Fourth & U Apartments - Berkeley, California

Isa M.

I had a terrible experience applying to live here. Please be cautious with giving them your money.

I toured with the promise of a parking space accompanying the apartment for an extra fee, but I was assured that they were available. This was something that was very important to me in the apartment hunting process, as I am sure many can relate to. I then applied and paid the application fee, put down a $300 deposit, and was STILL promised a parking space. After much back and forth with the team who is difficult to get ahold of, I called the day before move-in, and they said that they did not have any parking available and that I would have to street park and pay for it. I asked how long it would take to get off the waitlist for a parking space, and they had no estimate of a date at ALL. I then asked if I could get a refund for my deposit and application fee since I would not have applied if there were not a parking space to accompany me. They said yes, and it would be issued to me within 5-10 business days. After a week of not hearing from them, I followed up with the team and they said they had no idea about the refund, and needed to ask the accounting department. After asking if I could be transferred there, they said no because there was no direct line. I received a text saying my deposit had been refunded, and after following up about refunding my application fee, they completely ghosted me.

Written into the lease agreement, there was also no indication that a parking spot could be revoked without written notice.

I still have not received any correspondence from the team since my message to them on 2/4/25.

Very disappointing that a large apartment corporation would be comfortable with taking $100 from someone who did not even move-in due to Essex's mistake.

Please be careful and follow up about very small details before giving them any money if you choose to live here, but I would not recommend it.

Essex took many hours of my time and $100 dollars of my money that they do not seem like they will give back.

I would never live or trust an Essex apartment after this experience.

you M.

want to give a huge shoutout to Dominic and the team here . We recently had an incident, and Dominic handled it with incredible professionalism and speed. He was there exactly when we needed him, and his prompt response made all the difference.

I’m thrilled that Dominic is back at this location—his expertise and care really show how much he values the residents. It’s rare to see someone who takes such pride in their work, and I truly appreciate how he turned a stressful situation into something manageable.

Thank you, Dominic, and the entire team, for always going above and beyond. It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m happy to call this place home!

Loren P.

This post relates to our maintenance supervisor, Dominic. We have lived here for years and Dominic has been the best whenever we run into an issue, no matter how big or small, and goes above and beyond - he is extremely responsive, always looking for solutions, has a great demeanor, and all around just a great person. Would rate even higher if the system allowed it!

Lisa T.

The most frustrating "management" to deal with. The elevator has been out for three weeks now, no one has responded, barely even a note to let tenants know. We have disabled tenants, very pregnant tenants with children, people with bikes, and having to deal with no elevator is bad enough, but feeling helpless, unable to contact
"management" (in parentheses because they don't do their job), a real person who can be accountable and get tenants updates, is the cherry on top. People can't move in or out without an elevator, how are disabled tenants able to get out to get food/delivery? It's nuts. We've had many situations where our safety has been compromised by malfunctioning garage gate and front door, and it's always a struggle to get in touch with anyone to help. The email you get when something happens says: "we will get back to you in 48 hours"....and there is no actual office, or manager, to help the tenants. It's a virtual manager over the phone, they change all the time, and no physical office here (since covid). Very frustrating. And it's a law, if it's over 17 units, they need to have an in person manager. No one here.

Matt P.

Would like to take a moment to publicly thank Dominic, Loukie, and the rest of the maintenance and cleaning staff for their help and hard work here. This is a frustrating and disappointing place to live, but they make a noticeable, positive difference. I hope that Essex is giving them all of the resources they need to do their best. Thank you!

Sang H.

I have a maintenance issue, and Dominic handled it very nicely and professionally. Maintenance request and communicatiom via an mobile app is also very convinient.!

Tajee C.

Shoutout Dominic!! He's been helping me out since I moved in. Whenever I have an issue I always hope its him because he always comes through!!

Donna T.

Dominique and Rocky are the best in the building anytime I had and issue it got fixed right away Dominique always got my back🙌🏽