Alexan Webster — Local services in Oakland

(This review was far longer and infinitely more specific before I did an AI assisted rewrite to meet the character limit inflicted upon my contribution.)

Living in this building has been all over the place, largely due to the current property management company's seemingly profit-focused approach at the expense of resident retention. The feeling of being exploited by the Avenue5’s constant desire to fill units at what I'm assuming is an increasingly expensive standard, without consideration for retaining or impacting the local community, has been distressing.

The management's indifference towards retaining residents has led to a cycle of constant turnover, affecting everything from elevator accessibility to the quality of community events. Events that used to be well-planned, enjoyable gatherings have now become last-minute, half-hearted infrequent affairs. Instead of fun and engaging activities, sponsored events by credit unions and companies offering pizza have become the norm. All the while, they've been steadily increasing fees without visible improvements to the property.

Trying to communicate concerns or suggestions feels like shouting into a void. Resident feedback seems to vanish into thin air, with the leasing office showing little willingness to genuinely address issues in writing. It's frustrating to see policies selectively enforced or completely disregarded.

The management team might be well-intentioned individuals, I want to think the disconnect is that their hands are tied by Avenue5 Residential's policies or a lack of supportive resources. However, it feels that residents' input is not a priority. The lack of response to important inquiries or concerns, especially regarding increased fees or other issues, is not just frustrating but also anxiety-inducing.

Dealing with the greedflation during the lease renewal process was incredibly distressing. It felt like there was an implied leveraging of their legal team against my lack of resources to ensure a lack of contest against an increase that rivaled California rent increase policies, with the reasoning given that they are exempted from Oakland rent ordinances, this was ultimately stepped away from but never felt accounted for.

The handling of various policies and noise regulations has felt arbitrary and at at times retaliatory. Moreover, inconsistencies in various management approaches between old and new administrations have added to distress and unanticipated inconvenience or violations among residents.

While the building has its perks, such as modern amenities, that may or may not function consistently for residents, and a convenient location, these positives feel overshadowed by a myriad of issues. The lack of transparency, lack of responses that exemplify genuine concern for resident's ideal living space, and what feels like a profit-driven cost cutting agenda severely impact the overall living experience.

In conclusion, this building has the potential to be a five-star community, but that would require a major shift in management policies. It's not just about fixing amenities or holding events; it's about genuinely caring for and involving the community in decisions that affect our daily lives while being transparent and accountable.

If you seek to live here ask questions. Ask for a demonstration of the fire pit. Ask how much residents typically pay a month for trash. Ask for a demonstration of the printer. Ask about how domestic violence and feelings of safety around other residents who may be of documented concern are handled. Ask how often the luxurious gas range sets off incredibly sensitive fire alarms in the building. Ask about package security and garage break ins. Ask about the last event put on for residents. Ask about how resident feedback is gathered and put to use. Please be inquisitive about what...

Avoid at all cost. The new and old management were both terrible. The details below are based on the new management:

Goodluck getting responses to your emails in a timely manner or even after following up multiple times. When you do, the response will not be friendly at all and almost as if they are doing you a favor. Trying to talk to them in person is an even bigger mission.

Multiple issues with the mailroom. Whether items are being stolen or constantly misplaced.

The rent portal is always a mess. Before we could pay partial payments, now you cannot do that. I have asked what my prorated rent will be and 5 emails later I still have no response on the amount. When I go on the portal, I see the entire months rent due but they claim that will change on the 1st.. so just another run around. Previously, I overpaid and had issues with that being calculated and applied correctly.

The apartments are small. Do not let the free weeks fool you. Your rent will go up as soon as your lease is up and for a ridiculous amount for a tiny apartment.

The apartments are cheaply built. Paint chipping on the tub, sink leaking in the kitchen. I put in a request to get the paint fixed and it was closed without it ever being repaired.

Security sucks.

You have to walk down to the lobby to let someone in. This is great at times, but not great when you are sick and are expecting a delivery. Now you have to risk getting others sick to go pick up your delivery. There is no way for folks to call in to the building and access the elevator.

The garage is always a mess. The community chat has basically become the neighborhood watch and has to report to each other who they saw in the garage, what was going on. On top of all the access issues to get into the garage.

Cannot even walk around in peace in that neighborhood. Might be conveniently located to a few places, but does it matter if you do not feel safe walking around majority of the day?

Honestly, avoid this place. Spend a little more and get a lot more for your buck.

Update as of 5-June: after avoiding telling me what my final rent prorated rent would be and telling me to check the portal. The rent on the portal is incorrect. I sent an email on Saturday and followed up 2 times and I have called....

Living at 2330 Webster Apartments has been quite disappointing. The piling trash in the loading dock, which is also the route to the elevators on Valdez Street, creates an unsightly and unhygienic environment. Unleashed dogs are common, leading to dirty carpets marred by pet urine, which makes the common areas unpleasant. The stairways often have trash that can sit for weeks, adding to the overall neglect.

Frequent false fire alarms are a nuisance, disrupting residents at all hours. The parking lot, shared with a nearby restaurant and the city as public parking, is often smelly and poorly maintained. Adding to the discomfort, the smell of weed is always in the air due to residents not following rules and management failing to enforce them. These issues indicate a lack of proper management and upkeep. If cleanliness and a well-maintained living environment are important to you, 2330 Webster may not meet your...