Beacon Properties

I wish I could give them a zero. I have never had such a horrible management company “manage” a building. They do not answer the phone or respond to emails. I have been putting maintenance requests in for over a year to have our call box in the front of our building fixed. Maintenance keeps “completing” requests via the portal and states that management has yet to decide which one they would like. This is one of many issues. Do not live at one of their properties.

Submitted two applications along with my roommate, paid two application fees, reached out twice by phone and once by email after not hearing back, and never once received a response or even had the courtesy of an acknowledgement.

Not my favorite landlord in recent years. Seems like BS that all payment options on their online portal include a transaction fee. 3% for credit (to be fair, that's expected from anywhere) $10 for a debit transaction? Really? $2.50 for an "e-check"? For a company that claims to offer a convenient online portal, it's surprising to see that the options available within are so lacklustre. Would have liked to see a direct bank account transfer option with no fee. My advice- make it harder on them and mail them a physical check every month.

If you're looking to move out to one of their units you'll definitely be disappointed. Tried to go to two of their scheduled viewings, both of which the workers didn't even have the key. Very inconvenient since I had to drive across the bridge. Their response time SUCKS. I still haven't received a response from Jennifer Bale. I emailed and even went to the companies office to try and get a hold of someone. The only person there was their maintenance guy. He took down my message for me and told me he would flag it in their team's email. However, I still have yet to hear from any of their staff. Save yourself some time and do not rent with them. I get a vibe they are only efficient when renting out units to certain people. Certainly glad I didn’t end up renting with them. Just read up on their reviews. Just terrible!

I went to a showing, but the person there to answer questions couldn’t even tell me where the apartment was located in the building. He was on his phone the entire time and seemed uninterested in helping. I followed up afterward to ask for more information—especially about maintenance—but never received a response. Based on other reviews, it seems like poor maintenance might be a recurring issue anyway.

If I could give them zero stars, I would. This is the most ridiculous and unprofessional company I have ever dealt with. It's a complete scam to get you to pay for the application and co-signer application and then never get back to you. They asked for so many different proofs of income, which we gave them and they still didn't get back to us. They will wait you out until you give up so they can keep collecting fees from other applicants. Also for reference, if you are still thinking about using this company do not tell them you have an ESA. Lie because they will not rent to you. Which is illegal, but they'll use a different excuse. I may also have to file a compliant. So l guess a person doesn't qualify with more then enough in bank and excellent credit score. Don't get me started on Jennifer Bale. She's a true representation of her companies work ethic. Horrible!

I've always paid on time or early, as anyone should, but reveal this to set character context for the following: I had to diagnose my own heater, garbage disposal, over oven fan because repairmen either didn't get scheduled and when they did they'd say it was fixed when it wasn't. A mishap that required insurance occurred, but Beacon Properties cut cooperation with them so they can just collect my deposit instead. Consider the retaliation an average occupant might consider. Dumpster was always overfilled. (Could cause incured city citations/ costs) It's not that they addressed these issues in bad faith. It's that they addressed these issues so poorly that there is no difference between good intentions with poor service and bad intentions. Building owners, syndicators and real estate investors, consider this perspective before choosing Beacon Properties.

The maintenance team is great, however, I doubt they're the ones making $$$ off these rentals. The maintenance team always responds quickly and personably. Jennifer stopped responding as soon as I signed the lease so I guess advice would just be to make sure you inspect the place properly (if there are fractures in the wall, other areas of concern etc) and ask all your questions before you sign the lease.

The person they contract with to make any electrical repairs is TERRIBLE !!!!!! He claims to make repairs (heaters and water heaters) but the they break down again very quickley. Some repairs just dont get fixed at all. Beacon sucks

Disappointed with the management of this property. Communication is poor and lack human decency and professionalism. It is clear they prioritize profit over customer experience. Would not recommend.

The idea that dealing with them still haunts me to this day is crazy. Their lack of professionalism and disregard for tenant needs made every interaction a nightmare.

