206 Bell Apartments

The apartments have good layouts, and the kitchens and bathrooms are decent quality. The building is professionally managed, staff are generally welcoming, and the maintenance guy is great at getting most issues fixed within 48 hours. But the insulation is nearly nonexistent. I expected airtight windows in a building built in 2013, yet cold air comes through gaps, even around outlets near the windows. The hall regularly smells of tobacco and weed despite the no-smoking rule, and some residents have loud fights with a changing cast of guests. The street out front is often full of people I think may be junkies and drug dealers. Now they want to raise my total year-two payments by 17%, which feels steep, especially when they seem so eager to fill units that they're bringing in questionable tenants.

The unit itself was fine, though apartments on Bell St. and 2nd St. can be noisy because of all the activity. I'd guess floors 5 and up might be quieter, since they're farther from street level. I lived here for three years and went through three property managers. With the current management company, I was uncomfortable with the repeated messages telling residents not to let non-tenants in, under threat of some kind of penalty. It put the burden on us to judge who looked like a tenant, which I don't think is my job and could invite discrimination. I also had questions about the contracted security: sometimes someone was there at night, sometimes no one was, and at times someone slept or stayed in the lobby. Getting in touch with management was another problem. Office hours kept changing, the person meant to do my move-out inspection wasn't there and someone else handled it, and my phone calls and emails often got a reply that someone was out of office. They asked me to renew seven months before the lease ended and gave me only a month to decide. The wording felt oddly punitive and much too early. I was also charged for cleaning and repainting after moving out. I'd cleaned substantially, and the inspection listed no damage, so the charges surprised me. My impression is that repainting and deep cleaning are routine turnover costs. The lease may mention them, but if it doesn't, people should take note.

I got back just $60 from my $900 deposit after living at 206 Bell for three years. They kept $300 for cleaning, though I'd agreed to the service without ever being told the rate, and the apartment was empty. I was also billed for painting even though the unit had been occupied for four years and repainting is normal between tenants, plus an outlet cover and two months of “back utilities.” That last charge makes no sense to me since I paid a utility bill every month. I also went through three different leasing companies during my time there. The rooftop is great when it's open and the elevators are working, but I wouldn't recommend moving here. Give it a year and they may have another leasing company.

The location's a big plus: there are lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance, and the waterfront is about six minutes away on foot. I haven't had any complaints after around three months at 206 Bell. Management is responsive and professional, the residents get fun events, the building stays clean, and the elevators have always been in service. There are people experiencing homelessness in the neighborhood, so if that bothers you, take a look around before touring.