523 GAYLEY APARTMENTS LTD LP · avg 2.6 ★★★★★ · Los Angeles
“Updated review from "Current Resident 5/20/21: Thankfully, the regional managers for Decron Properties agreed to remedy this issue and reimburse the treatment sessions missed. They and their customer service reps responded very quickly and professionally (and actually listened) when I reported the situation up to them.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Avoid Decron Properties at all costs!!! I was a resident of their Ariel Court building this summer (2019) and it was and continues to be the worst rental experience I have ever had. Firstly, the company has several fraudulent claims on their website, such as the "state of the art" gym (which when you move in they'll reveal that the equipment is so old that it doesn't event work). Secondly, the property manager, Dayana Barragan is truly incompetent and Decron could not be less professional. Dayana processed a debt claim against me despite never informing me of my final move out balance. This gross oversight in Dayana's part has resulted in a ding to my credit score. She unsurprisingly has not been able to resolve the issue (since she couldn't even get my new address correct despite having it spelt out in our email correspondence). I have reported Decron to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau but am writing this review in case anyone is considering renting with Decron. I would highly recommend avoiding this company altogether because it can only end poorly. They are a complete fraud. I am happy to verify any of this info as knowing Decron they will try to absolve themselves of any blame. If you are interested in the details continue reading: Upon moving out I was asked for my new address to receive the final statement balance to pay off any remaining amount. Dayana sent the balance to an incorrect address despite my email correspondence with her clearly stating the new address. It took a month of back and forth emails with Dayana to clear this up. I never received an official copy of the final statement but was finally emailed me a copy. They had thrown in several extra charges like an apt painting even though I lived there for two months and the apt was not painted when I moved in. After disputing these charges with Dayana she said that she would check and get back to me with a final amount. I never heard back from Dayana. Months later I receive a notice from my bank that Ariel Court has processed a debt claim against me (despite NEVER confirming what amount I owed). I have tried to speak to a representative from Decron for the last two months to no avail. The phone always goes to voicemail and you will only get a call back if you are interested in renting an apt. Dayana has tried to say that she is not to blame although I have the entire email correspondence as record of her many mistakes. I even sent a check per Dayana's request only for her to say that actually she was unable to clear the "debt". Truly a nightmare of a person and firm to deal with. Avoid this scam of a management company.”
“I lived here in 2000-1. Liked the 3rd floor studio and balcony layout but felt like I was not alone for the entire year I lived there. I had some haunting experiences there and was glad to get out of there. But besides those experiences still loved the studio layout but always and still wonder if something happened in that unit.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Ok all personal attacks on the manager aside because it should not be personal and this girl just makes herself look stupid, has nothing to do with the individual, he works for a CORPORATION idiot. I LOVE living at this building. Don't fall for stupid comments made by people who probably live at home with their parents after graduating from UCLA. This building is a GREAT place to live, the new management kicks ---.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“okay so the last few good reviews? guess what, management bribed them from tenants. the first five people to write good reviews about ariel court would get jamba juice gift certificates. you had to print out what you wrote and show it to them and they would give you a gift certificate. isn't it weird that there are bad reviews and suddenly these GLOWING reviews? this is the worst apartment around this area. it's a nightmare. the manager is a UCLA grad. how fcking depressing. you go to UCLA and all you managed to do is manage an apartment complex? what a complete loser. we kept our apartment SUPER CLEAN and we got close to nothing back. the manager even told me everything looks good and that i wouldn't have to pay for this and that but guess what, i ended up having to pay for it. everything is super old and there are HOLES literally HOLES in your kitchen where big insects will come into your kitchen. and one day they switched the lock on my mailbox...without telling me! i couldn't even access my mailbox until i could track down the manager. they have ONE...ONE!! poor mexican lady doing the cleaning for the entire complex. they charge us 150 bucks to clean each apartment when they're probably paying her minimum wage. what a joke. seriously there are maaaany more places to live than here. TAKE MY ADVICE. DO NOT LIVE HERE. DECRON PROPERTIES IS RUN BY A ------. and oh yeah one night, around 4 am, my friend had to go down to the parking garage. two black/mexican guys were in the hallway on the first floor doing something shady. they FOLLOWED MY FRIEND DOWN TO THE GARAGE AND WAITED FOR HER. she had to wait in her freakin car until they left. management said they would install security cameras. NOT ONE IN SIGHT. everyone knows the code to the front door and then from there, they can get to whatever apartment they want. do yourself a HUUUGE favor and don't live here.