1401 Joyce on Pentagon Row Apartments

I’m finally writing this review after moving out. I have lived in this building for over 4 years. The first 2 years were great, however, it has gone downhill and is not as «luxury» as they say. Our kitchen sink flooded THREE different times on separate occasions and leaked all over our floors and down 3 stories. It is not the maintenance staff’s fault, but a problem with the entire plumbing line in the #21 apartments (we were in 321). Management could be better about caring about residents. They charged us an extra $ 300 after we moved even though they did not refund us our deposit. We hired a cleaning person to clean but they still charged us for a post-​move cleaning fee. What is the pet fee for? The pet fee was $ 500 we did not get back because it is supposed to cover those potential costs. Management could be a lot better, but front desk is friendly especially Angela, April and Stanley. The location is really convenient, but look elsewhere.

They over charge for having a pet because they can. Prices are higher than normal. All the places are rented to the Pentagon so neighbors change often and you won’t get to know anyone. The staff is decent, but they will literally buzz anyone into the building. So what is the point of having controlled access?

I’ve just moved in and not completed a month yet. This is a great complex. You can’t beat the location and the close proximity to all the conveniences of modern living. It was built by Kettler and I’ve stayed in a Kettler property down the road for the past 4 years. In fact, this building was initially recommended to me when it was a Kettler property. Regardless, it seems to be being maintained extremely well by Equity too. I can’t say there’s been any reason to complain. I’ve found the leasing staff helpful, willing to go the extra mile, professional and courteous. The building has great amenities and the cleaning, maintenance and front desk staff are all very cordial and polite. They all make it a great living experience. My apt is fabulous and I’m loving the extra space and the natural sunlight. I’ve just had surgery and the staff has been ever so kind in helping me even more than usual. The fixtures in the apts and the appliances are all great, everything works just right and there have been no issues so far. They’ve got everything online (which I was used to from NYC/​NJ and then also at the Kettler property down the road) but was afraid was going to lose out on. But they have it and it’s a great system — I’m a technologist so I know a good website when I see one. The living space is ample, the closets many and spacious and the views great too. All of my friends and family who’ve been coming over to help while I’m recuperating also get a great treat when they see the apt ! :)

Checked here while looking for an apartment. Nice building with a great leasing staff. Many apartments have strange shapes which mean a larger square footage isn’t necessarily useful space for furniture. Rents are a bit higher than similar properties in the area but a very convenient location.

My family and I stayed here while on a temporay assignment in Virginia. We rented a penthouse unit sight unseen, thinking that it would be great place to stay. That was a big mistake. While the location of the apartment was great (near the metro, the mall and the grocery store), it did not make up for the lack of quality and the staff.
The unit we rented was located right next to the elevator. Unfortunately, this complex is poorly built and we could hear the elevator all night long. We had to resort to a white noise machine in order to drown out the elevator at night. Additionally, there was a club room above our unit, so we had to listen to people moving their chairs along the hardwood floor whenever there was an event up there, which was almost every night. Eventhough this was a «penthouse» unit, the finishing were cheap, the baseboards were chipped, the hardwood floors were scraped all over the place, the cabinet doors were all warped so the kitchen cabinets didn’t close all the way, the windows were thin so you could hear everything outside, the carpets were about three residents past their replacement date, and the list goes on and on.
The apartment was run-​down, but that irritation was nothing compared to the unprofessional staff. Alex, the property manager, called me within three days of completing our move-​in survey. On the survey, I noted the defects listed in the paragraph above. Alex was beside himself that I would say the floors were scratched and that the carpet was well-​worn. He claimed that he inspected the carpets himself, and yes, they were used, but they weren’t «that bad». Really? That’s how you want to describe your penthouse — «not that bad»? Wow. That was how our time there went. Whenever something broke (which happened often), we called for help and we were given nothing but attitude.
The front desk staff was generally good, but the property manager and the leasing agents had the worst customer service I have ever experienced. When it came time to renew our lease, they increased the rent by $ 500 a month. When I called to see if they could give me a better rate, they basically told me to pound sand. We went and found another apartment and within days of signing the lease, the 1401 Joyce staff contacted us to tell us that they could give us a better rate. It would have been cheaper to stay at 1401 Joyce, and far less of a hassle than moving, but after seeing our new complex and how nice the staff and facilities were, we told 1401 Joyce to pound sand.
I have since learned that there tactic at lease renewal is to quote a really high renewal rate and then come back at you with a reasonable rate about three weeks prior to the expiration. They would keep more residents if they just acted professional. .. but unfortunately they are incapable.
UPDATE 6÷4÷13: I would like to note that while 1401 Joyce took the time to reach out to me here, in a public forum, they still have not responded to me regarding the move-​out survey I completed six months ago. I think it is more than just a little disingenuous — if they were really concerned, they could have reached out to me anytime over the course of the last six months. Instead, they respond here to give the appearance, to future prospective residents, that they care.

