All 25 tenant reviews.

“Completely unresponsive and unkind. They definitely do not care about you once you're done applying. I was about to move in, but for the past week, no one returned my calls, texts, or emails, so I voided the lease. I even tried calling and texting from different phones, but still no response from the leasing office. Also, none of the utilities are covered, the building is extremely overpriced, and border's Skid Row. I did not feel safe walking here when I viewed the apartments. Do not expect any communication once you're done applying. I would imagine that it would be extremely difficult to get anything fixed here and if there was any crime in the building, they would not care.”

“Don't bother even touring the place. It is in the heart of skid row, the cockroaches run through the hallways and you'll be kept up at night by the screaming homeless people. This is not unique to the building, what is unique, is the terrible service and treatment you will receive from the staff. I paid rent on time, every time, but good luck speaking to anyone in the office about any issues. They happily take thousands of dollars a month from you but will not ever, and I mean EVER, answer the phone. The outrageous audacity of this management company to treat its residents like this is appalling. Whoever owns this building needs to fire Essex as their managing group immediately.”

“This is my first time writing a review of my place of residence. Usually I hate reviews of apartments because you usually only get the really good or the really bad. I wish I could say I was writing this review to highlight how great it is living at “Santee Court.” Instead I am warning you… do not be fooled. Moving here is the worst decision you could make. Before I start telling you all the reasons you shouldn’t move here I’ll highlight some of the good things about living here and let you weigh the pros and cons. Also it’s important to note I live in the 714 building on the corner of Los Angeles and 7th. PROS: -High ceilings – repurposed warehouse/factory space -Concrete Floors – Easy cleaning and sweeping -Larger square footage than similarly priced apartments in Downtown LA -Quick and friendly maintenance team -Large windows with tons of natural lighting CONS: -Washers & Dryers are shared. Usually not an issue but there is a serious mold/mildew issue with the majority of the washers to the point where I can use only 2 of the 6 in my building without risking my clothes smelling like musty mildew. -Sirens from 7th. 7th is a major corridor for emergency vehicles so be prepared to hear sirens all night and day. There is also a fire department located on 7th so be prepared to hear them every time the fire department is deployed. This is probably the least of my concerns at this building though as I have learned to just drown the sirens out and am unbothered as long as my windows are closed. -Barking dogs all night. Look I own a dog and I understand that dogs bark, but for hours on end? Santee Court management did nothing to rectify the problem and there were multiple nights when I was kept up all night by a dog barking and howling non-stop due to separation anxiety. The worst part of it all? The dog wasn’t even registered to the owner. Sporadically when they decided to leave the dog there, I didn’t get to sleep. This went on for months with varying consistency. Security could do nothing but go knock on the door of the vacant apartment. -Dirty common areas and amenities. The common areas are filthy, and I feel bad for the poor maintenance staff as I’m sure they are undermanned. Nobody moves to this building for the amenities they’re sub-par for the area and generally not well kept. I’m not expecting pristine and sparkling but there have been many times where I have been embarrassed when I had guests over because of how disgusting our building lobby looks. There is constantly trash or spills in the lobby, elevator and common hallways. -Stolen packages – I’ve had 3 stolen so far in my 9 months living here. One was a work package stolen from my doorstep; the others were stolen from the lobby. Recently management implemented a package room. Delivery to said package room is inconsistent and things are still sometimes left in the lobby. The package room lacks security, anyone with a key can enter. Yes there is cameras, but Santee Court made it clear when they introduced the package room that they would not be responsible for any items stolen from said room. If you’re constantly shipping/receiving you may want to invest in a PO Box or use a friend’s address for important items. -Incompetent security team. The guys are nice, don’t get me wrong. This security team is useless though. If you call with an issue it isn’t addressed immediately. Sometimes you don’t even get a