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“I recently moved into Ariel Court for the year as a UCLA student. The landlord made sure to have my apartment completely re-done: new paint, new carpet, new fixtures, new shower head, new faux wood floors, new ceiling fan, and new knobs on everything. The apartment was deep cleaned and beautiful and has remained that way! The landlord is incredibly helpful, knowledgable, and approachable. I feel comfortable, as a young female student, living alone for the summer until my roommate moves into the apartment in the fall. The only complaints are: my Amazon package was stolen/misplaced when I sent it to this apartment. They don't have a designated mail-room, and so it was (officially) delivered, but I never actually received it. And, the noise from my street (Gayley) is terrible due to construction, but I can always close a window and ignore it. Otherwise, it is a wonderful place to live! The exterior and interior are always clean and attractive. The maintenance and administrative staff are all so kind and respond immediately to any questions I have. Overall, I would DEFINITELY recommend Ariel Courts to any UCLA students looking for an apartment literally across the street with minimal noise, always clean, and full of knowledgable staff. :)”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“This apartment building is not only within walking distance to UCLA and Westwood Village, its also such a great building to live in! Maintenance is wonderful with keeping Ariel Court looking great. Under New Management, Thumbs up! Already see improvements.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Ariel Court apartments have been a great place to live as a UCLA student. The apartments are right across the street from campus and a block away from the student union. I live in a spacious studio apartment that has more great amenities than I could have hoped for at an affordable price. My roommate and I comfortably live in a large studio which feels more like a one bedroom since the sleeping area has blinds that easily create two distinct rooms when privacy is preferred to the large open layout. We also have the luxury of a 2 walk-in closets, a dishwasher, a heating/AC unit, and a large balcony right in our unit. The building has an elevator and closeted trash chutes on every floor which are nice for those of us in the upper levels. The security of the building is a big plus for us too. The front door requires a key or code to get in and the garages are gated and well lit. The most fun amenities are the pool, spa, sauna, and gym out back. The gym has ample equipment and there's always space to work out there. The management has recently changed and the new manager, Marcello, has been doing great things in the building. He's very nice and lives in the building so he's really available. He's made living here very easy since he's very concerned with knowing us and making sure we're all taken care of. He's a UCLA grad who's working to make the building a fun place with monthly newsletters, improvements and updates throughout the building, and an upcoming "Resident Appreciation Day." All of the repairs we request are taken care of next-day by the building's maintenance guy, Carlos, who is very nice. The building is also very clean thanks to our housekeeper, Alejandra, who is there every weekday. Another big reason I chose this apartment was because of their dog policy. I have a small service dog who at the time I moved in was still unregistered but they allowed me to get a professional recommendation for him in lieu of the $300 one time pet deposit for small cats and dogs. The staff are all very friendly with him and he loves the apartment as well!”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“This Building is great. I've lived in the building for the past year in a half and haven't had any major issues. The pool is heated year round. The facilities are cool. I have a great view. The manager responds to any issues quickly. I've enjoyed living here, and would recommend it to friends.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Moved in from August 2010- August 2011. I never received a prorated special for one month free for the Manager Carla claimed she doesnt remember the deal, never initially did a proper walk-in with the manager who later charged me for burnt carpet, my friend never got the $200 referral, they take all your deposit to repair the apartment when its already in bad condition. Manager Carla will lie to you about your contract, yell at you saying that we misunderstood, and make corrections with a pen on your contract. Even if you have your own parking spot, if someone parks on your spot, you cant even tow for the manager is never available. Manager will not do anything about the noise from partying residents. Not professional at all.