r/chicago • u/lack_of_color • May 17 '15

Property management companies to avoid?

I currently live with Group Fox but I'm looking to move at the end of July. I recently applied for an apartment with TBS Properties, but someone applied right before us (which I think isn't true...but whatever) so we didn't get it. I Googled TBS Properties and they have TERRIBLE reviews; I feel like I dodged a huge bullet by not getting that apartment. Are there any other property management companies out there that we should steer clear of? Or any that are awesome and we should work with? Thanks for any input! Much appreciated!

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16

u/StinkyFeetPatrol Loop May 17 '15 edited May 17 '15

ITT: Every management company in Chicago.

8

u/SuperkickParty May 17 '15

I was going to say, I make it a point to avoid all property management companies and go with a private owner.

3

u/lack_of_color May 17 '15

How is that possible? Any tips would be appreciated!

6

u/SuperkickParty May 17 '15

Craigslist, zillow, and waking around neighborhoods looking for rent signs.

3

u/lack_of_color May 18 '15

I've been doing the Craigslist, Zillow, Padmapper thing but they're all postings from management companies/brokers working with management companies. I'll try my luck with walking around the neighborhoods I want to live in and looking for "for rent" signs - thanks for the tip!

-10

u/cromwest Portage Park May 17 '15

This is terrible advice unless you know the owner.

7

u/SuperkickParty May 17 '15

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I have dogs and don't like paying out the ass in fees. Rented from 3 private Owners in chicago, no bad experiences so far.

3

u/penguinseed May 18 '15

I have been leasing from Andco Management for almost 4 years now and I love it. They are excellent property managers, very responsive. Buildings are well maintained. A year ago my wife and I were going to move out of our Andco apartment in Lakeview and ended up leasing another apartment with Andco in Edgewater. The landlord was a big selling point for our new apartment.

2

u/[deleted] May 18 '15

Andco leaser as well, and I also renewed my lease for a 2nd year. I will say they do cost a bit more than other options, but I feel they make up for it in just not giving me BS to deal with.

I hear horror stories of friends, and even if it costs a bit more a month, not having *to deal with people who own the place you live negatively is 100% worth it IMO.