Went to an apartment viewing last week and no one showed up. It happens, places are rented quickly and website updates lag behind. However, the next week a new viewing time for the apartment was posted. As I approached the property on the day of the viewing, there were several prospective tenants standing outside the building, with only 10 minutes left in the scheduled viewing time block. It was evident that the property management company had once again failed to show up. If they cannot be relied upon to show up for scheduled viewings, it brings into question their responsiveness to tenant needs in the long run.

If you're looking to move out to one of their units you'll definitely be disappointed. Tried to go to two of their scheduled viewings, both of which the workers didn't even have the key. Very inconvenient since I had to drive across the bridge. Their response time SUCKS. I still haven't received a response from Jennifer Bale. I emailed and even went to the companies office to try and get a hold of someone. The only person there was their maintenance guy. He took down my message for me and told me he would flag it in their team's email. However, I still have yet to hear from any of their staff. Save yourself some time and do not rent with them. I get a vibe they are only efficient when renting out units to certain people. Certainly glad I didn't end up renting with them. Just read up on their reviews. Just terrible!

When we moved out of our unit, they withheld $475 from our security deposit for removing a few coat hooks from the walls. Just wanted to give any future tenants a heads up that Beacon does not play fair. We were left with a really bad taste in our mouth as we really could have used the cash. At most, the labor and light paint touchups should have cost $100. This was in addition to a $275 cleaning fee for our 400 square foot apartment, which we left reasonably clean ourselves.

If I could give them zero stars, i would. This is the most ridiculous and unprofessional company I have ever dealt with. It's a complete scam to get you to pay for the application and co-signer application and then never get back to you. They asked for so many different proofs of income, which we gave them and they still didn't get back to us. They will wait you out until you give up so they can keep collecting fees from other applicants. Also for reference, if you are still thinking about using this company do not tell them you have an ESA. Lie because they will not rent to you. Which is illegal, but they'll use a different excuse. I may also have to file a compliant. So I guess a person doesn't qualify but has more then enough in bank and excellent credit score. Don't get me started on Jennifer Bale. She's a true representation of her companies work ethic. Horrible!

This company is ridiculously hard to get a hold of. I do not live in any properties I live next to one. The tenants have overly piled garbage in their dumpster to which is a complete fire hazard! I've called the code enforcement dot in town and they're working on contacting the company. People are literally moving out as I write this and have put enormous bed frames, dressers, tables, vacuum, boxes full of electrical items, a futon mattress, a huge wooden hutch..I could go on. They are illegally dumping and this has been a huge issue for years now with this property. The others listing reviews complain of filth etc, I can see why. I've tried calling their corporate office and voicemail is full. Absolutely ridiculous!!

Make sure to send them your move in inspection photos and save them on your phone!! They will charge you for removing shelves even if you inherit the unit with them. There's no "normal" ware & tear, you will need to pay for pretty much everything. Leaky roofs all year round leaves molds in units. They did not respond to my service request until I emailed them about finding molds in my personal belongings/furnitures. Lease also auto renews. Make sure you read all the terms in the lease.

After writing my initial review, someone at Beacon responded to me (within 20 minutes of posting) to say they were disappointed to see my comments. It's frustrating that it took a public review to get any communication from them, but communication did improve after that! For a little while. They did end up replacing the windows in a bedroom - I suspect because a firefighter legally has to be able to access the room. The other window, which is equally bad, was denied replacement with no reason given. They did not respond when I asked for more detail, or if I would be held responsible for water damage or mold from the rain it lets in. I've been waiting on that response since July 12, 2019. I know times are tough and I'm sure the staff at Beacon are busy - maybe overworked - but the communication continues to be horrible. I sent an email with an unrelated question a full two months ago, and I haven't even received a quick message saying, "We'll get back to you." Just flat out ignored. In the three years I've been here, only three out of seven emails my roommate or I have sent got ANY response. I also want to make clear: when Beacon staff do respond, they're very kind and professional. I'm sure they're nice people, possibly doing their best with what they're given by management. But something has to change to improve their service, perhaps another staff member or more resources. Ultimately I wanted to write a more positive follow-up review, but I unfortunately am sticking to my recommendation that if you want even basic communication from your rental company, avoid Beacon Properties.

