finally agreed to meet on July 7th at 12:00 PM. The morning of, I get a text from Cade asking me to come at 11:30 instead. I made it clear that I could not come earlier and asked whether we needed to push to a later time or reschedule entirely. Honestly, after all of the hiccups, I was ready to call it quits. But the apartment looked stunning and I was genuinely hopeful — so I stayed professional and optimistic.

Cade’s response? “ 12pm still works if you can make it but we’ll double up with another client.” That was the final straw for me. After trying for two full weeks to see this unit, because of their lack of communication and scheduling errors, I was being told I now had to share the experience?

I told Cade not to worry about it. At that point, it just felt like a clear sign from God that the apartment wasn’t meant for me — as badly as I wanted it. It should not be this hard to view an apartment.

What frustrated me most wasn’t just the scheduling issues, it was the complete lack of care. No one took responsibility, no one acknowledged the inconvenience they caused, and no one showed even a basic level of empathy. It truly made me question how they treat their clientele.

And while I hate to bring up the race card — I can’t help but wonder if my picture in my email icon played a role in how I was handled. I’ve never written a review on any experience before, but the disregard I experienced felt personal, and that’s something I can’t overlook.

So with that said, if you value professionalism, clear communication, and being treated with basic respect, I suggest you think twice before working...

I requested to see an apartment that I seen on StreetEasy yesterday on January 14th, 2024. I met with a realtor by the name of "Ayala Stern". She asked me about my income and I told her I had a Cityfheps voucher. As soon as I mentioned my voucher her whole attitude change. She stopped in her tracks and look at me frustrated and from there she wasn't talking. I didn't feel welcome, or comfortable. I seen by her body language she was mad as if I did something wrong. As the elevators door opens, she didn't try to hold the doors for me. She was EXTREMELY RUDE! I did not appreciate that. As she opened the apartment door once again she hurried quickly inside and didn't hold the door. As I'm looking around the apartment she standing at the kitchen with her arms folded looking at me she's not even introducing me to the apartment. And it was very rude she treated me as if I am "less than" because I mentioned my voucher. I didn't even get the chance to record because I felt uncomfortable. And she proceeds to tell me "I'm pretty sure you're not gonna get it" she was persistent about it. Then says "This apartment already pending with an application". She never mentioned that in the message. I felt like she was lying! All because I said I had n voucher. How do you know if I am not gonna get something? As a "professional" that's not how you talk and tell someone that. Do your job as a realtor, you're not the landlord! You making this personal! I would never tell someone or talk to someone like that as she said it with an attitude. She was just mad from start! I still kept my composure. I felt extremely discrimatived. She then shows me a 2nd apartment building as soon as I got inside it smelt like "Cigarettes". I didn't like it! She kept assuming if I was in the shelter. I've never had anyone ask me if I in the shelter. And if I was in the shelter what do me being in the shelter has to do with anything? She was being judgemental! I didn't like that at all. She claims she works with people with all "programs" it didn't seem like it. I will not do buisness with her, she discriminative against people with voucher. She very unprofessional! I didn't like her attitude. Just because I have a voucher, I'm not desperate. I'm gonna report her. She needs to be held...

My daughter is a student and renting an apartment from Living New York. On Thanksgiving Day, from all the days, in the middle of the night, a pipe leading from the above apartment broke and a huge water leak start pouring from her ceiling. When the neighbors ran their appliance. The neighbors were not responding to her knocking nor her notes, she knew that she is on her own, in the place where she cannot use her floated bathroom, with murky water dripping everywhere and nothing will be done until Monday. All the hotels were booked, because of holidays and all of her friends were gone, with their families out of state. Not having anyone she could reach out for help in the city, our Thanksgiving holidays started to turn out far from happy. We didn't think that anyone would get back to us and to our surprise, after reaching out to Staci, Jon and Devin, not only we were contacted within hours, but Staci opened her own home to my daughter, treated her with a warm meal and let her to spend the night, after making sure that she is okay, watching a movie and having a popcorn! That is absolutely unheard of! The kindness, human touch and tremendous care from Staci, Jon and Devin is priceless to me as mom, being in California. Their company's values incredible, customers come first, but they exceeded the expectations way beyond the norm, by treating my daughter like a family, no question asked. I am still in Awe, cannot believe that someone would go out of their way to accommodate a complete stranger. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, to exceptional professionals and incredible caring people at New York Living! You saved our holidays and made one family extremely thankful for your kindness and for going beyond anyone's expectations. With...