Village at West University

Ganesh Swaminathan

Resident • 2016 - 2017

The village at west university is one of the best choices we made. For somebody who cannot afford a nice apartment in the rice village neighborhood , this is the best deal for a lower price. The maintenance staff fix issues either on the same or very next day . We liked the bright rooms and spacious floor plans ( there are options without patio for those who like huge living rooms) . We noticed that the room temperature is maintained pretty cool even when the thermostat is at 77. The bus stop is right at the crossing and the apartment has a back gate to Kroger and a big complex with USPS/hair cut and also few good Italian and Thai food restaurants. This apartment also has easy access to HOV lanes which we often use to goto Hillcroft / University of Houston. Hoping to have a great time @ village at west university and hopefully extend the leasing period.

Current Resident 538440

Resident • 2008 - 2017

My wife and I first moved to Village at West U in 2008; we lived here for 4 years and then moved overseas; once our overseas trip ended we did not hesitate to move back to the Village at West U. This property has a lot of charm since it is has more nature than majority; you actually feel like in a resort due to the palm trees, the roof tiles, beautiful swimming pool, etc. The neighborhood is very nice, very well situated in the city, near everything and overall safe. The maintenance is quick enough and the maintenance personnel is courteous. The front office staff is helpful and we have never had any issue.

Current Resident 505828

Resident • 2016 - 2017

I've just re-signed my lease here. I love this place for it's management, beauty, security and amenities. Also the location is very convenient for everything within the loop. The pool is gorgeous and the main office lobby is very impressive. And I'm a senior and they graciously allowed an apartment discount~I couldn't recommend this place more. I have a big "welcome home sigh" each time I return. Francie

hksethi

Resident • 2016 - 2017

I have lived in this community for more than 7 months now on 3rd level. the proximity to work and stores in the area, as well as being in the West University Rice area, is a big time attraction. I have read through previous comments, however, I dont agree to most of it. Here is my view : Maintenance : the apartment is well maintained, with grenery and plants around. The service on any request for work order is very quick. the office staff is courteous specially Joshua, Kathy, Carolina and Tony Security : the security guard takes a round of the apartment and also checks ID of the people entering in. they dont let you to enter if you dont have access code of the visiting apartment and a ID proof in the late evening. they have recently tightened security with new gate codes, pass codes and iron arms to prevent tail gating of cars. Lease Renewals Even though i was not in country when my lease renewal came in, Josh was on leave, he ensured some one from his staff assisted me. Response on emails can be slow as they get tons of emails, but they responded well on emails and helped me with renewals sitting far off. They guided me in right direction whenever i was stuck due to my moving assignments. My calls or visits have never been left unaswered or ignored. I have loved my stay here so far.

Christopher2016

Resident • 2016 - 2017

Do not live on the top floor if you choose to live here. We have raccoons every other month and all our other top floor neighbors have the same problem, and put in service requests and complaints as well, but their traps never catch the raccoons and they do not seal up the gaps in the soffits that they are getting in through. Joshua of the main office is the least helpful person I've ever tried to work with. How on earth he got manager is simply crazy. They changed the parking policy as well, so you can no longer get people towed out of your parking space if joshua is no longer at the office. When they first changed the policy, we were promised, he would be available at any time to tow people, however, a few short months after the change, he said he would no longer be available to tow after hours, which is of course the only time you need it. The spots are also too small if you have 2 suv's or trucks next to each other. Had the bed of my truck broken into inside the gated complex and with a bed cover.

agent one

Prospect • Visited 2017

I called this property last Wednesday and was told that they had 6 months leases for $50.00 extra a month when I showed in person today they denied that they did then said they would at maket rate what ever that is would not rent form this place and will tel leveryone I know how I was treated

bjm3

Resident • 2016 - 2017

Absolutely would not recommend. Mainly rented at this location for proximity to work and family in the area. The unit wasn't bad, albeit dated. Really not sure what the obsession with white is, but if you're looking for a little color, you won't find it here. The garage leaked water onto my car during bouts of rain and left paint residue that would not come off in the car wash, requiring me to pay to have it buffed out. Many residents leave trash all over the garage as well as shopping carts from the Kroger behind the property, which makes the place look like a bus stop. There was a foul up with moving out (seems to be a common theme after reading this page) and they forced me to pay for another months rent. They delivered the renewal terms via a note slipped under my door over Christmas holidays (6 days before they wanted a decision) while I was out of town, essentially forcing me to renew to avoid the extra month at an extremely elevated rate. I gave notice to leave as soon as I returned and believed I had it figured out after talking to one of the ladies in the front office. I soon found out they had been overruled by the manager Josh, who answered all of my questions with silence and an expression like I was stupid. He basically told me to go kick rocks. I asked for a number for his superior, and was given the main line to the parent company, which sent me to a hotline voicemail that never returned my 5 calls. At this point I'm just glad to be done with these people. Rent at your own risk. These people are either clueless to the flaws in their procedures, or are out to make an extra buck at your expense. Either one is totally unacceptable.

