The Hallie

The Hallie. When I lived here March 2015 to December 2015 it started off as Monterras Del Sol, or, The Monterras. The rent for a one bed one bathroom was $ 1,960. My unit was updated (it had in unit washer and dryer, microwave, dishwasher, wood floors). The unit was nice but the building was old. There was a lot of construction during my time there, which was a bit of a nuisance but nothing I couldn’t live with. Here are the pros and cons I found:
The good:
— Location. Many great eating, shopping, and entertainment locations within walking distance.
— Updated units. The updated units were nice, and saved me from having to use the community washers and dryers.
— Gated parking
— Updates to the property were being conducted to beautify the facility.
— Community events. The leasing staff held some really nice community events.
— The leasing staff was very polite.
The bad:
— Location. Because things are walking distance to eating, shopping, and entertainment, parking is terrible around the complex, especially in weekends. The convention center compounds the problem whenever they have an event. Additionally, the city has a two hour limit on the street at the Del Sol property from 9 – 6, M-​Sa. This becomes a pain in the ass for guests, IF they can find parking. Otherwise they have to pay for the lot across the street, which is only available after hours and weekends, are pay to park in a garage two blocks down.
— No guest parking.
— Construction. It didn’t really bother me that much but there were some days where it was tiresome, the noise, dust, and the random workers roaming around.
— Packages. There was no real system for packages, some were left at the leasing office located down the street on Del Mar, others were left in the Del Sol lobby, often times with the door wide open due to construction, and other times they packages were left in front of the unit. Luckily I had no package thefts but I did receive delivery notification once and went to the leasing office to see if they had my package since it wasn’t in the lobby or at my door. They told me they didn’t have the package so after a month I started the refund process through Amazon. Amazon refunds my money and what do you know, a week later I get an email from the leasing office stating they had a package for me. It was that package. Now I had a package that I said I didn’t have and was refunded, or received new items for. I sent the items back to Amazon with an apology letter.
The ugly:
— Since these units were old, there were some problems. First, my AC was dripping condensation water so the ceiling panels below it ended up staining brown. It took some time for the issue to finally be resolved and I was also asked not to use it for a brief time period. This would not have been a problem if it had not been during the summer (Pasadena summers are HOT!). After it was fixed, I had to go over a month with the stained panel missing because it was on order. Boy that was a loud month with the AC on.
— Mold. One day I noticed a mushroom growing from between the floor molding and the floor. GROSS! I told the leasing office the next day and someone was sent over to remove the mushroom. Afterwards, I was told that the issue was water leaking from the bath tub between the shower curtain while I took a shower and that when the tub was installed the installers failed to put caulking between the tub and wall, so water was traveling down on on the wall. I was told to buy a leak guard from Home Depot. Personally I felt that they should have provided one since the tub wasn’t installed properly. Additionally, they didn’t remove the door molding to see if there was any extra molding, which I thought would’ve been a safer bet for my health.
Overall, my experience at the property was okay, but the price forced me out more than anything. For the same lease (9 months) the rent went up about $ 150 per month. When I initially leased the apartment I was told the price would not go up much if at all because it was already so high. I guess $ 150 is not much to them but it was to me so I voted with my pocket book and left.
For someone with the income to meet the advised debt/​income ratio, I’d recommend the location.