This is a HORRIBLE property management company. I see why the rentals at 1520 Castro Street Oakland, CA 94612 are available for so long. When touring my former unit, unit 5, I asked why it was available for so long (8 months) & the property manager of the building told me no particular reason. Turns out it's probably because you can always hear the loud garage door open whenever somebody enters or leaves at all hours of the night. I knew there was gonna be potential problems living there once my circuit breaker went out my first day at the unit. I told my property manager & he told me to buy one from Home Depot & do it myself. Electrical for the unit? I'm no electrician, I'm the tenant not the handyman. Also my fridge & freezer was beyond saving with dirt, grime & MOLD in there. After I put in my maintenance request, I was told by the property manager he'll clean my fridge for me. Now why on earth wouldn't the first response be to replace a refrigerator that has mold in it? That was baffling to be honest. Plus the fact that there's a HUGE cockroach infestation in the entire building. I asked before I signed the lease is there a pest problem & I specifically mentioned rodents & cockroaches so I was surprised after two months of living there, I started to notice the roaches & there was a rat right outside my door one night. I heard the neighbor knock on the property managers door to tell him after they parked since I lived right next door to him. It doesn't matter how clean you live in your individual unit, the roaches will be coming because the company refuses to debug the entire building like they're supposed to. I was calling the exterminator literally every month until I couldn't take it anymore & started looking at other places to live. I was told by him there's some pretty filthy people in those units so it wasn't a surprise that the roaches got to me eventually because they're inside the building & outside in the parking lot as well. I had to throw out 90% of my things so I didn't want to bring the eggs with me to my new apartment. Beacon decided to charge me a $400 cleaning fee from my deposit for some chipped paint that could've been taken care of with a $20 can of white paint from Home Depot easily when I had a contact that's a landlord do an inspection for me. That $400 should've been towards debugging the entire building so people won't have to live with cockroaches, throw away over $4000 worth of clothes or accessories & watch their mental health deteriorate because of waking up to a roach falling on them while they sleep. The mail common area is a problem as well, I wouldn't get ANYTHING delivered there because there's zero security for your mail. I hadn't noticed there wasn't a camera in that area until my expensive package was stolen by a neighbor. Turns out, another neighbor told me about an attempt from a neighbor trying to steal their package but was prevented because they caught them in the act. When I requested a camera to be put in that area for everyone's overall safety, I was told by the property management team to get a signature required next time. What they didn't know is that it was supposed to be delivered with a signature but the currier made a mistake & didn't go through with that process so they put blame on me for a preventative action that should've been taken care of before that even happened. Not customer service savvy in the least bit. I hope you read this in its entirety because although the place might be cheap, there's more than what meets the eye.

Have had multiple occasions where we have put in maintenance requests for simple fixes around our unit. Fixing front door knob, plumber needed, changing lightbulbs outside of unit door and apartment. Only for Beacon to mark the jobs as complete and not do anything. What makes things worst is that Beacon informs the landlords (family owned apartment) that they have completed the requests. Unprofessional, hard to get a hold of, does not show professionalism in getting the job done. It's almost as if they want us to move out to increase the prices. Still waiting for them to change the lighT outside my apartment and it's been almost over a month since we requested it.