Current Resident 7786

Resident • 2015 - 2016

My lease is up next month, and the only reason I'm moving is due to relocating with work. I love the location, the property is well maintained, and the staff is always friendly. I mostly worked wtih Kathy, and she is fantastic!! big thumbs up!!

karritous1

Resident • 2013 - 2016

Living at the village at west university has been an excellent experience. My family and I find the amenities and space arrangements better than adequate, and suitable to our way of life. We especially appreciate the manager, Josh, for being so responsive to all of our needs and special requests. He adds the extra touch to the complex of excellent service we have come to appreciate.

janetyli86

Resident • 2015 - 2016

I had bad experiences from the moment I moved into my apartment until the moment I'm trying to move out. 1. When I first moved here, I wasn't aware that a murder had occurred in this apartment complex. I only found out when I was looking for the apartment complex website and the search option "village at west university shooting" appeared on Google. 2. I gave my 60 day notice 10 days late because I was on vacation and was not able to turn in the form (even though I had given verbal 60 day notice). I was supposed to move out May 31. Now they say that I have to stay until the END of June 30 (MORE than 60 days). They're also charging me month-to-month rate. My normal rent is $1745, month to month is $2540 with a fee of $100. I asked the manager to work on this with me to reach an agreement and they have removed the fee of $100. However, I am still responsible to pay the $2450, which is $800 more! I called the corporate office 4 times and each time they refer me to a "Resident Relations Line." I left 3 voicemails in 2 days but they still have not returned my phone calls. 3. I had a significant bug infestation during the summer. I live on the first floor. After it rained one day, I had hundreds of these red bugs covering my floor. Then I would find cockroaches and other bugs crawling around every day. I asked them to get pest control to fix the problem. The pest control people came by to spray the apartment several times, but the problem seemed to persist. The bugs only went away around the winter time in Jan. I'm afraid that they will come back in the summer time. 4. My AC broke the last week of August, leaking water all over the floor. It soaked the carpet, the closet wall, the door frame. I could not close my door. My closet reeked. My first service request was placed August 27th. I had to place SIX requests over the course of TWO WEEKS to get this problem fixed. The last request was placed on September 12. 5. The complex is located on the corner of Westpark and Edloe. As a result, it can be very noisy from traffic. My apartment was facing the street so I was always woken by up cars in the morning. 6. Break-ins. There have been several. 7. Difficulty paying rent. They do not allow rent to be split between two roommates. One person has to pay the entire thing. Also, they have screwed up my name and I cannot do automatic rent payment on rentpayment.com.

Current Resident 698662

Resident • 2015 - 2016

Would not recommend this place. The office staff is nice, but pretty clueless and unhelpful. I arrived here on my move in day (car full of stuff, cat, 14 hours worth of driving behind me) and my apartment was not ready. They didn't call me either to tell me that it wasn't going to be ready on my move in date. I sat around for hours and eventually stayed at a hotel for a night. It obviously put a damper in the whole move-in schedule. The office staff continues to be unhelpful. They recently sent an email that we need to pick up our packages because they don't have room for them, but followed that by saying that are going to cut back their office hours for the winter. I'll be moving out as soon as my lease is up. Pros: Overall, the apartment has been fine. Good size, good location, big closet, relatively quiet.

Current Resident 841123

Resident • 2013 - 2014

This place is great. Lived here for a year before I moved back home (out of state). The ground were well kept, the maintenance staff was awesome, esp. Their housekeeper. If you need someone to watch your place or check your mail, talk to the office and they will get you squared away. The office staff is always great. Overall great location great neighbors and very very quite. I would live here again.

