Step Up Property Management - Sonora, California

D M.

Having gone many years trying to manage our rental property from a distance, we were referred to Step Up Property Management and we haven't looked back. Our property is in very good hands and more profitable than before. In the years we have partnered with Step Up we have had our longest lasting tenants. They are an advocate for the renter and landlord and report all concerns and maintenance request almost immediately. Darlene's communication between ourselves and our tenants make it so much easier to take care of needs as they come along. We feel Step Up works for our tenants and for us, making everyone happy! We truly appreciate all of the office's hard work.

Cynthia S.

Step Up has managed my rentals for three years now and I wish I hired them sooner. They make being a landlord much less stressful and they ensure everything is done by the book and in compliance with landlord/tenant laws, which is extremely important. Their amazing staff, specifically Darlene, Jamie and Davinelle are always there when any little or big issues arise. Darlene even went to court with me, fully prepared with documentations, to support my defense in an unfortunate landlord/tenant situation.
I couldn’t be more grateful for these ladies’ ongoing support with my rental properties. It’s comforting knowing I have an experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy team to help me maintain my properties and keep my tenants happy.

Jennifer A.

BEWARE!!! DON’T RENT from Step Up as they are extremely sleazy, lacking communication and ethics. My son had to break lease as neighbor in 4 plex slashed my sons tire after three days of living there due to his discussion about parking spots, which he was told by the property manager, it was OK to park there. As he was moving out the 3rd day of rental occupancy for fear for his safety and further tampering of his vehicle the neighbor in four Plex set off the smoke alarm 11pm at night, nothing cooking, no heat other than neighbor tampering or putting lighter to his unit’s smoke alarm to intimidate my son, easy to do with paper thin , poorly insulated walls.Manager Darlene stated that the neighbor liked to think of himself as the self appointed property manager, who specifically stated that his cameras were working to check on homeless break ins, but not obviously when possibly to indicate that he was the one who slashed and tampered with my son’s vehicle. This guy has lived there for 8 years and the unit is truly a dump .(Go further into the reviews and you can see he might be the same guy who gave tenants problems 4 years ago) . Unfortunately, we lost in small claims court, even though the judge agreed with us with all of our documentation and reasons why my son broke the lease. My son made the mistake of suing the property management company vs. suing the owners( which was stated in the lease paperwork) They never provided “quiet enjoyment” which is a tenant right so it could have been pursued as they never fulfilled their part of the contract. It’s important to note the inferiority of their inventory of rental units they showed us prior to his 3 day experience of the rental.(He only rented the unit as it was the only one available 3 weeks earlier than others and he was new to Sonora starting a new job right away. He also was naive having only had excellent experiences with property management rentals in Sacramento.) The rental was inferior, glass front door window, no deadbolt, no microwave or dishwasher and a need to possibly buy your own window air conditioner. Another notation is ONLY when Step Up was SUED in small claims court did Step Up tell him he was not liable for the entire years rent(over $11,000) and they rented the unit. Fortunately our experience with Frontier Property Management has been tremendous as they have quality rentals and management and he is living in a very nice rental close to town now. Save yourself from mental anxiety and choose Any Other Company than Step Up.

Jonah M. F.

Echoing what many others have said, which is a bummer. I spent lots of time asking questions, checking and double checking their policies and requirements and had a reasonable experience. I don’t have a problem with any staff in particular, as they were mostly pleasant throughout. Beware shoddy handyman services, make sure to take lots of photos and report things as they happen (one handyman literally cut the back of a drawer at an angle to make it fit, rather than adjusting the rails) Then when you move out, be sure to check their policies. We were made aware as we were moving out that it was required that we get the carpets professionally cleaned just because they were done before we moved in. This was especially silly because when we moved in, the carpets smelled like wet stinky dog, and I noted this on the move in inspection form. When we left, the carpets were clean and didn’t smell, and Step Up’s inspection clearly stated that there was no obvious odor or stain, but we were still supposed to get them cleaned They also charged us to clear a few pine needles (we moved out in September, ya know, the time of year when leaves fall) We got most of our deposit back, but I guess I should warn you not to believe their move out email which states that they hope to give you it all back, because they’ll just nickel and dime. Could have been worse, but I’ve yet to find a management company I actually trust, despite always paying on time and taking care of the property.

Michelle A.

Step Up should be commended for their awesome customer service and friendly staff. There are always going to be those folks that gripe about property management because they do not understand the process or do not take care of business. I have had the best luck with Step Up Property Management. They are dedicated and at their post ready to serve the community.

Raini P.

2 stars for the fact that they were mostly good at managing throughout our term at the sonora rental. But the move in and move out inspections definitely feel like a scam, either that or they are incompetent at their job. Moving in, the place was completely dirty, even after they charged the previous tenants for a "cleaning fee". We cleaned parts of the house on move out way better than it was left on our move in, and they still charged us the $300 fee. Don't waste your time on cleaning on move out because they will charge you no matter what. In addition, they threw away a completely brand new filter that we installed and didn't use 2 weeks before moved out, stating it was "dirty". A totally unnecessary, wasteful thing to do. They charged us $20 to replace something that was new. And in addition, they charged us an extra $20 to move 1 pair of blinds to another room and didn't note in pre-inspection that we had to move those. $20 to move something. It's a scam. Be careful of their ways. Keep receipts of everything and you'll mostly be fine. Don't waste your time on cleaning, because they'll charge you. It's $340 in total they charged us, not a big amount in the grand scheme of things, it's just the principal of their conduct and incompetence.

Shylo W.

Did not have a good experience renting from thia company.. Surprise pg&e bills since we had to leave the pg&e in their new because there were three houses on the property and they electric bill was divided. Called multiple times for things to get fixed in which they would send a maintenance man who had no idea what he was doing or did it half a** also reported to the about mold from the downstairs room that floods growing on the back bedroom and room above and they did nothing. We couldn't wait for our lease to be up to move out. Paid a month in advance to move out early and they still sent us bills staying we didn't pay them which I have the whole ledger that states we did. Then kept my whole deposit saying they hired a move out cleaner and yard maintenance when we cleaned the entire property. I highly recommend not renting from them. They are also very rude and can't explain why they have surprise bills that they send you.

Jill H.

WHATEVER it takes do NOT rent from Step Up Property Management. From day one they lied and misrepresented the unit. Promised multiple things they never followed through on. Literally said "sorry, you already signed the lease".

For a year we dealt with plumbing issues that were definitely unsafe, including the septic tank backing up into the shower.
The showers would back up weekly when the toilets were flushed, there were rats living in our ceiling that weren't dealt with, a mailbox that USPS won't deliver to because the house was illegally sub-divided....and SOOO much more. And then, after a year of acting lIke actual slum lords, they charge this for the move out!!!!
Professional cleaners were hired and the place looked WAY better than it did when we moved in and yet here's the proof that they are absolute crooks.
I'm disgusted that someone would treat people this way. PLEASE do not rent from them or let anyone you know!!!!
And spread the word so these people have to stop practicing business this way!