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“I moved here in September of 2010 and moved out August 2011. I lived in a horrible "jr. 1bdrm suite." It was a studio with a bar in the middle. The kitchen was tiny tiny tiny, such that my roommate and I could not both be in it at the same time. The electric stove and oven they provided was a piece of ----, with tiny burners and no real cooking ability. Also, the fridge was tiny. There was no dishwasher and no microwave either. I swear that our AC unit had mold in it. Whenever i'd turn it on, it would smell like a really filthy homeless man. The paint job was shoddy as well. When we moved in, they swore the paint was new, but it was one coat of flaky brown with probably no primer. The walls are paper thin as well. You can hear everyone in every apartment around you, even with all the windows closed. There's a scam that they do to rip you off on your deposit as well. They use really terrible glaze to refinish their crappy counters. Everything sticks to it such that you cannot put anything on the counter. I mean, ANYTHING. It will lift the paint off of it!!!! Then when you leave they will charge you hundreds of dollars out of your deposit. They're basically using everyone's deposit to prepare the apartment for the next resident, even when you leave it spotless. The parking garage is a joke. You have to use an actual key to get in, which makes you a target for carjacking. Also, 2 of the garages have one in and out, so if you are coming out and someone is coming in, you have gotta back up. Laundry room is crowded and a joke. Overpriced tiny washers and dryers that are never available. Too bad whoever owns the building is a cheapskate looking to rip off college students. Otherwise this place may have been sub par instead off a hellhole. The only plus was the fact that”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“HEALTH: I live in this apartment complex currently and it has been nothing but a disaster. Twice now my ceiling has had the rain water come pouring through into my kitchen. Earlier in the year I had mold growing out of the ceiling from cracks where water had previously leaked. I got sick from this. They stalled and stalled to do the repairs. I went 2 and a half months without a complete ceiling. They only reimbursed me for one quarter of one months rent and when the work was finally done the repairmen left a huge mess that I took me hours to clean. SAFETY: I had the tailgate of my truck stolen from the gated parking garage. I had my motorcycle vandalized also in the parking garage. I had my mail (including a credit card) stolen from my mailbox. The code to the front door is know by a multitude of people who dont live in the building. In fact, the pizza delivery guy gave me the code and not the manager. I also had someone break into my apartment. HASSLE: The management sucks. The lady who works in the office will help you in no way unless you're a potential tenant. If anything happens to you or your stuff the first thing she always says is "we're not responsible for that". Aside from that, if there is something wrong it is very hard to argue with her because shes not the sharpest tool in the shed and usually cant follow a logical argument for more than a few sputtered retorts. For your sake DO NOT LIVE HERE!!”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“The apartment seems decent on the tour, but there are a few problems that come up as a tenant living in the apartment. There is an insect problem for one. There isn't a day that I wasn't bugged by fruit flies in the apartment. Found roaches on several occasions, also large spiders and other insects I don't know the name of. Most of the doors do not fit the door frame, so there are huge gaps on around the door, particularly at the bottom. This poses both a noise (loud students walking to halls) and insect problem (they can easily crawl in, attracted by the light). Maintenance is slow, and there have been several problems with plumbing. Water is often orange when I turn on my shower.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“1. Rent is much higher than any other apartments 2. Pool never gets cleaned, Jacuzzi doesn't heat up, GYM equipments are always broken, GYM is closed after 6pm ?!! 3. When you are renting the Management and Manager is very nice, but after you sign the papers they turn into devils. They want to screw you over any way possible. 4. Things int the apt break very easily such as bathtub soap holder, toilet paper holder, sink aerator, gas stoves, balcony door, electricity plugs and so on. All those have broken in our apt within the last 7 months and some things even twice. 5. Walls are very thin, when people talk you will hear everything to your sides and top and bottom floor. I have also heard from past tenants that they never return the deposits. They always find small things to keep it. SAVE the hassle and please find another place. Don't get distracted by the balloons outside.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“The good management has unfortunately been replaced. The new "on-site manager" is hardly there when you need her, and she's incredibly unclear in her explanations of apartment policies should you have a problem. Aside from the terrible management staff, the property management group (Decron) has some of the most ridiculous policies in the biz. They'll charge you for painting costs if you haven't lived here for more than 18 consecutive months even though they're obligated to repaint all their units before new tenants move in. You have to jump through so many hoops to even get this place (they asked my guarantor for a bank statement proving he had more than a year's worth of rent in his account, which is a precondition that no other apartment has ever asked me to meet). The maintenance staff is unresponsive; my window blinds have been broken for the last 4 months despite my frequent calls to the manager and to the corporate office. The walls and ceilings are ridiculously thin, making stalking your neighbors criminally easy. Use the pool and jacuzzi at your own risk! They're both small, frequently out of commission, and not cleaned or maintained by anyone! The fitness center is an absolute joke. Parking is worse. There aren't enough spots for everyone, so everyone just parks wherever they can find a spot. If you do decide to live here, document any and all damage to your unit before you do anything else or you'll get charged for it. Also, keep your lease agreement handy. I'm positive you'll run into trouble sooner or later.