Current Resident 357430

Resident • 2009 - 2014

It is way overpriced for the low quality and old amenities. Don't get fooled by the nice exterior. Interior is nothing like that! I noticed some other tenants already left similar reviews so trust us when we tell you it's nothing like the photos you see online on their website. My reviews are solely based on my personal experience. The Pros: 1) The location is close to west park. It used to be a convenience as you could get to highway with little problem however it has become worse considering the constructions in the area. 2) The landscape was nice 3) The maintenance staff were very friendly to me and they did their best to help. Just remember only the "maintenance staff" not the management. The Cons: I have a very long list but here is what comes to my mind. 1) Very low quality amenities; the apartment claims to be Luxury but you will immediately notice the interior is not. Old oven, microwave, etc. 2) Security was a joke! Often we had break ins. Both for cars and for apartments! A lot of people might not have reported the break ins to authorities as most of the neighbors are professionals who work during the day but often we received notification from the management that some break in happened! 3) You only have the option to go with slow AT&T services. I wouldn't take this a lot against them but many Luxury apartments have the option for different vendors. 4) Noise, Noise, Noise.... If your apartment is close toward the shopping mall (/Kroger) you will definitely have a LOT of noise. The Kroger staff and trucks worked over night (every night) even on the weekend. Don't forget it is a 24 hr store. The trucks particularly were noisy starting 1AM ish till morning. Also, it wasn't only a constant noise, it was random and multiple noises caused by dropping items, etc. so personally I would call that one of the worst cons against the apartment at least those close to Kroger. 5) Move out : They will charge you for every thing even normal wear and tear. 6) High Monthly contract fees: After 4 years staying in the place I needed to extend 1 more month however they charged extra $500 for that month. There is no courtesy even if you stay there for many years. Generally other apartments in the area charge $100 to $150 extra and even in some cases managers waive the extra fees for the loyal tenants. Anyway, I never got that courtesy from the West University. In Summary: If you have another choice, look around. I am certain you can definitely find better deals. At least I did!

Current Resident 730889

Resident • 2011 - 2014

Skip it! With so many other nice complexes in the area, and tons of new ones being constructed, why pay for 80's decor (kitchens are SO outdated) and lousy management? The staff in the management office are asleep at the wheel. They will be kind and friendly when you are looking, but the moment you sign the lease, they forget about you. If you show up in person to ask for something, they'll promise it to you, just to get you to leave so that no prospective renters in the waiting area hear you, and then they'll never follow-up. I agree with the previous comment about security. The gate is open all the time because there's so much traffic through it. Totally easy for bad guys to get in. Bunches of bikes have been stolen and cars broken into. I finally moved out last week and even driving past that exit on the freeway gives me awful memories.

Current Resident 537511

Resident • 2012 - 2014

This place is going downhill fast. The new manager ----, likes to be as unavailable as possible. He almost hides from residents. If you do get a chance to actually talk to him, don't bring up any concerns unless you're ready for a pile of excuses. Security is a joke. With over 300 units and only one point of exit/entry, how hard is it to simply follow someone in when the gate is open? Answer: not hard at all, especially if you are a smart crook and know to target morning and evening rush hours when the gate's basically always open. On a weekly basis we get notices that there's been another theft or apartment break-in. Ironically, they seemed to peak after an annual routine inspection of sprinkler systems. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that's an inside job after apartment staff had cased the places with the really good stuff worth stealing while "Inspecting" the sprinklers. Gues parking is nonexistent (fourth floor only of the parking garage, and if you don't live near it, your guest will be super pissed for having walk forever to get to your unit). Basically, the management and staff have the combined IQ of an amoeaba. Run from this place. Run fast.

Current Resident 521701

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Pretty good place to live. Great location inside the loop. Freeway access. Can hear the freeway in some places but you get used to it. Walking distance to Kroger is convenient. Wish the appliances were newer, parking was more convenient, and rent was slightly lower.

rz67

Resident • 2014

As a current resident who just moved in about 2 months ago, my husband and I love this place! #1, it's safe, and in one of the best locations in Houston. Also, the staff are incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional. The property is well-maintained, everywhere from the parking lots to the office building to the hallways. The apartment interior is gorgeous, with arched doorways, big closets, and wood floors (in some rooms). We chose this place from 5 others in the same area. The only complaint I have is almost everyday during the day there is noise due to maintenance/custodial/gardening crew working. But, if that's what it takes to keep the place clean and beautiful-looking, I can deal with it.

Current Resident 610766

Resident • 2014

Excellent experience so far. Staff was very helpful and attentive to my particular needs, which was speed to move in, total process only took 6 days. Grounds are nice, residents seem friendly, good location with shopping and dining establishments nearby. Great access to freeways and downtown. Maintenance staff friendly and responsive. So far so good.

Current Resident 941569

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Lived here since November and i LOVE it. The people at the front desk are so nice. If I call to get something fixed or replaced in the apt, the maintenance men come super fast. Ive had no problems here. The apt complex is clean and nice. The parking is not an issue since everyone gets parking in the garage. The parking garage is lit up, the guest parking spots are on the 3,4,5th floors (a little high up BUT at least guest can park in a safe garage). Security guards are available 24/7, if guests come past hours and need to get into the gate, the security guard takes down the persons name, license plate and the apt of the person their visiting (gets all info for security and safety purposes). I feel very safe here and would recommend this apt complex to EVERYONE. the only down fall is, they don't accept dogs.