response. I hope I can share some photos so you can see some of the response I have got from this security team. It’s got to the point now that if I have an issue most of the time I don’t even let security know anymore I just go handle things myself. -Transient issue – In case you didn’t notice… You’re in the heart of Skid Row. Know what comes with that. I am a 6’ 4 male so I feel comfortable in the area. That being said I wouldn’t be comfortable asking my sister, mother or girlfriend to watch my apartment because this area is very dangerous at night. A suggestion, turn off your citizen app if you do decide to move here. I’ve lived in downtown for over 3 years. Got my first gun pulled on me not too far from the entrance to my building a few months back. Keep your eyes on the ground for Orange Syringe caps, they’re like warning signs that there’s used needles around. Also watch out for poop, no not just dog. Stay alert. -That “cute” alley. It’s not so cute after you realize it’s coated in dog piss by the end of the day. Rainy days watch out for the splash. Sunny days, watch out for the smell. -Parking situation – There are 2 paid options. One with the adjacent Joe’s Parking and another in a parking structure on Maple between 6th and 7th. Joe’s parking is more expensive but also adjacent to Santee Court building. The lot is unsecured and anyone has access to it, but the convenience probably makes this the superior option. The parking structure on Maple is only $50 a month but prepare to dodge all sorts of crazy on your way there. There’s even a shuttle from the garage at night. If that’s not telling I don’t know what is. -Car windows broken. If you do decide to park on the street just know that I see a smashed window on Los Angeles in front of the 714 building about once every other week when I take my dog for a walk in the AM. -Roaches. The first time I turned my sink on a family of roaches scurried out. I thought maybe the unit had been vacant for some time. Turns out this building just has a roach issue. No leaving dirty dishes in the sink and a constant supply of roach bait has curbed the problem but inevitably I have identified numerous places where they are living in the walls. -Dirty gum on floor. This one isn’t too big of a deal but when I moved on I spent hours scraping chunks of dirty used gum off the concrete floors in my unit. Kind of gross but not too big of a deal once it was done. Seems like a lot huh? Well I haven’t even got to my main 2 issues. SEE BELOW -Basketball court at all hours. This has been my running issue for 9 months. Let me start by saying that when I toured this building it was self-guided. I loved the place and moved my stuff in about a week later. Hours into unpacking I start hearing a sudden loud thud that sounded like construction. It was literally shaking my unit, what could it be? Come to find out there is a basketball court above my unit. Livid I rushed down to management who told me they would work on a solution. The solution was over a week later telling me I could move into another unit… I just paid thousands to pack and move my belongings once, I didn’t want to have to budget an additional move. No concessions were offered, nothing. The response was very shoulder shrug. This left me with such a bad taste in my mouth. Little did I know this would just be the start of my journey. People come and play basketball at all hours. It wasn’t until nearly 8 months of living here and complaining that they finally decided to put a lock on the courts (although they are inconsistent about locking the lock, so it’s also somewhat useless). If you live on the 5th floor of the 714 building prepare to hear basketball at all hours. I have over a dozen correspondences with the leasing office regarding this issue. I have contacted security so many times that I just go ask the people to leave myself as sometimes security won’t come for over an hour. If you are okay with being awoken in the middle of the night, early morning hours a couple times a week then this is the place for you. -Management – Really good at saying what you want to hear. Piss poor at resolving issues. I won’t waste my time here but the one time I contacted the Essex Corporate office regarding management they sent me right back to the exact people I had just complained about. Don’t worry they corporate doesn’t care either. SUMMARY: Do yourself a favor and keep looking. The extra square footage is not worth it. There are nicer buildings, in nicer areas that are comparably priced downtown. If you want to pay $2,300 a month to feel like you live in the slums of hopelessness and despair then this is the place for you. If you want to feel frustrated and ignored this is the place for you. If you want to boil over to the point of writing 1,500-word reviews, move here.”