I’m not going to complain about living in an apartment building for free.
We stayed here in corporate housing while we looked for our own place. My boyfriend’s company relocated us here for his job. We stayed on the 14^th floor with a nice view of the Nordstrom parking garage, and a view of the Washington monument. We actually did go down to leasing office to see how much it cost for a one bedroom… only $ 2,400 a month. Eeek. Notice the sarcasm.
Anyway, it has a nice rooftop pool, the amenities are great, and you’re definitely paying for the accessibility to the metro and all the shops. Just keep that in mind when you rent from here.

We lived here for a little over a year, but only left because we got a puppy and wanted to go back to living in a house.
We had a beautiful apartment on the 17^th floor with spectacular views of the National Mall. Also, it had upgrades such as wood floors, nicer appliances. The building is very clean, very nice. Beautiful clubhouse, pool, and gym. It is very dog friendly. Most residents know each other by the dogs! :-) There is a great park to take them out right across the street. The location can’t be beat! So close to shopping and restaurants.
Beyond the amenities, however, the staff is great! Alex, the GM was wonderful to us while we were there. Also Janice and William are so friendly at the front desk. We also had a great experience with all our maintenance requests. They really do want to make sure you are happy with everything in your apartment and enjoy living there. Above and beyond seems to be their motto.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is the cost. It was pretty pricey. Parking was extra, pet rent, move in fees, etc. Though, these are all pretty standard for apartments in the area.
I think of myself as a picky person when it comes to where I live. This is the best apartment that we have lived in.
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My employer arranged for a three month stay at this apartment and a car rental thru Advance in Arlington. The package was so easy. The car was at the apartment when I checked in. The furnished apartment included everything, was clean, and an organized inventory of items was available. The décor was modern and weekly maid cleaning service was offered. I could walk to lots of shops and restaurants and parking was in a secure underground garage. The location is an easy trip to DC and near Regan. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. I’m not sure what the prices are like because my employer paid for the apartment/​car package directly.

*3.5*
I have been, overall satisfied with my living experience. However, for the amount they charge for rent, I expect better experience.
First, they did not change my carpet prior to my move. I never managed to get rid of the musty carpet smell out of my apartment despite multiple steam cleaning attempts.
Second, they towed my car from the parking lot where I pay $ 100/​month to park because I was 2 inches over the line. They clearly have records that I own the vehicle. Does it take more than couple of minutes to look up the vehicle record and ask me to repark the car? They were kind enough to leave me a note on the car but since I only use my car on the weekends, I am not going to find it until Friday evening/​weekend which was obviously too late since my car was already towed.
The service personnel in this complex are absolutely wonderful. They are very kind and promptly take care of issues. The leasing personnel, however, tend to be a bit snobby.
The apartment does accept large dogs, provide complimentary coffee every morning, freshly baked pre-​made cookies at 8PM, a lovely rooftop pool and common area, business center, and periodic pizza/​dessert fests/​resident appreciation days.
They do take AMEX which is a HUGE plus — points for rent!