Current Resident 931029

Resident • 2012 - 2014

So far I've had a good experience here. I love that there's a security guard at the gate and the maintenance guys are quick to respond especially willie! I have had a problem with the noise from Kroger accepting deliveries in the evening hours

flaleao10

Resident • 2013

I moved in October and to be honest the best place that I found in Houston. Easy to access and so quiet. Practice and convenience place to live with Family also. I have assistance when I need. The leasing Specialists are great. Gym is clean and the complex is FANTASTIC. I recommend The Village at West University.

bink1016

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Don't be deceived by the Mediterranean roofs. Nothing special about this place unless the outside looks are all that matter to you. move on, there are better apts in the area. the interior is nothing like the exterior, all that money for stucco and Mediterranean roof tiles but no granite counters, the center divider in almost every window is broke(look if you go youll see them) cheap carpet which they'll probably try to make you pay for whether or not its ruined. old thermostats don't work very well and light bulbs burn out ever 2-3 months untill i eventually bought my own longer life bulbs. parking is a mess and your usually stuck in the sun on the fourth floor because each apartment is only assigned one spot no matter how many people/vehicles you have and guest parking starts on the 3rd floor with maybe 6 spots on each floor. BUT BY FAR THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT!!! When trying to sign our lease it was pretty obvious how disorganized they were, we had to go back three times to finish everything, the first they said all three residents had to be there at the same time witch i didn't understand but we made time and did it. Low and behold the lease wasn't ready even though we made an appointment and then they said we didn't have to be there at the same time after that...duh!! However the biggest problem I had while living there and the reason i will not rent from any Finger Property again in my life is the way they treat you, my girlfriend came over to visit with her 5 lb chihuahua, not knowing they don't allow dogs, which i was never informed of during lease signing. and was followed to my apartment and was told to leave and asked if she needed a place to board him. This made her very upset, understandably when you're kicked out of someplace rudely without being asked. when i called the office to say that i understand they don't allow dogs and thats their rules, which is another issue entirely, they were rude and dismissive and didn't comprehend that I was upset with the way they handled the situation. I cannot express here how rude and disrespective they are. if customer service means anything to you STAY AWAY!!!! there are better properties with better management and you don't realize how important that is until you come across people like this. This isn't to mention the murder that happened here one night after a party that i found about while living here. google it and you'll see. bottom line look elsewhere, not worth it.

renter201008

Resident • 2011 - 2013

UNQUALIFIED and RUDE. Think twice before you rent this place. My wife and I have lived in the apartment for two years. We've never paid our rent late, never. In fact, For all properties we've rented, there was never a billing problem. After we moved out we were told they'll mail the final bill to our forwarding address. Three weeks after the lease ends (July 31, 2013) we didn't received any bill. We called and -------- from Village at West University told us they just mailed out the bill and it should arrive soon. We asked if she can provide an electronic bill and she refused. On Sept 3rd we still didn't receive any bill. We gave them another call and -------- told us to wait, again. On Sept 10th we gave the them the third call asking if they can resend the bill and -------- still told us to wait. When we asked for more information like resending the bill or electronic bill, she told us she's busy and she will call us back. But she NEVER did. On Sept 18th we gave them the fourth call and gave them a second address in case the first mail was lost. The other guy answered the phone and promised to call us back but they NEVER did. HOWEVER, on Sept 25th we received a call from NCS (National Credit Services, a Debt collector) saying that we still owe Village at West University money. After the call we immediately contacted Village at West University and they confirmed that they have sent our bill to the collector (but they can't confirm the date) because we didn't pay the bill within 45 days after the lease ends. When we asked about we've been trying to contact and she said: "I NEVER RECEIVED ANY CALL FROM YOU!" We asked for electronic bill AGAIN and this time she magically sent us the bill. On the bill, the NAME and ADDRESS are WRONG and that's the reason we never received the bill. We were very angry. But still we politely asked we can still pay the amount and would they withdraw the bill from the collector. -------- answered with: "NO, BECAUSE IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER MONTH AND IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE". When we asked we didn't receive the bill because the bill was not sending the correct NAME and ADDRESS and she replied: "I'VE CONFIRMED THE ADDRESS AND I CAN'T CONTROL USPS". After reading the reviews here we start to feel discriminated. It is a SERIOUS problem and We are collecting all evidence and asking lawyers for help. Again, Think twice before you rent this place.

Current Resident 76175

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Um, what's with management blowing up the review board here recently. Do they think we're that stupid?

Goodnews42

Resident • 2011 - 2013

The property is fantastic. The landscaping is beautiful and the grounds and buildings are well-maintained year-round. I live on an upper level and I feel safer having parking on my level . The business center was very convenient while I was waiting for my Internet to be set up. WiFi is available in the business center and apartments if you need it. All staff are courteous and helpful. I like the location near The Village and other shopping, Rice University, the Medical Center and easy access to 59. I definitely recommend the Village at West University.