I have lived here for about a year, and I can honestly say this has been the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in choosing an apartment. Let me try to list some of the issues below:
— The construction: When I signed my lease, I was told that construction would be done by the end of 2015. It is now mid– February 2016, and it is still going on. There has been jackhammering for weeks on end, starting at 8 – 8.30 in the morning. Construction has even taken place on national holidays, which is in fact against Pasadena city code. Every time I’ve asked when it would end, the answer has ALWAYS been «at the end of this week».
In addition to the renovations of the exterior of the building, all the apartments’ interiors are being gradually renovated. So, even if the exterior of the building is ever complete, the construction will continue for months or years, until all units are complete.
Additionally, in the lot that is adjacent to the Euclid building, a 4-​storey new construction is about to start (see details at:
). So if you live here, you are guaranteed to have non-​stop construction for years to come. If you like to sleep past 8.30am, work at home, or just like a quiet environment, this is not a place to live.
— The building: Once the renovations are complete, the building will look good. But this is only on the surface. This building was built 44 years ago, end despite the cosmetic improvements it still feels and sounds like a 44-​year old building. The floors are so crooked, that if you set a ball in the middle of the room, it will just roll to one side. I sometimes wonder how this building is safe. The walls are so thin you can hear discussions your neighbors are having at a regular voice level. And, most annoyingly of all, the floors creak like nothing I’ve ever heard before. It’s so bad that if your upstairs neighbors move around, you will have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation. Let me say that the neighbors are NOT noisy: it’s just that the building is so badly constructed (typical of old buildings) that one’s regular activities actually become unusual nuisance to everyone else. I’ve lived in multi-​story buildings my entire life, and I’ve never heard so bad noise from regular people walking.
Additionally, there are so many things that constantly go wrong with the building, causing yet more construction noise… in the past few months, the outside wall of my apartment had to be torn open twice to repair leaks. The hot tub had to be jackhammered to pieces to repair plumbing. Some of the balconies had to be torn down and re-​built, among other problems…
— The management: The management has shown little interest in addressing the residents’ concerns when it comes to construction. Frankly, this makes sense, since they have been able to raise the rents exorbitantly, and still have people come rent here. So why bother improve your residents’ experience, when you know that the sooner they leave, the more money you will be able to charge on the next tenants? (Note that they steer tenants to shorter-​than-​12-​month leases, apparently so that they can raise the rent quicker).
The management only seems to care about collecting your money. After being fed up with the place, I decided to move out, and have to go on a month-​to-​month lease until I find a new place. FYI, my month-​to-​month rate is $ 3175 for a 1BR apartment, a 64% increase over my lease price. So, be aware that you will probably have a similar increase if you ever have to go month-​to-​month.
This is only one example of several I could list about the management’s attitude towards residents. To quote John A.‘s review: «Out of all the apartments I have ever rented, never felt so disregarded and disrespected by management.» I could not have put it any better.
Overall, I strongly advise anyone thinking about moving here to reconsider. They ask for rent comparable to other, newly built, luxury apartment buildings, yet the place is a 44-​year old building with never-​ending construction and problems. Maintain your sanity, and go somewhere else.

Do not rent here! They have zero regard for tenants. Out of all the apartments I have ever rented, never felt so disregarded and disrespected by management. They spent one full year doing construction work, and jack-​hammering constantly and daily, and never once offered to help the tenants through this in any way, shape or form. They took away all the amenities (through construction) and still make you pay full rent as if you have the amenities to use. They don’t care if you have a baby or if you need to work from home, they will make sure your life is hell. Anyone reading this who is also severely affected by the noise, please put a note in the lobby with your phone number. The only reason they are getting away with this is because they count on the tenants not banding together and confronting them as a group.

We’ve stayed here for 9 months. It’s a pleasant experience. Safe, convenient, clean, with garage parking, mail box with lock, washing machine, dishwasher, and great neighbors. Jessica and Yesenia have been very helpful. Anything wrong in the apartment they will send people to fix it. The only reason we move is for a bigger kitchen. This place is perfect for young couples.

I have come to tour this complex and I have to say Yesenia has been so patient, helpful and kind! The apartments are stunning. Brand new EVERYTHING and all top quality products. The location can not be beat and the staff that works the front office have been nothing but kind and have gone way out of their way to answer my numerous questions! This complex has exceeded my expectations! (though I am not currently a resident, only someone who is looking for the best apt complex in Pasadena).

I’ve only been living at the Monterras for the past 3 months, but have really enjoyed it. The newly renovated apartments are quite beautiful and were a big part of my original attraction to the building. I’ve found the apartment to fit my needs well: I love the pool and hot tub; the fitness center is super convenient, I’m paying $ 500 less per month than I did at my previous apartment complex, and I’m still a short walk to Old Town, the arts district, and the Paseo. The management team has been very sweet and the maintenance crew has been super helpful, friendly, and very timely. It’s been a great success for me. Very happy with my move.

the Monterras is wonderful! the updates are well done, tasteful, and the staff is absolutely perfect! friendly, professional, and very helpful!