Responded to maintenance issues in a very timely, professional and efficient manner. I was glad to see that a myth had been put to rest. You know the one about landlords or their representatives not fixing things in a rental property? Fine job. Thanks

The worst of the worst, especially the agent name Jennifer Bale. I have never posted any bad review in my life, but this one I have to. Me and my roommate wasted our time and money due to their irresponsible working process. SUCH AN IRRESPONSIBLE COMPANY!!! Me and my roommate applied the unit that was available three weeks ago, and Jennifer Bale said that the unit that we applied had taken to prior party so she will transfer us to new unit that will be available next week. We gladly accepted that and mentioned them CERTAINLY that we are going to move-in next week. Bale told us now we are ahead of other applicants, so we believed that and reserved a truck and packed all the stuff we have. We are moving from Los Angeles to Berkeley. Three days before our moving day, Jennifer Bale emailed us that the new unit have taken by prior group, not us. WHAT?!! Are you kidding me?! We tried to reach them, but they never pick up their phones, never calls me back, and ignore all the questions we asked. And, she just refunded our application fee which we have never asked for. I'm so so so mad right now, and now me and roommate are nowhere to go. SERIOUSLY, THE WORST!! PLEASE AVOID THIS COMPANY FOR YOUR TIME AND SAFETY.

Finally, a property management company that is responsive to maintenance requests AND not out to nickel and dime its residents. Aaron and Scott were very friendly, honest, and helpful, and they returned my security deposit earlier than legally required in California. If I didn't relocate across the country for work, I would still be renting from them. Property managers can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for tenants, but Beacon doesn't.

I was using Beacon Properties to try and see if I can rent a property of theirs in Richmond. I went through the process of filling out an application and giving them a credit card to charge for the credit check. A few days later I noticed the charge for the credit check, which was normal. However, I never received a response from their offices advising me whether I qualified or not. I was just wondering if there was something that I missed to provide or did I forget something. At least I wanted some type of explanation. I made several attempts to make contact with any of their employees either to see if or why I have not received an answer or response. However, I have never received any kind of answer from them. Nevertheless, my credit card was charged $45 with no hesitation at all they knew how to take peoples money, but can't return simple calls or emails. I wonder how or why is this company is still in business, they lack professionalism, responsibility, and ethics.

I applied to an apartment on the Beacon Properties website, shortly after I received an email from Jennifer that my application was processed and approved and that she will send me the lease package. 2 days later she said that the owner has additional applicants and asked if I am flexible with my move-in date. I said I was flexible and even asked what their desired move-in date was. I sent multiple emails asking when I can move in but Jennifer was never to be heard from again........ They just removed the listing and didn't even have decency to inform me.

Friendly and competent staff. I love the online system they added where I can pay rent and make maintenance requests. Very responsive via email and the online system.

Jorge from Beacon Properties was friendly, resourceful, and responsive to all my questions/concerns. I was in the process of relocating from the Central Valley and had a time sensitive timeline I was working with, and he made it possible! I signed a lease and got my apartment keys within a couple of days. Really enjoyed working with him.

I responded to an ad regarding a storage unit for $35.00 per month and, after seeing it, decided to rent it. The application I was given was for an apartment and required a $30.00 credit check fee and wanted a social security number. I spoke with Veronica and mentioned that I did not want my credit run for such a nominal amount in addition to the three (3) month deposit. She said that instead of a credit check I could provide a pay stub. I completed the application, with a money order and pay stub but an older man stated that I would need to have my credit be run and Veronica was wrong. He said that they needed to run my credit to know who I am but a credit check doesn't provide a picture and I was the same person that looked at the storage unit and submitted the application. I saw a vancant apt across from the office so I am guessing they are using the storage posting in an attempt to convert inquires into tenants.

I could tell almost immediately this company had very low standards of operation. I quickly moved on a listing I saw and applied. There is no point of contact other than some woman named Jennifer Bale who sent an email asking for an additional piece of info - first was taking a tremendous amount of time to respond regarding my application and additional info I needed which is frustrating. I tried to follow up a couple of times. Finally a gentleman called me (from a private number) to follow up and said what info I should I send and about a open house. I went ahead and went to the open house listing, and was locked out of the private gate for a period of time until I was able to walk in with a car opening the gate, because again, I have no point of contact. Already annoyed I looked at the place and informed the gentleman I want to move forward if considered. I'm offering one extra star because he seemed like a nice guy and offered some advice. He made it sound like my application was in good status and I would get the place. But as you might imagine I've been emailing Jennifer, my only point of contact to follow-up, and she doesn't respond. I'm convinced this is standard op to suck in $35 application fees. The place has been listed for over a month.. I'm ready to move on it.. and there is no way to get ahold of them. I can imagine what kind of nightmare would occur if urgent maintenance were requested on a rented property.

