AQ Rittenhouse Apartments — Local services in Philadelphia

AQ Rittenhouse is now (October 2015) offering $750.00 for any resident referral to a friend or coworker leading to a new tenant lease. However, I can not in good conscience recommend this place to a friend or coworker

2021 Chestnut (AQ Rittenhouse) is a new construction in center city, between 20th and 21st streets. While the area itself is convenient, there are numerous other residential apartment buildings that are closer to the Rittenhouse Park.

In my experience, there have been several pitfalls with this new construction and/or the way management is handling issues, of which I became aware after moving in.

For example:

(1) The apartments are small. In addition, the real size of the apartment I rented is significantly smaller than what is advertised in their web site (a whopping approximately 100 square feet difference). I became aware of the problem after receiving the keys and measuring the apartment while trying to place my furniture, part of which I was forced to keep in a public storage unit. I brought the issue to their management attention, but have just been ignored. In their web site (last accessed on 29October2015), they list apartments sizes ranging from 530 to 887 sq ft. I know that is not true, my apto is only 470 sq ft (it was supposed to be about 570 sq ft). What follows is that I AM PAYING A LOT MORE FOR SQUARE FOOT OF LIVING SPACE THAN WHAT WOULD BE CORRECT. I would recommend to anyone considering renting to actually bring a measuring tape before giving them any deposit money.

(2) There is no kitchen fan. I was told to open the window when cooking. The tenants are responsible for paying utilities, including heating and air conditioning, and this should add to the utility bills.

(3) The bathroom fan is “problematic”. I was told it is some sort of common exhaust system, my understanding from what I was told is that the “hole” is connected to other apartments. Often times it seemed like air was coming into my apartment rather then being sucked (depending on if the air conditioning is off, etc.). I have in several instances noticed smells coming from that hole. After I covered the hole with “Press’n seal” kitchen wrap, the smells stopped coming into my apartment.

(4) The floor cover on the rooftop and lounge consists of wood structures placed over concrete. That is a particular problem for the lounge, which lacks proper floor insulation, resulting in loud noises in the lower floor as people walk over the wood structures. The design is oblivious of the fact that people leave beneath. That lounge (labelled as "wi-fi / yoga" room), has been the site of loud parties (last than a week ago one going past 1 am; security was called and did not help). AQ Rittenhouse representatives have refused to put carpet and a commercial grade pad on the lounge floor or any adequate insulation.There are numerous nightclubs and bars in Philly for anyone wanting it, and this is supposed to be a residential building.

(5) Dirty water leaked from the ceiling into my apartment when it rained, between the exposed concrete slabs. This should be a concern for anyone living in the top floor, seemed like the concrete slabs have not been properly sealed. At this point I was told it is not possible to access the area between the metal top cover and the concrete slabs. Any water trapped between the concrete slabs and the metal cover can potentially be breading ground for mildew and/or other infectious agents. And since the junction between the concrete slabs have been proven permeable…

Regarding amenities, the building does not have any business center or conference room. The “fitness center” is a small room with only three exercise machines and one bench. The building does not have a garage, so the tenants have to pay to use a public garage (if they have a car, that is). What they are calling a “shared ride” consists of an Enterprise car rental from a nearby car...

This review is directed at the lack of professionalism of their leasing office. I originally sent an email to schedule a viewing Wednesday expecting an answer by the end of the day Thursday. Friday comes around and still no answer, so I look up the leasing office hours and see that on Friday they are there from 10am until 6pm. So I go in around noon in hopes to schedule an appointment only to learn that the woman Gillian who supposedly is the only leasing agent for the building is out for the day. There was no notice on their website that she would be out and even though no leasing agents were on site for the whole day right outside the front door there were two signs that said luxury apartments available, inviting anyone passing by to come in and look at apartments. After talking to the security guard he suggested calling Gillian to schedule an appointment and that she would be back at 10am on Saturday.

So Saturday morning rolls around I go and stop back in at 1030 and the leasing agent Gillian is still not in. The guard says she should be in my 11 and tells me to call again. So now it's noon on Saturday. I originally first asked for a viewing on Wednesday and have stopped in two times in person as well as called and left messages twice on two different days. And still no answer or even confirmation that any of my messages have been received.

Complete lack of professionalism from a leasing office that currently has units vacant listed on their website. You would assume any building with openings would try to work and earn your business but not the AQ Rittenhouse. They have no desire to show their units. Don't waste your...

Moved in a couple of months ago. This review pertains to a high-up floor with city views.

Lobby: Friendly concierges. Complementary coffee's a nice touch. There's always someone ready to greet you. They receive your packages and store them in a room. Very convenient. Gym: Small, but has the basics and it's never crowded. Elevators: Spacious, and minimal wait times. Studio: Beautiful wood-like floors. Not too big, not too small. Excellent for a student. The cream-colored walls make it easy to decorate to your liking. The bathroom is super comfortable. With the A/C on, the street noise is almost none. No noise complaints for any neighbors either. The walls seem to do a good job at keeping the noise to a minimum. Rooftop: So beautiful! Recently renovated with a great grill area. Looks really pretty at sunset and the city lights at night are a vibe.

Jaime made the leasing and moving process a very effortless, uncomplicated...