The Essential, baltimore-md

I wish I could give these apartments negative 5 stars! Over the past two years, my daughter and her roommate has lived at Astoria Apartments, and the management has changed hands at least four times. Unfortunately, with each change, the property has been neglected even more. We've been dealing with ongoing maintenance issues that remained unresolved, despite multiple attempts to get them fixed. My daughter has called 16 times in a row without any response, leaving both of us feeling completely ignored. Some of the major concerns include: Stove and Stove Vent: The stove has ongoing problems, and the vent cleaning was only surface-level, doing nothing to help with my daughter's allergies. They need to clean the interior cavities, not just change the filter and wipe the exterior. A/C Filter: The A/C filter hasn't been changed since my daughter and her roommate left before the summer. Maintenance came in yesterday and only washed the exterior vents but didn't address the dust on the exterior or vacuum the vents. Bathroom Cabinets and Clogged Sink: The cabinets are damaged, and the sink has been clogged for a long time. Given the rent we pay, these basic issues should have been resolved long ago. Ceiling Leak: Instead of just painting over the ceiling, the source of the leak needs to be properly addressed to prevent further damage. I believe there's a water leak causing this problem, but management hasn't done enough investigation to fix it. Their solution seems to be painting over the issue instead of repairing it. Please see the attached pictures. My daughter comes home during the summer and had not been in her apartment since May, we returned today to move her belongings out and due to the mold we could not gather her belongings. Her belongings were left at the apartment as I did not want to bring a possible mold infestations into my home. Astoria never fixed the problem of mold just painted over the problem and sent maintenance when we were there.

I would not recommend Campus Life & Style, the management company for The Lorimer apartments. When I initially contacted them about the flooding in my apartment and my lease, they seemed willing to help. However, every time I followed up—whether it was for getting my renters insurance policy number or discussing breaking my lease—they would completely ghost me. Meanwhile, the apartment staff would tell me they “decided against” helping, leaving me stuck and stressed. Their so-called support is misleading, inconsistent, and frankly a scam. Between unsafe living conditions, destroyed belongings, and a management company that refuses to actually manage, this has been a nightmare. Do not trust them.

I’ve had a great experience living at a CLS Living community. The staff is always friendly and easy to talk to, and anytime I’ve needed something, they’ve been quick to help. Maintenance is fast and professional, and the office team really makes you feel welcomed and supported. The property is clean, well-kept, and feels like a community, not just an apartment. It’s been a really positive place to live and I’m glad I chose a CLS property. Definitely recommend!

Absolutely terribly customer service. Took +3 months to receive my refund while my roommates got theirs the next week. Additionally, attempted to contact the corporate office through every possible method, including phone calls multiple times a day for a week with no response. Never living at a CLS Apartment if this is how they handle communications with customers.

if I could give -100 stars i would they bait and switch you charge you for new furniture then tell you they don't have it in the budget everytime you ask. Dirty black rugs and furniture is old, yellow and falling a part. stay away from any place owned by them