They've recently started managing the building I've lived in and it's been pretty good going. The manager, Aaron, is great. I've been having a problem with a neighbor who is off kilter a little bit and Aaron has been very understanding and has tried to work with me. ONE MAJOR complaint about this place. Their maintenance people are basically ghetto hood rats. I spoke to a guy who goes by the name MR.GONZALEZ, and he argued with me about 10 minutes on why he didn't have the time to replace my blinds and told me if I wanted it so bad, I should go and do it myself....lousy people to deal with.

I tried to rent a unit with Jennifer and after providing all the documentation the owner requested she stopped answering my emails or calls. I was even offering over the listed rent. Very disappointing and a huge waste of time.

Beacon puts up the numbers as far as being consistent, reliable and by a phone. While I do not expect my property manager to catch someone who vandalized my car, I do expect them to handle their business and work with tenants to make things right so everyone can enjoy their lives in rented spaces. Managing property is managing people and unlike property people can be crazy. Aaron has a firm and realistic grasp of both, property and people- a small group of business handlers.

I hadn't planned on writing any type of review for these guys, but this is the third weekend they've ordered contractors to come by before 10am to do loud, obtrusive work in our building without any type of warning. This time they started at 8am. On a Sunday. FFS. It's really bizarre, because I haven't been able to get them to fix our broken heater for the past month, but they can get these guys in and working on tearing up carpet and replacing windows on Sunday at 8am. Outstanding work, guys.

We have had such an amazing experience with Beacon and their staff! My partner and I moved into our new house in June of this year in Berkeley. The process for seeing and applying for the house during covid was so simple, safe and straightforward. Jennifer was very quick and thorough through the rental process and even met with us on a Sunday to give us the keys a day early. We live in an older house, so things naturally come up from time to time and Scott and his maintenance team have been so responsive and fast to take care of any requests or repairs we have. We even had a pleasant surprise last week and they sent someone out to preemptively inspect the roof and clean out our rain gutters before the rainy season. Did I mention that everything can be taken care of online?! From viewing listing (very amazing photography and videos) to filling out the application, submitting maintenance requests and paying rent - all from the convenience of your couch! Highly recommend Beacon Properties. I've lived in six different places over the course of the last 10 years in the Bay Area and my experience here has far exceeded any other.

What's the deal with this company anyway? Is anyone else having issues with getting a hold of them? For the last 3 weeks I've been trying so hard to reach out to them about a storage unit and garage that they keep listing and renewing on Craigslist. I have been calling them and leaving voicemails and emailing them, altogether about 15 times in the last 3 weeks and no one ever picks up the phone or replies to my voicemails. I even went to their office on 40th St and spoke to someone named Jorge. I told him I was interested in the garage and he gave me his business card and asked me to email him and another worker named Jennifer. I have been emailing both of them and still no reply at all. I have never experienced anything like this ever trying to reach out to a property management company to inquire about a unit. I read one comment from another user who said that these storage units and garage listings are just a ploy to get renters for their apartments. I have no idea of that's true because this is my first time trying to interact with this company but I'm just so perplexed as it why no one is getting back to me after repeated attempts to reach out to them. I really would like to see these units and possibly rent them but I don't really know what I have to do other than calling and emailing them over 15 times LOL. Does anyone have any scoop on Beacon concerning this issue that Im having with them? Thanks!

During this pandemic is has been difficult to view places but I love that they offered great photos plus video tours of their units. The application process was rather simple and I got a fairly quick response letting me know I was approved. We set up a date and time for me to pick up my keys from their office, it was a very nice contactless experience. I would definitely recommend them to friends and family!

