Webster Apartments

My partner and I lived here for eight months. The over all experience living here was pretty okay. Our kitchen floor tiles were cracked when we moved in, (which was documented as not our fault, but still inconvenient to live with) the heating system was extremely annoying, especially when it would start VERY LOUDLY banging and clanging at 2am for several hours, the heating system was definitely one of the worst things about living here. The water pressure was below medium, and it would always be a gamble as to whether or not you would get hot water. They have 2 washers and 2 dryers for the entire building, and no change machine to get quarters on site. The windows dont have screens and some of them would not stay open on their own. The mailboxes are flimsy and there was apparently a lot of mail theft. The only recycling they had was for cardboard and glass, which was quite frustrating.

There were some good things, like the location. Close to lots of things and transit. The apartment manager, Jeffery, is a very nice guy who was always quick to help. The community in and around the building was very nice. Dog friendly, no fees or rent for dogs which is awesome. Clean hallways. Secure building entry. And a pretty cool, if not very old, elevator. Affordable rent.

Anywhere you live is what you make it. While this was definitely not the most glamorous place we have ever lived, its also not the worst.

I don't exactly 'dislike' The Webster Apartments, but I am not very happy with them right now, and cannot give a three star rating at this time. I am moving in next week, and so far the experience has been less than stellar. I paid a holding fee but have yet to receive a lease or any material about the move in costs and prorated rent. I have been told a few different times that I would get items 'later today or tomorrow' but they never came, and I never received a follow up phone call or email explaining the delays. Throughout the process, I had to schedule appointments to apply for a unit, turn in paperwork, drop off the holding fee, etc., and the process for scheduling the appointments was exhausting. They had to be scheduled around my work schedule, and it was akin to having to hunt people down to do it - I had to call several different numbers (I STILL don't know the correct number to call for something) until I was able to reach someone as I never received a return call for any of my voice mails. I understand that one staff member is no longer with the company and the staff is scrambling to cover, but this is not the first time I have had this type of experience. When I was looking to move from Seattle to Tacoma last year and called about an apartment at The Webster, I had the same experience. Further, I took part of the day off to drive down and view an apartment but could not reach anyone after arrival. As a result, ended up I renting elsewhere. The kicker - my call was FINALLY returned. Two. Weeks. Later. I have not even had a tour of the property. Yesterday, I made arrangements to take photos of the unit and I mentioned that I hadn't had a tour and would like to at least see the laundry room. I would have been very upset if I didn't call to follow up on why I had not received the lease as told I would - I called about an hour before the appointment and it needed to be rescheduled. A call first thing in the morning would have been nice, as a friend who was going to accompany me and measure for shelving for me had taken off work early and was on the way from Seattle. :-/ At any rate, I was shown where the laundry room was, but the manager didn't have the key with her so I didn't get to see it. I am one of the folks who was profoundly affected by the economic downturn, and I am downsizing to save money and address some outstanding issues. I chose the Webster because it is a very nice property and is convenient to work, but the service is lacking to say the least. I hope this experience is not indicative of my stay there....

My girlfriend lived here and had numerous items stolen from her mail