Crestview Apartments

Pros

• The location is awesome and the management is great, with a pool as a nice added touch.
• Genevieve is described as a helpful and friendly property manager.
• The apartments have been updated inside and are well maintained.
• The property is very clean and well cared for, with sidewalks and the parking lot regularly maintained.
• Maintenance staff are responsive and courteous, addressing issues quickly.
• Several residents praise Michell and Matt for genuinely caring about the property and residents.
• Many residents would recommend Crestview Estates to others.

Cons

• The apartments are unsafe due to old electrical wiring and a refusal to install new breakers.
• Management and maintenance are rotated frequently, leading to inconsistent and poor upkeep.
• Breaking a lease early results in a fee equal to four months' rent (two months as a fee plus two months' rent).
• Final move-out charges are designed to keep the security deposit, with tenants often not receiving it back.
• Deposit refunds are issued only by live check, which can't be cashed by some tenants, effectively letting the company keep the deposit (typically 1.5 times the rent).
• Maintenance issues are ignored or delayed until move-out to maximize charges.
• The staff is described as rude, unhelpful, and poorly organized, with examples of unresponsive management.
• There are reports of outages (no heat/air) and water shut-offs due to slow or absent maintenance response.
• Some reviews label the place as a slum or among the worst places to live.

Review

Crestview Estates appears to be a place with a mix of strong positives and serious caveats, depending on who you ask and when you ask. On the bright side, many residents highlight an excellent location - described as convenient and downtown-adjacent - with some units recently updated and well kept. A number of tenants praise the overall aesthetic and the sense of a clean, quiet community. The pool is frequently noted as a pleasant amenity, and several reviewers mention that the property itself feels well-maintained in terms of grounds, sidewalks, and common areas. A subset of residents also recount positive personal interactions with attentive staff, especially early in their tenancy, and describe the property as being in a desirable area for walks, nearby stores, and easy access to downtown facilities.

However, beneath those favorable impressions lies a long thread of concerns that appear repeatedly across many reviews. A recurring complaint centers on safety and infrastructure. Several residents allege unsafe electrical conditions and old wiring, with specific mention that new breakers or other updates have not been pursued by the management. This safety critique is often paired with a broader sense that problems - especially maintenance issues - are not addressed promptly, or are deferred until a resident is about to move out, at which point hefty charges can accumulate. One reviewer even describes issues with carbon monoxide units and notes a perception that some safety-related improvements are not given priority.

Maintenance and day-to-day management receive mixed treatment in these accounts. Some tenants report responsive maintenance teams who address issues quickly and courteously, sometimes praising particular technicians or maintenance staff for their efforts. Others describe ongoing delays, slow or non-existent repairs, and a pattern of entry into units without proper notice. A few reviews recount anecdotes of management being difficult to reach, slow to respond, or unfriendly when problems are raised, which contributes to a sense that the experience can swing wildly from one tenant to the next depending on who is on site and when.

Fees and deposit practices are a major source of frustration in many reviews. The deposits are described as high, with some residents alleging they were charged substantial initial deposits and additional move-out fees. A particularly contentious point is the process of getting a security deposit refunded. Several tenants claim the deposit refunds are not issued promptly and accuse the management of withholding funds through various deductions. One pattern cited is the preference for issuing refunds via a live check rather than directly depositing funds, which some renters say creates barriers if they are unable to cash a live check. There are also mentions of being charged for cleaners or "re-cleaning" after maintenance work, as well as other charges tied to pre-existing conditions or delayed repairs. A number of reviews recount scenarios where early lease termination or breach of lease results in steep penalties - some reviewers describe costs that amount to multiple months' rent in addition to other fees - adding to an impression that leaving the property can be financially punitive.

