South Shore Apartments by Maximus Real Estate Partners

Lived here for 5 years in a studio apartment. For what we paid throughout this time I felt like the fixtures in our apartment was very cheap in quality: the countertops, lack of knobs on the cabinets, (bad paint job on the cabinets as well), appliances, and oddly low bathroom counter.

We were lucky because we passed the wear and tear timelines so we got our full deposit back. Overall for one of those giant corporation-type apartment complexes our experience here was pretty okay. We lived here through the change in ownership and several different managers working here. The team that works here is fairly reasonable and will do what they can for you. Over the years we've had a few incidents but they did their best to rectify the situation. If I had been in a one-bedroom I probably would have stayed longer but to be honest I didn't use the amenities they offered much. Only 1 pool was heated (as far as I knew) so the rest were super cold and hard to use unless it was a heatwave, and then even the gym equipment they have is super dated. Like, the spin bikes are about 40 years old... from the 80's or something. They need to update that area for sure.

I think one thing we loved is they offer additional parking spots in the garage, which was really nice during COVID as we weren't going out very much so it felt really safe. They also have secure package lockers to go pick up your packages.

Noise wise, I lived on the 3rd floor so only heard squirrels on the roof, I'm not sure if my neighbors were super quiet or if we just had nice thick walls, but rarely had issues with noise.

Would I live here again? Maybe. It was a nice area and was a fine place to live. I do think the rent is overpriced a bit though. but that can be said about a lot of the bay area.

From somebody who has apartment searched for almost 6 months: I've had my fair share of working with different property managers. Majority of them lagged on response time, rushed through the tour, and was unorganized with the whole application & leasing process to the point where we backed out of the lease.

The staff at South Shore Alameda:
Sarah (the one who gave the tour & was okay with even visiting units more than once so we can really see which one we figured out), Anna (who helped in person with filling out the online app because their website was going through technical difficulties), & Jett (who helped with signing the lease because I had a lot of questions) -- the teamwork and camaraderie really eased the process of switching from my first home to a home for my fiance and I.

It's a great complex at first glance, and especially loved the balcony, their open but gated park for residents, and community hall.

I hope this level of service continues as we start our journey here & that these 3 people stay because everybody should experience their level of service!

Disappointed with Recent Changes

Imagine paying a staggering $4000+ a month to reside in a property that's showing its age, with restricted access to basic amenities such as the package room. Over the last month, while management has made efforts to enhance our living experience, it seems their changes have inadvertently made daily life more cumbersome for residents.

The newly adjusted package room hours, limited between 8am to 6pm, are not conducive for those with standard work hours. This has made it challenging for me to retrieve essential packages, some of which directly impact my health. The gym's 8am opening, too, hinders my early workout routine, a pivotal part of my day.

Adding insult to injury, a maintenance request I submitted for a leaking roof from the unit above has been treated with apathy. The maintenance team came by, briefly inspected, and left without any word or subsequent follow-up. The reluctance to address and repair these damages is unsettling. It's imperative that such damages aren't passed onto us.

It's disheartening that this community promotes itself as a "luxury apartment." Having resided in luxury apartments across Alameda, I can confidently say this isn't even close. Imagine paying $1000 less elsewhere, and receiving a brand new unit, larger in space, with functioning amenities and no security concerns.

The management had reached out via a call after my last review. It's worth noting, for transparency and accountability, I've always expressed a preference for all communications to be via email to the previous management. This ensures everything is on record.

Given the recurring inconveniences, it's only fair for the management to consider refunding us for the services we're deprived of. A compensation for the remaining two months of our lease would be a fitting gesture, reflecting understanding and responsibility for the myriad of issues we've had to endure.

DAILY PACKAGE THEFT

I have never dealt with a package theft issue like the one at Southshore apartments.

When something is being delivered, regardless if it's placed in the package room, the odds of it being stolen are at about 50%. Management has done nothing about it since I've been here in January. When I speak to them it's always "we're sorry, can the company send you another?" Or "we are working on a solution" but nothing EVER gets done.

Not only is it a huge inconvenience but the residents are left to wonder who is stealing the packages? Why haven't they been caught? How do they have access to the mailroom? Why does it keep happening? Do they do other criminal activity?

I've had over 10 packages stolen in the past 6 months.


"RENOVATED" UNITS W/ MAJOR COSMETIC FLAWS

Upon moving in, we noticed a number of cosmetic issues in our unit (photos attached). When I requested them to be fixed, I was told by the office that cosmetic updates would be "deprioritized." Okay, that was understandable until months went by without any update, or maintenance to fix the issues. It's now been over 6 months and nothing has been done.

I would not recommend living here.

Since I moved in I have had multiple issues with plumbing leaks. The repairs are shoddy and abandoned when half done and there are long delays before the work to address the problem is even started. There seems to be more concern to avoid expensive repairs than in fixing the problem.