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Ariel Court's best feature is the location. No long walks to class and not having to worry about your car is a big plus! Aside from that, management is very friendly but does not allow irresponsible behavior. Let's just leave it at that. The landscaping is always nice and the staff is very friendly. There were a few maintenance issues over the winter with the hot water but it was due to upgrading and only lasted a short while. Only one apartment that we've ever noticed causing problems, management does their best to handle them. Other than that no noise complaints. Price comparisons were right in the middle, for everything that comes with this place.... it's a great value!”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“We've lived in Ariel Ct for a year, and like it. It's a good location, so you don't need to take a bus or walk really far to class. That's mostly what you pay for. If you live farther west of Gayley, it's really run down, noisy, and chaotic parking. People on Levering, Strathmore, and Midvale park all over the place and we know people who have had their cars smashed by drunk kids. If you live South of Wilshire, it's cheaper, but you have to take the bus. Driving to campus doesn't work because parking permits are difficult to get. And the manager Tania is good. She's really nice, but at the same time, doesn't tolerate the immature behavior. The maintenance people are good too. I forgot their names, but they're nice.<br>”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“I'm responding to the ad I just read, "very unsatisfied" and I have to say that this person is just "very high maintenance." I've lived here for over five years and the new manager (about one year on board) is very quick to respond to noise complaints, parking issues and work orders. Yes, the building was supposed to be painted, we were all very excited but the upper management made the decision to put it off. Big whoop! It's not like we stand outside looking at the building in despair over an old paint job, my program is too time consuming for me to worry about such trivial matters. The exterior of the building is no indicator as to what the interior units look like. My unit was upgraded at renewal and it's fabulous! The hot water problems over the winter were a pain, but they were upgrading the piping to allow for more hot water. A minor two week inconvenience. Also I never hear any noise and it's impossible to evict someone for noise complaints anyway. They can receive lease violations but if they choose to be jerks and continue, their lease is non-renewed. I know this b/c I had trouble with my old neighbors and that's what happened to them.<br>At any rate, don't let this over toxic person make a decision for you. What kind of person slides notes under the door of someones home after hours anyway? Hello?? It's called an emergency pager for a reason. Besides, there are rarely any random people parked in the garage and the walk would probably do this guy some good. Come by and check it out, you'll be happy.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“I read the other reviews and think they're unfair given the previous circumstances. The new manager (Tania)is really nice and has done an unbelievable job at whipping this place into shape. I've been a tenant for a couple of years and considered moving prior to her hiring. I've actually watched her at 10 pm walk the halls to check for noisy apartments and she tows unauthorized vehicles so your car is NEVER blocked in! All the troublemakers were forced (legally of course) to move out, she made it very apparent that they were not welcome.<br>We don't have hot water problems anymore, that didn't last all winter either. It was around two weeks while the boiler was being repaired. Sounds like the other reviewer is a drama major. The building itself no longer has grafitti, holes in the walls or drug dealers and the frat next door is not noisy anymore. Probably because at ten pm on Friday and Sat night "someone" calls the police to enforce the Westwood noise ordinance. On top of this, my parents met her and the maintenance man (Carl? or Carlos) and they LOVE that I live here, my mom is a little overprotective and they're renting for my sister in the Fall. I guess that Tania is a mom and she's also ex-military or something? My dad has a tattoo and she recognized it, he's retired Army and they instantly bonded. That really fits because she's supertight on security, and she doesn't put up with any misbehaving. Anyway my dad wouldn't even look at other apartments after coming here. He made the decision for my sister on the spot and they're on the waitlist.<br>As for the building, our lobby has been painted and updated, the apartments are in the process of getting upgraded and I just received a notice that we are getting an exterior paint job.