素坤逸71号极点广场公寓(Zenith Place Condo Sukhumvit 71)

The staff were polite, and I liked the apartment and the neighborhood.

Convenience is the main draw here, with street markets all around and a spot on Sukhumvit main road between On Nut and Phra Khanong BTS stations. The condominium complex is clean and compact, with a small semi-outdoor pool and a small gym.

The unit itself had a roomy living area and a modern look, though the listing called it two bedrooms and the smaller room was really only big enough for a cot or a desk. The pool and gym were there, but the pool was often closed for “maintenance,” security sometimes hurried people out 20-30 minutes before closing, and the sauna had been shut permanently. Parking was passable, but getting in through the market alley was tight, and moving trucks or taller vehicles couldn't reach the building apart from one small space by the market. The location was a real plus, with a bus stop, 7-Eleven, and fresh market right outside. The building itself was another story. In our corner unit, the neighbor's air conditioner sat just behind the bed wall and vibrated through it. We tried insulating the wall and quieting the unit, without success. The plumbing was also troublesome. After several plumbers tried, they said the building's plumbing was poorly designed. The hallway by the gym and pool entrance often smelled like a septic tank. Management and maintenance were rude, lazy, and incompetent in our experience. With our landlord's permission we tried to bring in our own contractors, but management wouldn't let them in and wouldn't handle the repairs themselves. They also redid common-area tiles unnecessarily, with work dragging on for months. Across the board, they were very slow and generally unable to fix things. It's the worst property management company I've dealt with, despite having good relationships with previous managers and my current one. The place seemed designed to look attractive to condo buyers and investors, but the long-term quality and management let it down. I feel sorry for the people who invested there. No building is perfect, so check your unit carefully before signing a lease.

The location is great, but take a close look at the contract and everything in the room before renting. In particular, be careful with unit 130 and its appliances and furniture. When you leave, the owner may deduct as much as 60% of the deposit in fees that seem unreasonable. Even old appliances can lead to charges for small scratches or dirt. If you want to avoid feeling “scammed,” look for a landlord who offers a fair agreement for both sides. Good luck, and enjoy your stay.