New update- homeless people live in the Work Suites area. South Shore will not improve their security to keep people out. This is why you pay rent here - to subsidize randos just living in all the community areas.

Well, previously they wrote and said "we hope you value the renovations". Big no and hard pass on incorrect and cheap renovations that have left several FLEEING the complex. My previous 2 star review is down to 1 with some new insights:

What was promised as nice new improvements have turned into disasters everywhere and poor materials. Apparently there is either literal flooring missing from the renovated apartments or actual gorilas in our neighbors apartment. And no, it's not just us. Several people in the community have left because of the extreme noise coming from the renovated apartments. I've heard they actually did have something missing in these renovations hence the insane noise level. Will they do anything about it? Nope. And yes, I checked and multiple residents have complained.

So it you like hearing your neighbors every fart, stomp, and dog scratch and love making calendars that count down the days until you can move. This is for you.

I will say, they have addressed some minor issues in the past. So if they are able to solve the issues of extreme noise I would actually update my review. TBD if they care about people's well being and ability to sleep or feel at peace in their own home.

I'm a current resident sick and tired of the horrible lack of security at this place. Last night the entire graduating class of alameda high gathered at our clubhouse and trashed the entire complex. Trash was found the next morning all over the streets, side walks, etc. People who don't live here constantly trespass and use the amenities like the gym and pool areas. Unfortunately, they also litter, and create so much noise throughout the day and night with no respect for the residents here. Many tenants have complained (for years) and the only thing the landlord or upper management does is ask us to pay more for rent. Shame. Don't even get me started with the deterioration of my unit...

Update on 6/18/23: still no word from management around reopening of the clubhouse, new policies to prevent trespassing into common areas, or improvements on security. Note, many kids trespass into the pool by jumping the fence or walking straight thru the doors which are often broken

I rarely leave reviews but I feel compelled to help others so they don't make the mistake I did by moving here. I'm a current resident (hopefully not for much longer) and have been since February. I have regretted moving here from very early on. All you need to do is read the reviews provided by actual tenants. You will find many negative reviews and they are very accurate accounts of the situation here. I wish I would have done better due diligence.

I will say my encounters with the staff have been very pleasant but unfortunately, they cannot make up for the very negative experience I've endured while living here. They market this as luxury living but it falls far short and the lackluster condition of the property, ongoing extremely loud construction, toxic debris (asbestos), crime, maintenance issues, and unusable/offline amenities are ALL consistently problematic, to say the least. As a tenant, there's constantly some issue that makes it impossible to have an enjoyable experience at the property.

Do yourself a favor and avoid this place. At this price point, there are far better options available in the area without the ongoing issues and they at least attempt to earn the premium they are charging.

Do not move here. My husband and I are nurses in the Bay Area. We wanted to move from Downtown Oakland to a "safer" area in Alameda. Our view was amazing and that is the only positive thing I have to say about the complex.

The Cons (the truth)
1. We had a severe toxic mold issue.
2. We had to move out for weeks while the unit was "remediated."
3. Southshore paid for a small hotel room with no ability for us to cook while we paid over $4,300 for our rent for a two bedroom we could not use.
4. My E-Bike was stolen from the "locked" garage. It was locked up yet was taken anyway.
5. My husband's locked scooter was also stolen the week prior.
6. PACKAGES GET STOLEN DAILY out of the locked mail room.
7. We did not renew our lease but chose to move. THAT WAS THREE MONTHS AGO AND WE STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED OUR SECURITY DEPOSIT.
8. Homeless individuals have been bathing in the pool and jacuzzi. There are pics to prove this.
9. There's a group of non-resident teens who use the "locked" clubhouse and pool areas. They party until 0200 and thrash the place.
10. The teens have also been spotted (pics captured) ON THE ROOF of the 3-story building.
It is out of control.

****Management does NOTHING to address the concerns of residents. There are "cameras" in the garages, but we were told they do not work. When residents ask about the footage, management responds with "there isn't any."

The company remodels the units as people move out and Jack up the rent of course. Save your money.
In the meantime...
I WANT MY MONEY SOUTHSHORE!!!

Great location.... And that is it. Be prepared for long waits for maintenance, an unprofessional office staff and subpar (falling aparaccommodations compared to other alameda luxury apartments. Form my experience an average maintenance call is handled on average 7 days later- regardless of the issue. In addition, I experienced a mold problem as did other reviewers, a bleeding dishwasher- yes dark reddish brown liquid was dripping from my dishwasher bc of the mold. I also waited months for the construction residue to be cleaned from my window. The security is awful here. I've had a bicycle and other items stolen from the locked garage. My advise is to look elsewhere.

And to address Southshore's comment. I said "on average". This work order took 6 days. Look back at my requests for the deck, the window and leaking faucet that I've had in the past.

UPDATE- I reached out to Mark and received this reply from Southshore, "We were able to assist Mark in his response to your review, is there anything else we can help you with, in regard to maintenance? Or if you would like to revisit looking into the renovated unit. We are here to assist."