“This place has taken a steadfast nosedive since I've lived here, mostly within the past year to 18 months. Security is completely useless, and non-existent at night when problems occur. For as much time as they spent staring at their phones, they rarely answer them, and refuse to intervene in or document disputes. Package theft is a regular and constant occurrence. Amenities have grown decrepit in the 5 years I've lived here. All public areas have gotten older and dirtier, despite constant construction (beginning early mornings). Unit sizes are NOT AT ALL the sizes advertised. Harassment from transients and strung-out homeless is regular. ALL buildings in the complex have roaches and regular plumbing problems. Usually only one elevator of every two works at a given time. Worst yet is the community. I've watched this place devolve from a fun, friendly and diverse community of artists, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals to mostly unemployed/Section-8 scumbags or Air BnB guests who take over public areas, hang out and party all hours of the night, let their dogs ---- and piss everywhere and bark all day, and cause trouble for other residents. There was a meth lab broken up here not too long ago. Just after a resident was severely beaten by her "guest," one of several she received a night. Management is negligent on all these issues, lowering rates and apparently approving anyone in an effort to keep their revolving door occupancy as high as possible. If you're looking for the fun, inspiring and upbeat community this place used to be, look somewhere else. It's gone.”

“I wanted to take the time to provide an overview of the pros and cons I have experienced living here over the last ~8 months. **Positives**: friendly, helpful leasing staff who live in the community. Janitorial and maintenance staff work hard to maintain a very challenging property. The buildings (Santee Village is the only structure with in-unit laundry) are historical and architecturally distinct to give them a cool industrial loft vibe. Tenant turnover seems to be relatively low and many people have lived here for several years. Top floor units have good views and there are some great local businesses just steps away. **Problem Areas**: Physical security is a huge issue here, audio/visual security is far too limited for the proximity to skid row, package theft has been a repeated problem with very limited support from building management. In one instance, it was determined that a resident was stealing these packages and no steps were taken to inform or support the theft victims. The property is owner operated, and there is a total lack of interest in investing in better security for this property. There is no concierge support or ability to have packages securely delivered on site. The alley that connects the building is constantly contaminated with pet waste and there is a disregard for the people who have to clean this up on a daily basis. The amenities are mediocre at best in comparison to the growing number of similar properties in DTLA. For example, the pool area has no landscaping, looks out over skid row, and has fatigued furniture with stains and tears with an unobstructed view of a tent-lined street. It appears as though the property owner has no interest in maintaining a high-quality offering for their tenants to enjoy. Given the pricing is comparable to better managed properties nearby, there is a real opportunity for Essex to do a better job operating this property. Also, FYI, if you are on the southeast side of the building you will directly face the Skid Row fire department, which dispatches constantly and rivals the worst nights in NYC in terms of constant blaring sirens. Lastly - during the COVIID-19 outbreak, in-person tours are still being conducted, putting the leasing staff and tenants at risk. Other apartment building have switched to a virtual model which I strongly recommend Essex adopt for the safety and well being of our community. **Summary**: It is on you to accept that you are moving into a property that is directly adjacent to Skid Row which is going to come with real implications. That aside, these buildings are very cool at their core and if they were managed and maintained at parity with other buildings in the neighborhood the living experience could be so much better and worth the money.”

“The grounds are filthy - covered in animal and human excrement. Management is unhelpful. Security is nowhere to be seen. It's very noisy (homeless yelling at all hours and it's right next to a fire station) and the amenities are filthy . I advise to stay away - You'll be happier living somewhere else .”

“Roach infested, Leaks everytime it rains. Dog and human feces everywhere outside.,. plus right next to a fire station so sirens all night long.. what a nightmare. so glad to have moved on. I reported roaches over 20 times and tried to sue but a big gamble taking on such a large property company so didn't go through with it. every time it rained although not often it was like living under a water fountain about 10-15 different places in the ceiling that the water came in.. Stay away from Essex property group.”

“My husband and I have lived here for 6 years and we love it. The management is very responsive and professional. The grounds are usually very clean. The security keeps our courtyard safe and free from skid row inhabitants. The Santee Court Market is wonderful and very convenient. We are most impressed with the courtyard, rooftop basketball and pool/jacuzzi. You can’t beat the price per square foot - we have a huge loft that would cost at least 2x more a block away.”

