MTH Management in St. Johns, MI

Pros

• The staff are described as nice, with no problems reported yet.
• Great communication is noted by residents.
• Tenants loved the apartment, citing its spacious layout, two bathrooms, in-unit laundry, and a fireplace, and they built lasting memories there.
• Move-in and move-out processes were smooth for guests.
• Stephen Hentemann and his team at MTH are said to take good care of residents.
• Rents are described as reasonable for the locations.

Cons

• The management gave tenants 30 days to move out and pursued collections for a lease that never existed.
• They couldn’t get ahold of anyone who works there.
• The company is described as a joke of a management company.
• The Arbaugh elevator has been broken for over two months, and maintenance is generally poor.
• MTH Management is incompetent and causes stress with random charges.
• They require all bill inquiries by postal mail, making it difficult to discuss charges by phone.
• Maintenance is absolutely abysmal and unresponsive to problems.
• The building is outdated, with old fixtures, and the HVAC barely works, especially on the top floor.
• They will not renew leases unless tenants are part of their “family,” and will evict with 30 days’ notice.

Review

This MTH Management portfolio in St. Johns, Michigan is best suited for budget-minded renters who crave spacious layouts and real-world amenities, yet can tolerate uneven maintenance and a management track record that varies by property. When the stars align, some units deliver 2 baths, in-unit laundry, and a fireplace in a price bracket that undercuts competitors, the value can be compelling. A few residents report solid communication and a smooth move-in experience, which confirms that reliable on-site teams can produce a positive living environment. But those wins are inconsistent, and the overall package carries substantial risk for anyone counting on stability and predictable service.

Alternative consideration should be given to households that require dependable maintenance, transparent billing, and predictable lease terms. Several reviews highlight a pattern of unresponsive maintenance, frequent operational hiccups (like elevators out of service for extended periods), and disputes over charges. The impression that rent and fees can be mismanaged or difficult to contest, sometimes with limited avenues for discussion, means households with tight schedules, kids, or medical needs may find this setup stressful rather than supportive. For renters who prize swift fixes, clear communication, and straightforward financials, other operators with stronger, more consistent track records are likely safer bets.

The strongest, more tangible pros are the sizable, affordable apartments and the occasional on-site team that demonstrates reliability. When maintenance is promptly addressed and the communication channel functions, residents describe a reasonable experience, including responsive repairs and respect around move-in and move-out timelines. The presence of an on-site manager who genuinely communicates, at least in some properties, offers a reminder of what a well-run community can deliver. In the broader portfolio, the contrast is stark: a well-regarded East Lansing property managed by the same company earned praise for swift fixes and courteous service, suggesting that capable staff exist but are not uniformly deployed across all properties.

Sadly, those bright spots do not offset the dominant pattern: chronic maintenance failures, recurring capital- or equipment issues (elevators, outdated fixtures, unreliable heat in older units), and a management approach that can feel reactive rather than proactive. Frequent mischarges, reliance on postal mail for billing inquiries, and occasional lease-termination pressure create financial and logistical stress. The most jarring reviews recount abrupt 30-day move-out mandates and looming collections for disputed items, signaling a gamble on tenancy that can backfire without careful, proactive oversight. In short, the negatives tend to be systemic enough to overshadow the occasional positive resident experience.

For families evaluating this option, the prudent move is to conduct rigorous diligence before committing. Visit multiple properties if possible, inspect the unit condition thoroughly, and press for details on maintenance response times, elevator status, and heat reliability in winter. Request a detailed, itemized list of charges from the last 12 months and a transparent explanation of any holdbacks or move-out fees, ideally with a direct contact in billing. Ask to speak with an onsite supervisor about typical issues and how they are resolved, and demand a written maintenance response window. Obtain recent resident references who can attest to follow-through on repairs and to keeping promises during lease terms.

Bottom line: MTH Management presents a mixed proposition. For buyers with limited budgets who can tolerate ambiguity and a higher risk of management friction, it can be a practical choice when a specific property delivers strong on-site care and truly competitive pricing. For those who require reliable maintenance, transparent billing, and predictable lease stability, alternatives are strongly recommended. The decision should hinge on targeted due diligence, a clear understanding of the property’s track record, and a candid assessment of whether the on-site manager can be trusted to meet expectations consistently.