The Flats at Southside Works — Local services in Pittsburgh

Because I kept receiving review requests from management, I decided to share my honest experience. Other tenants may have had different experiences, but this is what happened to me.

I always wanted to live here, until I actually did. I was told this was an income-based apartment, but that quickly proved not to be the case. Just four months after moving in, I discovered a full-blown rat infestation.

When I toured the complex before signing, they showed me a clean, well-kept unit. I was told it would be “similar” to the one I’d be moving into because the current tenant was still living there. I felt rushed to sign the lease, and looking back, I now understand why they didn’t let me see the actual apartment. The unit I ended up getting was completely different, with hidden maintenance issues that allowed rats to get inside.

For four months, I lived with full-grown rats. I was advised by an attorney to withhold rent due to the apartment being uninhabitable. When I went to court, management blamed me, saying I brought the rats in.

That made no sense, because: •I saw rat droppings in the parking lot and main trashcan before I ever had an issue inside my apartment. •The signs of infestation were visible around the property, not just inside my unit.

Maintenance did the bare minimum. They put sticky traps where I already had my own traps, left behind rat foam and tools in my apartment, and even sprayed foam on the fridge and around the kitchen. Nothing about how they handled it felt professional or effective.

Instead of taking responsibility, management claimed they asked other neighbors who didn’t report any issues. But one of those neighbors had a dog, which could have scared the rats off. Just because another unit didn’t visibly have rats doesn’t mean the building was clean or safe. I had proof the problem existed before I moved in, but they still chose to discredit me.

Because of all this, I lost furniture and clothing, spent money on cleaning supplies, bins, and traps, and had to clean constantly just to feel somewhat safe.

I made the mistake of not seeing the actual unit before moving in because management said the previous tenant was still there. Now I know why.

This was my experience. I don’t care what “Bob and Sally across the way” say—I know what I went through. If you’re thinking about living here, insist on seeing the exact unit before signing anything.

And for those who say, “Pictures or it didn’t happen”—photos...

The Only Review You Will Need

I actually want to leave a good review and wish I could, especially being familiar with the industry.

The Flats were amazing until there was a change of management (now Red Tail Residential) about a year ago. Note: A lot of 5 Star reviews here are older. I understand that there are challenges with transitions, but giving the benefit of the doubt only lasts for so long. The apartment building is old and it’s true that it lacks amenities. However, prior management and staff did a great job of supplementing the lack of features by “caring” and “building a community.”

This is no longer the case and currently, living at The Flats is very simply and only a business transaction. Do the least to achieve the best return. Operate at a minimum. It’s “a strategy.” I’m not saying it’s right or wrong. Renters just have to decide if that’s something for them or not. I don’t blame current staff, wholly as it’s the reality and charge of the management company.

Facts: “New fees” were instituted in addition to rent. Washer and dryer are the only amenities Lack of communication. Absolute lack of communication. Location is great. Very walkable. Parking is $185. In fairness, everyone charges in this area. My car was attempted to be broken into and motorcycle wires cut and attempted stolen. Not the apartment’s fault - just sharing.

Water pressure is great??? I’m really trying here but simply and personally - they don’t care. They don’t care at all, my friends.

The Flats are four walls in a great location. That’s about it. There also weren’t any improvements during my time here which was tolerable.

Then rent skyrocketed.

Analogy: My solid pair of $60 no frill jeans, now cost $200.

It’s not personal, and I do believe that they can do better. I...

I am extremely disappointed with my experience at this apartment complex. From the moment I moved in, it was clear that cleanliness and maintenance were not priorities. The apartment was very dirty upon moving in, requiring extensive cleaning on my part just to make it livable.

Maintenance was a consistent issue. Requests for repairs were either ignored or addressed in a subpar manner. To make matters worse, when the complex was sold to a new leasing company, they began adding numerous fictitious fees on top of the rent, which significantly increased our monthly expenses without any explanation or justification.

Upon moving out, despite leaving the apartment in better condition than when we moved in, they kept our entire deposit. Adding insult to injury, they also want to charge us additional fictitious fees. This behavior is unacceptable and shows a complete lack of respect for tenants.

I strongly advise anyone considering moving here to look elsewhere. This complex is poorly managed, and the new leasing company seems more interested in exploiting tenants than providing a decent living...