J Alexander Management Co

When I was looking for an apartment last year, I came across a listing with J. Alexander Management Company on Craigslist, but sadly couldn’t find any reviews of the organization online. For both the benefit of potential renters and to provide praise, as well as what I hope is constructive feedback to the management company, I offer the following on their New Hampshire and First Apartments.
The Pros:
–Exceptionally reasonable rent, with utilities included.
–Tastefully updated unit with important historic details maintained (period-​appropriate bathroom tiles, beautifully finished solid-​wood parquet floors).
–Very responsive and timely support and maintenance team. It was a pleasure every time I spoke with the property manager Arlene who was both incredibly personable as well as professional, even when I was complaining.
–Eco conscious water fixtures, toilet and a maintenance team dedicated specifically for water issues (I requested a new shower head when I moved in and was replaced within 24 hours).
–While it was not an option until my last month, they now accept credit card payments. This was an amenity I wished for every time I had to find a stamp to mail a rent check.
–Very close to the 64 (Ft Totten to Federal Triangle) and 60 (Georgia Avenue Petworth) bus lines, as well as a ten minute walk to the Ft. Totten metro stop (Yellow, Green and Red). I lived here without a vehicle for a year, but would have enjoyed it more if I had one. That said, there was always street parking available in the area every time I had guests with vehicles, or when I was in a rental.
The Cons:
–No central air conditioning in unit. Because I was not intending to stay, I went without rather than purchasing it out of pocket. I would suggest providing tenants the opportunity to borrow or rent a window unit.
–Not a reflection of the management company, but there are no convenient grocery stores. While there is a small bodega grocery a stone’s throw away, it is filthy and I only used it in emergency situation. I believe that once further development occurs at Ft Totten Square, this will no longer be an issue.
–Again, this is not a reflection of the management company, but it is worth noting for the sake of potential renters. This neighborhood is not rapidly gentrifying like the southern area of Petworth/​Park View. With the exception of the cluster of rentals and newly remodeled condo homes at 1^st and New Hampshire, the rest of the neighborhood seems to be working class families. While I never perceived any real danger or threats, I did have a couple incidents which were likely a result of me being a more-​than-​a-​little-​swishy gay man.
–The mail was very, very unreliable. While living there I had most of my mail and all of my packages sent to my work address. In addition to items never showing up, I consistently received packages and letters address to other tenants/​building. Additionally, the mailboxes were very small and every letter, postcard or magazine that was delivered to my apartment was severely damaged.
Opportunities for Improvement:
–The trash area and recycling was a constant issue. While I believe the management company did they best they could, the other tenants maintained no sense of stewardship for either the environment or this shared space.
–While it is obvious that they care about the landscaping around the units, hiring a professional for design and installation would have been a wish choice. At the time I moved out in May, the whole front area looked like someone crazy Uncle Greenthumb was set loose. Lovely plants but the haphazard planting was unflattering to the property.
–Ventilation in the hallways. The hallway to my apartment would constantly smell like cumin, bacon, musky incense and/​or cigarettes.
–Consider an upgrade to laundry facilities. One two occasions over the year lease, I experienced issues that seemed to be related to breakers in the laundry room. Both times the issue was fixed within a couple hours, however the first time it occurred I was trying to get out of town and ended up schlepping a giant bag of wet clothes to a nearby laundry mat, rather than waiting for the repair.