“I've lived at Santee Court for close to a year now. This place has just gotten worse and worse. With the prices going up downtown, you'd think the area would be getting cleaner, safer, nicer... NOPE! Not at Santee Court anyway. In the year I was here, I've seen a man stabbed, a woman almost raped (he was only saved because we called the police and the man assaulting her was trying to rob her first), and a crazy person shot by police. All on Los Angeles street. within a block of my building. The last straw was when I was personally just about attacked by a homeless addict in the courtyard this weekend. I had to get into my building quickly to avoid the man from grabbing me. He then proceeded to bang on the door until I pulled my phone out to call the police. Also, my neighbor's car had been broken into just this last week. This place has a bunch of amenities, but if you can't feel safe walking to your car or even through the courtyard, what does it matter. There's security, but the crime is so bad here. The homeless are basically drugged out all the time or crazy, which makes it hard for the unarmed security to do anything about it than to try to "reason" with them that they have to leave. The security here are nice enough and do their best, but the city doesn't do enough to clean up the homeless and drug problem to keep local residents safe this side of downtown. I've witnessed so many altercations. Also, my rent went up so much in the year that I've been here. And the surrounding street parking is now like $4 for less than an hour at all of the meters surrounding the place??? That's almost double what it was last year. Which is a huge inconvenience. Not to mention the awful parking enforcement! About seventy dollars for an expired meter! Last year, I had close to $600 in parking tickets from the downtown area for minor infractions or being outright wrongly ticketed for a parking violation that I did not commit. It's like the city thinks they can milk the, so called, downtown revival for all its worth, without using that money to clean up the areas that really need it where residents live. Plus, the increased cost is hurting the people who live and work down here that are driving the revitalization in the first place. I'm glad I only signed a six month lease, so I can get the heck out of here as soon as it's up! Rental rates are way overpriced down here anyway. In fact, that's becoming the case with buying, too. Most of the real estate listings in the area are asking for way more than the property is valued at. Basically, everything is becoming overpriced without any additional value. I really thought this place was making a comeback, but the declining safety, rising cost of everything and overall inconvenience is not worth living down here. Maybe I'll try again after the city makes a better attempt at cleaning up the streets. Santee Court is definitely not worth it right now. I would recommend staying northwest of Spring if you just have to live down here, but even then it's still overpriced.”

“This is a great complex. Since I left Chicago many years ago I have rented in a various apartment complex, this is one of the best. Phil, Sarah and Hannah are always helpful and friendly in the office. Whenever I have had a problem in the unit maintenance was done quickly, although I have only had to call 1 or 2 times. I have been living here since July and when I walk my dog, day or night, I have never had a problem. I have not seen any drug deals going down. This complex is in a very urban area of DTLA and might not be for everyone but I feel the area is safe and like it. All of the units are lofts which I like very much. Parking is also included in the rent although it is offsite, they do have a shuttle that will pick you up or drop you off at night. This is a great place to live.”

“Just when I was getting to like this place, it has gone to hell in a hand basket. We are out of here. Yes, there are pretty flowers all around. I suppose that is to cover the increase in drug addicts that shoot up in the food court. Just a couple of weeks ago the guards took care of that very well. Now they are new and have no idea of what to do. The new manager is one of the rudest people I have ever met. I not against change, but I long for the old days when Santee Court was a more pleasant place to live.”

“I have resided at Santee Court for 2 years and 8 months and I am sad to be leaving. Santee Court is a community. By community I mean that the people that work in the management office go above and beyond hosting events in order for tenants to meet their neighbors and interact with them. This is a great place to live. I only have great things to say about Santee Court. My experience with the management staff has be extraordinary. They have helped me with any request I have had in a timely matter and the outcome has always been positive. The grounds them self are in good condition. It is excellent to utilize the gym or pool or head down stairs to the general store if something is forgotten at Ralph's. Santee Court is a great place for a slice of urban living. Highly recommend.”

“This place is very welcoming. The managers go above and beyond. When there was a problem, the support was there. In addition they have fun community building events. My apt won 500 bucks off rent at their Bingo Night. I would say this is a great place because the management knows how to listen and truly treat you like a customer. That's something I've not experienced in la. If you like the lofts, you'll love it here. I wish I could stay.”

