RUN do not walk from this building (including 400 Argyle)
Pros
The apartments are a decent size compared to the majority of apartments in the NY area. The Westminster handyman and porters are very kind and helpful.
Cons
Depending on who your neighboring tenants are (upstairs, downstairs, next door -- it doesn't matter), the loud disturbances are absolutely horrible and many of the long-term tenants feel entitled to be loud any time of the day/night. If the superintendent drops the ball on a maintenance request, instead of being responsible for his mistake, he talks crap about you yet expects a hefty tip at the end of the year which doesn't guarantee that you'll get good service for the next year. The washers and dryers in the laundry room are often broken and no one cleans out the detergent/rinse dispensers especially on the large washing machine where there is mold growing. Sometimes, the garbage room smells horrific. The apartment building is listed as "rent stabilized" yet the majority of apartments are renting at fair market value or "preferential rent".
Advice to the owners
Do thorough background checks -- not just financials -- on ALL tenants (new and "succession rights" tenants) prior to approving a lease; have separate riders to lease regarding noise levels and floor coverings for ALL tenants to sign; superintendent needs to be professional and respectful towards tenants; property managers should be required to live in a building that they manage to know first hand what tenants are experiencing.
Awful management company
Pros
Nothing it’s not worth it
Cons
The building itself holds promise, but it’s overshadowed by the abysmal management. They cut corners at every turn, opting for cheap repairs that barely patch up the issues. Bugs and mice roam freely, as the management turns a blind eye to pest control. When something breaks, don’t expect an upgrade; you’ll likely receive a hand-me-down replacement that’s barely functional. The super, a sour individual, adds to the misery with his rude demeanor and untrustworthy nature. Among the staff, perhaps one person shines with kindness, but it’s a rarity. Despite the efforts of the lone cleaner, the building’s facilities, including the pool, suffer from neglect. It’s baffling why they treat tenants with such disregard.
Advice to the owners
Treat your tenants well! Spend the money on repairs! Treat human beings well in general disgusting behavior