<br>I agree that the pricing is steep but it's no higher than any other community in this location. The car alarms at times can be irritating, I'm on the front of the building too. That's not within the control of Ariel Court, if you're noise sensitive request an apartment on the back side of the building.<br>Overall this property has done a 180 and I have no hesitation recommending it. I'm staying for Grad school and renewing for another year in June.<br>Great management and building upkeep makes all the difference in the world and I think you'll agree when you see the place.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Okay, everything in the review before this is false. Heres what I think: 1: when I first signed the lease last summer, management said they pay for water and gas, (it said so on the flyer they gave me too), but on my move-in date, they said they only pay for gas. 2: There was a period of time during the winter where there was no hot water- for whatever reason I dont care- imagine waking up in the morning during winter and having to take a freezing shower. 3: Mangement said they have a strict rule on noise level where if someone receives 3 noise complaints, theyd be evicted out--but our neighbor has received 3 noise complaints yet they have not been evicted. 4: It is management's responsibility to regulate and tow cars that park in spots that aren't theirs- yet one time when a stranger parked in my spot, I went and rang management's doorbell, knocked on their door, and even slipped a note underneath with my phone number explaining the situation--I never got a call back, even though I saw from outside the apartment building that they were home, meaning they were just ignoring my note and didn't answer on purpose. 5: The lease is 10 months long, and no, you cannot back out of it, so if you only need the apartment for the 9-month school year, you'd be stuck with the apartment for the last month, and would have to pay for that rent amount 6: And true, management did tell everyone they were repainting the apartment building back in what March-- havent done it yet, and I can care less if they did or not, I just wish they'd back up everything they say when they slip letters between our door cracks. 7: Management keeps asking for special fees throughout the year, fees that we half the time don't know what its for, and they threaten to kick anyone out who doesnt pay these fees 8: If you ever need a question answered, expect an answer about a month after you ask it cuz management tend to lag on that sort of thing 9: management wont tell you what the rent prices are for next year, they just expect you to tell them if youre staying or not without knowing if the price went up. SO there you go. Honestly, Im not trying to make this place seem bad, I can care less if this place improves on its weaknesses, and nothing in this rating was exaggerated. I just want to give those who are considering this place the unbias truth, that way they can expect the unexpected.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Just moved in 3 months ago and am very pleased with the facilites- the apartments are goregous. I think the new manager has cleaned house alot, apartments are all being renovated with new carpeting and hardwood floor laminate in kitchen and bath. <br>Only downfall- it IS expensive. I groaned at the price, but when I saw the apartment and ammenities, I had to have it. And consider the area- everything is expensive in Westwood by UCLA, and Ariel Court pays for some utilties and includes gated parking. <br>To me, the building itself seems very quiet. Granted I moved from Hollywood, the noisiest city in the world, but tenants are comprised of mostly graduate students and I feel the need to whisper in the halls because everything is so still. Street side can get a tad noisy on Fri/Sat night, but it hasn't bothered me yet- I only hear it if Im on the balcony. <br>Overall, if you can swallow the price, the building, ammenities, and professional staff (compared to my last manager, Ariel Court manager is an angel! And a mom to boot, so I know she likes the building quiet) are worth it. I like the livelyhood of Westwood on the weekends, but also like the fact that its quiet during the week. Haven't even heard a peep from the Frat house next door, surprisingly! Talked to one tenant that had been here 7 years and loved it- i hope to stay here a long time.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES“Living at Ariel Court Apartments is a rip off. It is close to UCLA, too close with a giant communist syle dorm and parking lot overshadowing any kind of street view. The street side is very noisy with car alarms constantly going off due to bass from sound systems. <br><br>The maintenance at the apartment complex is shoddy at best and it takes forever for a repair to be made. The former apartment manager was terrible at running the place and the place was run into the ground. For example: no hot water in the morning, lack of heating in the pool and hot tub, graffiti throughout, holes in wall, washing machines overflowing, drug dealing nighbors, and cheaply built apartments. This is just the beginning of the nightmare of Ariel Courts. <br><br>The rent charged is excessive for how the building property is maintained. For example, a studio with an ugly hospital like rail dividing the studio in half goes for $1300. A rip off considering beautiful and well kept one bedrooms go for $1,500 near LA's beach communties.<br><br>Heed my advice, stay away from Ariel Courts.”
— 535 GAYLEY AVE · LOS ANGELES