I've had many landlords and property managers. NONE have been as helpful and kind as the people working for this property management company. A special thanks to Aaron Young for helping me with my apartment search, even when I started looking at apartments he does not manage. He also offered his assistance when I was in negotiations with another property management company. These are good human beings working here and hope the next time I rent it will be through them. Thanks again, Aaron for all you support and guidance.

I never thought I would ever review a property management company, and if I did it would probably be in the negative! But my domicile is very important to me, more important than almost anything else in my life, and if it is mismanaged with ineptitude or malfeasance then that's a big deal. But if I am treated with respect and my needs are promptly taken care of then they have greatly contributed to my wellbeing and they deserve my gratitude, and BPM has been superior throughout the 12 years I've lived here, I have no complaints, how rare is that! Thanks again Beacon, especially Linda V, you are people are exceptional in every way.

Seems like a lot of folks have complaints about beacon properties. But I'll say they have help me out more than a few times and I've never had any real problem with them. I've rented 2 different properties now. I'll also thank Aaron Young for the assistance in finding a new apartment as well as providing an excellent reference when I went to look for properties outside of beacon. If I can afford to live in Oakland again anytime soon, I'll be calling up beacon again to see what's on the market. Peace Mr. Griffin

My partner and i were looking at an apartment for rent. We had went to the open house, filled out an application, then they immediately told us to send payment of $25 each, which we did. Then as quickly as we sent the payment, the property was already rented out? If it was already rented out they should not have collected any money from us. And of course they don't answer their phones and send delayed emails. Upon further reading reviews of this company, I am very glad we did not go through them. Don't let these guys take your money or give then your bank information, like they ask.

My son rented an apartment through Beacon Properties. We had a positive experience with Beacon and they were prompt at addressing any issues or repairs. My son recently passed away and I want to thank Brian Ambrosia for resolving my sons lease so quickly and reasonably, without any issues at all. We were grateful to work with him.

I have lived in Beacon Property apartment(s) for the past 7.5 years, and highly recommend renting from them. Whenever I have had any requests, concerns, or questions they have been extremely fair and responsive. Aaron is adept at managing any issues that arise in a civil and straightforward manner and Miguel is pretty much the best maintenance guy ever. The property I live on is as charming and unique as the residents that live here. Five stars!

The guys there are decent, understanding, good people. I lived in a property that they managed for almost 6 years, so I know as much as there is to know about them. They were always there when anything broke and after 6 years, they gave me 100% of my deposit back minus a few late fees that I had (understandable). Beacon is a good business.

I like that they let me find someone to replace me when I moved in with my boyfriend. Aaron was awesome about it!!

I have nothing but positive words regarding my experience with Beacon Properties. I rented in the West End Commons for a year which was pleasant. I even paid an overage one month and the staff made sure they credited my next month's rent. Aaron was pleasant and returned my calls, come to think of it he actually called me more than I called him.

I highly rate Beacon Properties specifically property manager, Aaron Young, he is the best. Would recommend him and Beacon Properties for all of my friends.

We employed Beacon for 3 yrs in the mid 2000s. Beacon charged a flat percentage of the rent for their fee but they charged extra for every visit to the building and they found many reasons to visit the building so that their fee ballooned. They rented to tenants without providing the owner with evidence of a credit check. These tenants were often late pays and had to be posted at an extra charge to the owner. The tenants were not required to fill in pre-rent walkthroughs so there was nothing to base repair costs on when they moved. Beacon returned all deposits in full no matter the condition of the apartment so that the owner had to pay for all cleaning and damage costs. Beacon's statements reported expenses for replaced items such as carpeting, and exterior lighting but later we learned that the replacements had not been made. Once they billed for having drapes cleaned, but the drapes were heavily stained and ripped. Clearly, the drapes had not been cleaned and the charge was bogus. The staff person fumbled around saying there must have been a mistake. Finally, when no monthly income was coming in, they were fired. Then we learned that they were using tenant deposits to pay bills and that the building had many neglected plumbing leaks that were causing further damage. Beacon may have improved their performance since then but for these reasons I cannot recommend this company to other property owners.

Maintenance dude George is gone! The new dudes are pretty decent...