“Lets be real. This is an URBAN scene.... Nothing like the sticks or a quiet neighborhood or the like. It is shiny and gritty at the same time. The makeup of any urban scene is diversity. Go to San Fran and you will find affluence, homeless, crime and drugs, go to New York and you will find the same. I read all the bad reviews and am inclined to ask more questions... Like "what were you dreaming about downtown being" There is crime and there are homeless and there is a dirt on the ground as well as new buildings restaurants and clubs. I agree that prices can be high but my point is don't blame someone else for your short-sighted decisions on where to live. Expectations are your downfall. There is an abundance of places to live in Downtown as it continues to sprout and grow. If you do more research you will find a place you like. Sometimes that means getting your hands dirty in the process and making some decisions that later you realize you don't like the place you chose... that's life. What I am saying is "If you make a decision it is your responsibility to uphold your dream not someone elses, especially if that dream is overstated and unrealistic" Santee Court is Downtown living for an URBANITE. Someone who understands the complexity of an urban scene. It's not for everybody but thanks to Santee Court for making my downtown dream come true. Your office staff is incredible, Miguel and the maint. crew do a superb job and I LOVE ALL MY NEIGHBORS. Community events are abundant, creative and fun and the rooftops are a constant engaging experience. I am rating based on reality and experience. As I would like to boost the rating by giving all 5's I will refrain from overstating and give you honesty. Thanks!”

“Watch out- They charged me per Sq-Ft, but they over exaggerated by over 100 Square Foot and charge for it- Look at the Plans- The Bailey Hat corner unit on the south side claims 784 SF- If you measure it correctly, it is actually a bit over 600 SF and they were charging 1700$ for it. - The ceilings are tall so its not obvious at first- make sure you measure yourself and update your lease if you have to. Much like the Staff, this place is a Has-been Started off really nice, before there was much better competition. Check out the Haas Bldg http://loftseven.com/loftseven.php- nicer and more affordable All of the http://www.laloftrental.com/ (SB lofts) are priced much better Check out the Picture I took in Santee's "Art Gallery" - which remains usually empty- They chose highschool "art" several times, and while I had a guest visit, we saw these kids sleeping in the public gallery, like a Hobo-Camp I was lied to repeatedly”

“I moved in December 2009. Unfortunately, in March 2010 NYC was calling my name. It was very unfortunate because I finally called Santee my home. From the industrial style of my loft, to the food court just below my building, to the in grounds Market (thank you for the Stella), I called it my home. I want to thank Andrew, Chris and Sarah for being such great reps during my duration at Santee. I would highly recommend Santee Court as your next home.”

“I've lived at Santee for 4 years now and would not leave until I buy a place. The lofts are unique, they are always kept nice and clean. This was really important to me because I run my business out of my loft as well as living here and having clients come here, well, first impressions always last. With that being said, the management here is awesome, friendly, attentive, and always willing to make sure your stay is comfortable. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting a creative community, this is it, artists, painters, filmmakers, photographers, you name it. This place has a positive vibe. The type of place where you walk down the hall and people say hi to you. Last but not least it's central to many great hot spots in downtown as well. Good luck!”

“I'm surprised at the number of negative reviews and vague complaints Santee Court has received. I've been at Santee Court for over a year and a half. When I moved here I knew up front that Downtown L.A. is in the middle of a transition. With that, you get the old (sirens, homelessness, dingy storefronts, funky odors) and the new (restaurants, retail, dog walkers, coffee shops, bars, retail). One of the first questions I get about Downtown is, is it safe. I think its as safe as any other metropolitan or urban area. I would tell anyone walking home at 11:00 at night to be cautious of their surroundings. But it doesn't mean that it isn't safe. And during the day there are so many people around its probably safer than a quiet suburban neighborhood. Most any Downtown loft is going to offer open floor plans, newer amenities and be in walking distance to new restaurants and hip bars. The difference is whether or not you can call your new loft home. I think Santee Court goes out of its way to build community. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the area. They also have regular community-building events, like bingo, rooftop parties, exercise classes and monthly dinner outings. I've met most of my neighbors and have a handful of new friends that I meet for coffee, dinner or a movie. That's what you aren't going to find at other lofts.”