Within the staff, there are sharp contrasts in the experiences shared by residents. Several reviews single out specific managers or staff members as particularly helpful, kind, or professional. Names that come up in a favorable light include Genevieve (described as very helpful and friendly), Lorraine (credited with going above and beyond to look after tenants), Michell and Matt (new additions who are creating a positive impression with maintenance and management), and a few others who are praised for being accommodating and available. On the flip side, some residents recount unhelpful or dismissive responses from certain managers, including reported difficulty in communication and dissatisfaction with how issues like heat, air conditioning, or essential repairs were handled. The discrepancy in personal experiences with different staff members contributes to an overall sense of inconsistency in the management approach.

Beyond the formal complaints, reviewers share a broader sense of how the living experience unfolds day to day. Some tenants describe a generally pleasant, well-kept living environment with courteous neighbors, quiet surroundings, and a community feel that makes them want to stay. Others paint a bleaker picture: frequent maintenance delays, repeated issues with basic amenities, and a perception that the property does not consistently deliver on promised safety or upkeep. There are also cautions about move-in logistics - some reviewers report changes to move-in dates, incomplete installations like blinds, and disputes over what constitutes acceptable conditions at the start of a tenancy. The result is a spectrum of lived experiences, ranging from satisfying and comfortable to frustrating and burdensome.

In sum, Crestview Estates seems to offer advantages that many tenants value - an excellent downtown-ish location, updated interiors in some units, and a responsive subset of the management team. Yet a substantial portion of feedback focuses on serious concerns: aging electrical systems and safety questions, inconsistent maintenance handling, aggressive or opaque fees and deposit practices, and a management experience that can feel unpredictable. For anyone considering moving in, the reviews suggest weighing the appeal of a convenient, attractive property against the risk of maintenance delays, potential disputes over deposits and move-out charges, and the variability of management support. If you do decide to tour or apply, it may be wise to document conditions meticulously, confirm maintenance response expectations in writing, and ask for clear, written terms regarding deposits, move-out charges, and entry notice to avoid surprises down the line.

The area of Fenton, Michigan, is a vibrant community with a variety of amenities to offer residents. For dining options, there are several restaurants nearby such as Moy Kong Express and Uncle Ray's Dairyland. Additionally, there are cafes like Tim Hortons and Biggby Coffee for social gatherings or enjoying a cup of coffee. For healthcare needs, there are multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies in close proximity, providing convenient access to medical services. Furthermore, there are places of worship for spiritual fulfillment and hospitals like Genesys Hospital for healthcare emergencies. The presence of parks like Silver Lake Park and Bicentennial Park allows residents to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Overall, this part of Fenton provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with easy access to essential services and recreational activities.

Restaurants

• Moy Kong Express (0.3 miles)
• Uncle Ray's Dairyland (0.4 miles)
• Crust (1 miles)
• Fenton Fire Hall (1.2 miles)
• Jimmy John's (1.2 miles)
• Fenton House (1.3 miles)
• Rally's (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Benford Donna DO (0.6 miles)
• Ziccardi, Michael, Do - Mc Laren Community Med Center (1.6 miles)
• Ortho Michigan (1.7 miles)
• James Garfield, DO (1.7 miles)
• Michigan Vision Institute (1.7 miles)
• Fenton Creative Health Care (2.8 miles)
• Genesys Integrated Group Practice (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Tim Hortons (0.9 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (9.1 miles)
• Starbucks (9.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (9.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Presbyterian Church (1.3 miles)
• The Freedom Center (1.9 miles)
• Holy Spirit Lutheran Church (7.8 miles)
• Holy Family Church (8.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• VG's Food Center & Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Vg's Grocery (1.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• American Die Cast Releasants (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Genesee County Pharmacists Association (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Rybar Group (1.8 miles)
• Genesys Hospital (6.6 miles)
• Cardiology - Ascension Genesys Heart Institute (6.6 miles)
• Genesys Rehab (6.8 miles)

Parks

• Silver Lake Park (1.9 miles)
• Highest Hope Dog Sports (5.5 miles)
• Bicentennial Park (7.8 miles)
• Holly Recreation Area (8.5 miles)

Theaters

• NCG Trillium Cinemas (8.1 miles)