The Howard Urban Apartments

"So I completed one year here on July 2023, and I have to say, renewing my lease was possible one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made. You see, the apartments are okay, I won't lie and say they're really good or terrible, they're just okay for the age of the complex itself. Apparently most, if not all of the apartments had new furniture (cabinets, flooring I believe, new stoves and refrigerators) added some time prior to my initial lease in 2022. But, the actual essential items in the apartments, at least in mine, were left in as-is condition with no sign of initial maintenance or refurbishing prior to my move. This included the faucet system, restroom hardware, a new door lock that isn't questionably holding up, and most importantly, an up-kept HVAC system. Oh yeah, I HAVE NO A/C IN SUMMER. It's only been two days, but the lack of an emergency service number is downright unacceptable. According to the email confirmations when a service request is made, if something is an emergency (I'd imagine lack of A/C would qualify in 100+ weather) I can call a separate number from the normal office one to request help. This number does not exist. In the past, we've also had to deal with 24 hours without water (not just me but half the entire complex), and basically weekly water outages because something is always getting repaired, and they don't send any notifications prior but instead the day of, meaning if you wake up later than most people (literally anything after 10 most times), you will have no water available. This is really the most frustrating thing about living here, how such essential things are just not fixed permanently, and are in a constant state of being fixed. The plumbing is without the biggest annoyance, and now I have to suffer another night sleeping in a room with 97 degree temperatures. For the price one is paying, this is downright unacceptable. And as nice as the management is, specifically Erin who I am fairly sure manages everything by herself, it still doesn't make up for the constant discomfort and inconvenience one has to deal with, especially when such essential things are pushed back till weekdays and I can't get a hold of someone on a Sunday, and this must suffer the intensity of Texas heat. Edit: December 14th, once again the water was shut off without prior notice. Even now no email has been sent informing the residents about the water shut off."

"ROACHES, I’ve lived here for 6 months and have seen an obscure amount of roaches for a “newly renovated” apartment. It’s an infestation that has been fumigated and sprayed twice for and nothing has subsided. And infestation takes up to weeks to remove and was known it was a problem previous to my arrival. All my current residing neighbors made it known to me that was the reason the previous tenant left. I have requested a unit transfer just anything for my veteran husband, myself and my two dogs to live somewhere where it’s even habitable. I can’t comfortably cook or leave a snack out. My dogs food has roaches now. I’ve left several voicemails and texts to the office number (which states in the office voicemail it is okay to do so for an “immediate” response. I’ll add pictures shortly."

"I’ve lived here for about a year and I really enjoy this apartment complex: the location is good, the price is decent, and the neighbors are considerate. The new management/current leasing managers as well as the maintenance staff are really easy to talk to, and easy to contact (through text or call). The apartment itself, for me, is perfect and everything I need."

"I love my new apartment! The ladies at the leasing office are very attentive and understanding. I love the location and how quiet it is. I have previously had to have maintenance come to my place and they always come in pretty soon after I mention the issue. I would recommend it to anyone."

"I like my apartment. I’m close to school and I can afford a nice, clean, safe two bedroom near campus without having to work (I receive financial aid for full time classes). There’s good schools in the area for children. For students looking for something less expensive than Tobin and not run down like a lot of the older complexes in the area, I recommend The Howard. It’s beautifully renovated and I’m perfectly content with not paying extra for “amenities” I wouldn’t use much anyway. (SAC has a gym and a pool for student use). There’s mostly families and students living here and it’s generally clean and quiet. I love the view of downtown, too. I’m absolutely renewing my lease. The application and approval process was easy and fast. Management cares about the residents and treat us like we’re personal friends. I had a downstairs unit and preferred upstairs, I was allowed to transfer as soon as an upstairs unit was available. No complaints. The online portal to pay rent is convenient, but the office on site is open 6 days a week as well."