“I loved living at Santee court, you have your typical issues with noise, but that can be chalked up to living in a high rise. The onsite management staff was always pleasant and helpful until any one of them drops the ball, you will surely be thrown under the bus. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! Get documentation from them before you make any further movements or agreements, including calling the property management company. The onsite staff will lie to cover there own butt every time. Parking across the street in the garage is sketchy at best, try to get parking underneath the building. Get an honest management staff in place, fix the typical minor retro fit structural issues with a building of its age, and in a few years as downtown continues to evolve Santee Court with be a great place to live. Until then stay closer to the 7th / grand area and avoid Santee Court.”

“I have to start by saying this is an urban environment and you get all that comes with it. If you want a sanitized community, you might want to go to the suburbs or the boonies. Yes, there will be bums and urine and you have to watch out at night, it comes with all the plusses such as restaurants, theatre, art galleries, L.A. Philharmonic...I could go on. The energy down here is addictive. It's in the Fashion District and pretty much all your clothing needs can be had here for a fraction of the price. I'll never shop in another department store again. This also a pet friendly community and people move here for that reason. There's a dog park on site as well. My point is if you hate dogs, you'll want to move somewhere else. For the money, this is the best loft I found Downtown with the best community feel I could find and I looked at lots of them. People are friendly and due to the setup being around a huge courtyard, you'll meet lots of them. On site is a market, Pizza Hut, Subway, Peruvian, Mexican, Kabobs, Chinese, and a coffee/juice bar. There's a big community lounge with free WiFi and lots of little places to hang out outside. They gym is decent, the pool is 4 feet deep like most of them are. Of the reviews saying the courtyard is dirty and the place is falling apart, this is far from true. This place was converted less than 2 years ago, everything is still pretty much new. These buildings are almost 100 years old and are built like bank vaults. If you hear noise, just shut the windows. These people are bitter from some other reason, probably not liking Downtown and/or hatred of dogs. Also, the security guards don't let bums in here, they also throw them off the sidewalks around the community. They are good guys who take pride in their jobs, I talk to all of them. My one gripe is that I park in the garage a couple blocks away. I mostly don't mind the walk and there's a nice shuttle van that operates every evening. It boils down to this; I have a great loft with huge windows for far less than on the other side of Downtown, which some prefer; it's prettier with less of a scene. The lofts on that side and in South Park aren't really lofts, they are condos. If that's what you're looking for, you'll hate it here. If what I wrote above sounds good, I assure you it's a great place to live. I moved from Los Feliz and thought I'd miss it and I don't. If you move here, I'm the one sitting at a sidewalk table at L.A. Cafe with my Greyhound and Shepherd Mix.”

“I am disgusted that it is now 10:20 an we are still with no water! Why not do the maintenance during the day when less residents are home?! To have us unable to shower, wash dishes, cook and for the love of god, just being able to use the bathroom. Do you not have the basic concepts of what people do when they get home or are you just ignorant? I cannot believe that I pay so much rent for this place and yet get treated as I do with these circumstances by management run like a slumlord. After this I would not recommend anyone, regardless of $500 or $1000 bribe. how dare you do this. Why live here if they do not even provide the building with water!”

“If you really feel the need to live in Santee, check this place out at night time and take a good look around there. It is not what it appears at first glance so I caution you before making the final decision... Santee truly is falling apart from the grounds to the rooftop, sometimes I see dogs on the roof peeing, dogs around the court yard pee all throughout the place and it smells terrible. They let the homeless people stay inside the courtyard and use santee's services such as electricity. I've seen other things there but won't comment as I'm just glad to be out. I left after 1 year lease and oh boy did I experience it, not what I expected as said. So I went loft hunting again and found Met Lofts. I feel much better after I lef!”

“Santee Court (santee slums) was the worst place I have ever lived.”

“Good friends and a great place to live. Management is the best. Great security and a new Neighborhood Watch program is now in place. I plan to stay a while.”

“I love Santee Court! I lived there with my boyfriend and dog Lucy. We just moved out to LA from Las Vegas and Santee Court opened there arms to us in every way possible! They have a great food court that I took advantage of almost everyday :) The amenities are great as well. You get a pool, putting range, basketball court and a doggy run! I highly recommend these lofts to everyone, you will not be disappointed!”