What a nightmare! Could have left me homeless… they didn’t care or even ask.
On 7÷30÷15 I viewed a lovely model apartment at Monterras, (actual unit not available for viewing but was informed 350 S. Madison, Pasadena unit #X of 830sf would be available for move-​in 9÷6÷15). Paid deposit on 8÷3÷15 for unit #111. I understood the rent would be approx. $ 2,000 for a 830sf apt. When viewing the complex, I noticed the deck on the model floor plan was different than what I saw from the outside of the building. I was provided the patio sq footage and assured that the interior would be the same.
Over the next month I was never ALLOWED to see the apartment as it was being remodeled.
In waiting to move in (35 days), I completed all that Monterras required and additionally established dog documentation, utilities, TV, wireless, insurance, MOVERS, etc.
Despite move in date of 9/​6, and required rent and deposits, in a meeting with the manager, on the morning of 9÷4÷15 I was told I would not be able to view the apartment earlier than the NIGHT of 9÷5÷15. I asked again for an accurate floor plan to be assured they were going to deliver as promised. After much searching the manager provided a «sketch» of what she «thought» was the unit. So, just looking at the outside measurements, I noted the apartment was 130+sf LESS than the 830sf promised, and it had an additional 30sf of dead space. It is an effective 670sf apartment — 160SF LESS THAN PROMISED! The manager promised to re-​measure the apartment and get back to me ASAP with the actual size (and I assumed a revised rent offer).
What I got, hours late, was a voice message providing the measurements above and offering to refund my deposit. NO OFFER to renegotiate rent or solve my problem IN ANY MANNER. Here I was… everything arranged for move in and NOWHERE TO GO! Not only were they totally UNSYMPATHETIC TO MY SITUATION, they NEVER CALLED BACK to help me AT ALL!
Left hanging without an apartment after a month old commitment. I CALLED, LEFT VOICE MESSAGES, TALKED TO AN ASSISTANT and still no solution.
On Saturday, I told one of the rental staff that I would post this if I did not hear back by the morning of 9÷8÷15. It is noon and I am still waiting…

Having read some of the «poor» reviews I wanted to wait a few months from the time I moved in to post to Unilocal.In the four months since I’ve moved in I’ve had nothing but good experiences. The management staff — particularly Jessica and Niki — have been attentive to my suggestions, follow up quickly with actions and are always pleasant to deal with. When I moved in I had minor issues with my apartment (I can be picky) and they were all resolved quickly and without reminding anyone. Since then I’ve had no issues with the apartment whatsoever.
There is still construction going on (and like everyone else I wish it were completed) but, frankly, it’s not been an issue for me. .. though I do wish the pool area would be completed quickly. The hallways are quiet, as are the apartments, and kept clean and neat. People living in the building seem to be very respectful of others and I’ve not noticed any issues. I enjoy my apartment, use the gym and love living in Pasadena (I’m a native New Yorker who is bi-​coastal). In the end though what makes the building work for me on a continuing basis are the staff. Wherever one lives there are always going to be some issues but here I know that if I have an issue it will be listened to and that staff will do their best to resolve it. I’m glad to have chosen the Monterras.

I have lived at the Monterras Del Mar (soon to be called The Halie I think) for almost a year now and cannot wait to move out. Many of my frustrations are rooted in the ongoing renovation project and experience with the management and construction teams.
The renovation appears to be close to completion, although the pool area has been closed for some time now. Another thing to note is that as soon as residents move out of an older style unit, renovation work will begin. If your apartment is near an older style unit, be prepared to deal with noise and dust at some point. A real pleasure when you are home sick or if you work from home.
Other examples of frustration with management include:
In December, a flyer was posted on my door stating that a new, water efficient toilet would be installed. One week later, another flyer was posted stating that the new toilets «did not fit» and that they would be installed in January/​February. I followed-​up in March and was informed that only new units would have the water efficient toilets, not mine. The flyer was a «mistake».
Another example is related to the laundry room upgrade that never happened. Residents were informed that washers/​dryers were going to be upgraded in a few weeks. Along with the new washers/​dryers, residents were informed that they would receive a new payment card preloaded with $ 5. However, a day after the upgrade was scheduled to happen, the signs posted about the upgrade and $ 5 credit disappeared from the walls of the complex. Apparently, the new washers/​dryers did not fit or something. One would think that it is appropriate to first confirm that the upgrade is possible before moving forward. Guess they did not learn from the toilet incident.
The latest fiasco was the installation of the new mailboxes. They installed new mailboxes but management did not coordinate with Postal Service to properly install new locks. Due to this, we did not receive mail for over a week. They placed blame solely on the Postal Service. Based on prior experiences with their lack of appropriate planning/​coordinating, my guess is that they were the ones that screwed up… again.
I am just happy to know that the end is in sight! Be sure to talk to other residents when you tour the facility and ask about their experiences. I have yet to encounter another resident that trusts the management here.
Other Reviews:
Unilocal (The Monterras Del Ray) — Managed by the same company. Residents here encountered similar situations:
— See anonymous post agreeing with my experience here:

I have been at The Monterras for over 4 years now. I have watched this place come from an above average building, to a more modern upscale building durring my time here.
To me cleanliness and insect free is a must ! At The Monterras, you will never see a bug of any kind, and if dirt appears, it is quickly picked up as they have staff cleaning daily on the premises.
Now over the years, the building is not the only amazing transformation that i have been witness to. The staff has also gone from old and average, to knowledgeable, friendly, and professional !
Jessica has always been awesome and very considerate of mine and our needs since she arrived. Brittney has been there to help us in anyway she can both swiftly, and efficiently.
If things couldn’t get better, Niki arrived and certainly added much to the already existing level of professionalism and curtticy that already existed with Monica and Brittney. One can certainly tell that she has a vast knowledge of the industry that she is so wonderfully a part of.
In short, these three empowering and inspiring gals are what this industry needs more of ! Essex, if you already don’t know, you all are very lucky to have just one of these ladies, but three in the same office? Unheard-​of !!!
Thanks ladies for always being there, and helping with anything we need !
As far as Essex, thanks for your high standards in everything you do !
Bravo !!!
C &E

The monterras new updates are great.

After a couple months of moving in, I am even more in love with my apt! The renovations are not annoying at all and they work so fast. All the girls in the leasing office are so awesome and quick to help me with whatever I need. So glad I moved here

We moved into our newly renovated apartment at Monterras del Rey and the amenities, price and location cannot be beat. The staff of Arlene, Niki, and Brittany are all very kind and helpful. I was even able to give my rent check to Arlene this morning as they were passing out free breakfast to residents!
The renovations move pretty quickly and the crew adheres to the set schedule. The building is QUIET and you feel safe leaving windows open at night.
Moving from Hollywood was the best decision we’ve made in LA so far. A+ Monterras!

George came and fixed my fireplace. On time, quick, and knowledgeable. It has been on the list of things to fix and he came and fixed it very well.

Worst customer service ever! I called the office and it suppose to be the GM who answered. Her name is Brittany, when explained her about the mess, her response was uh huh. when asked if she could send someone to clean up the construction mess her answer was… you don’t have Monica’s comtact?.. and she gave me a number to call Monica who supposedly is construction manager.
So my dear fellows ‚
this is the kind of service you get from the GENERAL MANAGER imagine what kind of service one will get from the rest of the employees. It is pretty much do it yourself service here! I wonder why they even have a GM who is so lazy to make a phone call. .asking the clients to do it instead… poor management! They are here for the sake of being being here!!!

We viewed this building DESPITE the Unilocal reviews but that turned out to be a mistake.
If I was Essex properties I would be embarrassed at how their employees handle potential renters. We called to schedule viewings THREE TIMES before having someone get back with us and that isn’t even the worst part…
Turns out the person who wasted two hours of our day was a TEMP who had no business showing us the units and quoted us PRICING THAT DIDN’T EXIST!!! We were taken through the building, shown multiple units, went over every part of the leasing process including pricing based on time frame and when specific units would be available all for nothing. This place is a JOKE.
When I called the next day to speak to the gentleman who showed us the units I was told that he was a temp and will not be working in the leasing office anymore. I was also told the real price of the units and wasn’t even given so much as an explanation as to why he was showing us units and quoting prices that do not exist. the apology I received was minimal at best and the girl on the phone was not even helpful nor did she ask about our needs or even what she could do to help us out. She just said «sorry he didn’t understand our pricing structure.»
If I can give you a few words of advice, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME! Don’t bother looking at this building until the construction is complete and they put a professional management staff on-​site to handle your inquiries.

We moved out from Monterras 3 months ago for 2 reasons: 1) rent increase (personal problem, we could barely afford the old price), 2) «renovations» they call it, but in fact it’s a huge rebuilding project, which indeed will make this house a better place but the process is long and painful for tenants. BUT I so miss my cozy 2 br 1 bath home! The area is beautiful, price is OK compare to other buildings around, but they gonna fix it :) I miss the pool although I didn’t use it much. New management is very friendly and responsible for current tenants, although they have a lot of problems due to renovations.

UPDATE: yet more disaster at the monterras.
1. Shower does not work at all and office is closed… On a Thursday
2. Dangerous scaffolding place in garage driveway.
Does the monterras management care about tenants or their contractors?

Been there a year, office staff is lousy by all means. They have been renovating since last February with no compensation to the residents. Every time you say something to the staff, they give you a fourth grade answer. The dryers have been broken for 9 weeks now, and they keep telling us to lug our dirty Landry a half a mile down the street to their sister property… is that even for real? Don’t move here, the Sunday staff will definitely deter you after one question, cuz the answer is always something that provokes you! Ew