Conifer Realty

Pros

• Jessica is simply amazing, showing extreme professionalism and expertise in coordinating events.
• Residents urge Conifer not to let Jessica go.
• Ms. Perry, the Regional Property VP, personally came to residents' homes to help resolve issues, and her willingness to show up spoke volumes.
• The on-site staff, project manager, and maintenance do the best they can.
• Ms. Hernandez has been instrumental in resolving bathroom and kitchen issues.
• Following the rules and staying current on rent is described as "golden" for residents.
• The property rules are being enforced now and pricing is in line with current housing trends.
• Harris Park Apts was once a lovely and charming community, with newsletters, contests for best gardens, warm neighbors and a sense of community.

Cons

• Conifer allegedly double-charged rent this month, causing bounced payments and extra fees.
• The service to residents is described as horrible and follow-through as virtually non-existent.
• The on-site Community Manager is rarely available, sometimes only two days per week, with high turnover.
• Corpus Christi properties are infested with mice and management has done nothing.
• Maintenance reportedly dismisses pest and sanitation issues, leaving garbage everywhere.
• There is no real way to contact management; calls, voicemails, and emails go unanswered.
• Conifer is described as slumlords who collect HUD subsidies but do little to improve residents' lives.
• Rent increases are described as excessive and not explained, often not tied to residents' income.
• Accessibility and safety issues persist, such as non-working automatic doors and lack of heat, with management failing to fix.
• Ownership changes have led to declines in property condition and community atmosphere.

Review

Across a broad swath of Conifer Realty properties, residents describe a pattern of frustration and fear about how their homes are managed. Several accounts claim that rent has been mishandled, with instances of being charged twice or having payments returned and racked up with additional fees. One person explicitly says their money was "stolen," and others report fights to get reimbursed or to have unexplained charges corrected. The financial distress is compounded for people on SSI, who say they are unable to keep up with bills after these rent and processing errors. In addition to the billing chaos, the sense of financial vulnerability extends to rent increases that residents feel are not aligned with their incomes, creating a perception that the portfolio's management prioritizes revenue over tenant stability.

A persistent thread throughout the feedback is a severe breakdown in communication and accessibility. On-site management is described as inconsistent or ineffective, with community managers only present two days a week and frequent turnover every three to four months. Corporate offices are portrayed as unreachable, with endless messages left without callbacks. Some residents report that they cannot get anyone to answer the phone, return voicemails, or respond to emails, which leaves them feeling abandoned and powerless when trying to address urgent issues such as maintenance, heating, or safety. The lack of live, responsive support is a common source of anxiety, especially for residents who rely on timely help for essential services and accommodations.

Maintenance and living conditions emerge as another major concern. Reports of pests - especially mice - dominate the lists of complaints for several properties, along with garbage piling up and general cleanliness issues. Maintenance staff sometimes express the view that certain problems will resolve themselves with seasonal changes, a stance residents interpret as neglect. Heating problems compound the misery, with mentions of no heat even after being advised of regulations, and temperatures hovering around uncomfortable levels. Accessibility is also a major theme: wheelchair users and mobility scooter operators describe doors, automatic openers, and other accessibility features failing or being insufficient, which makes safe and comfortable living difficult. Some residents report that common areas and sidewalks are neglected or obstructed, leading to hazardous or inconvenient conditions.

The reviews also reveal tensions around policies and the practical impact of rent and standards on families, veterans, and seniors. Several entries point to rent increases that do not seem tethered to income or household type, creating a perception of "greed" or "cash cow" behavior behind the scenes. There are references to HUD funding and the idea that Conifer properties are being treated as cash-producing assets rather than as homes. In some instances, residents threatened or pursued fair housing remedies or other legal avenues, reflecting the seriousness of the impact on daily life and housing security. The sense of being repeatedly harmed by unclear rules or inconsistent enforcement is a recurring thread.

The character of staff and management experiences varies within the same company. Some residents describe specific managers with genuinely poor interpersonal skills - unfriendly, disrespectful, and unresponsive - while others encounter more positive examples. A few reviewers single out particular individuals for praise: Jessica at Hamilton Apartments is credited with extraordinary dedication and professionalism, seemingly performing the work of many people in coordination for events. Ms. Perry - described as a regional representative who personally visited homes to address kitchen and bathroom issues - appears as a counterpoint to the negative portrayals, illustrating that some leadership figures are willing to engage directly. Yet even these brighter notes exist in a climate where many residents feel overwhelmed by turnover, confusion, and inconsistent service.

Property-by-property snapshots emphasize the breadth of dissatisfaction. Corpus Christi reports a pest problem that remains unaddressed, while on Hamilton floors residents mention pest-related complaints and limited access to amenities like the art studio. In Linden Lake and nearby Linden-Linden-area properties, residents acknowledge past efforts by specific officials (e.g., a regional VP who visited in person) but argue that more staffing - additional hands in corporate and on-site management - is needed to move beyond temporary improvements. Portville Manor residents describe physical deterioration - cracked walls and old windows that fail to operate - as emblematic of deeper maintenance neglect. Across these sites, residents describe having to take matters into their own hands at times, doing their own snow removal or repairs when management fails to provide even basic services.

Despite the chorus of grievances, a few residents note improvements or moments of responsiveness that provide a glimmer of what's possible with engaged leadership. In some cases, management has taken steps to address bathroom, kitchen, and other upgrades after direct visits from supervisors, and there is recognition that improvements can occur when leadership prioritizes accountability and visibility. The mixed experiences suggest that outcomes depend heavily on who is in charge, how accessible they are, and whether tenants are willing and able to push back through formal channels or advocacy organizations. The overall sentiment, however, remains one of frustration: residents feel neglected, financially strained, and left without reliable channels to have their concerns heard or resolved.

In summary, the prevailing view across these comments is that Conifer Realty properties struggle with consistent, responsive management, fair and predictable financial practices, and safe, well-maintained living environments. Residents describe a cycle of unreturned calls, delayed maintenance, and unresolved hazards, amplified by frequent changes in management and insufficient staffing. While there are notable exceptions - individuals who are praised for their direct engagement and willingness to address issues - the majority impression is that residents are fighting to protect their housing, their health, and their money. The calls for improvement are clear: more accessible live support, prompt handling of financial discrepancies, reliable heating and pest control, better enforcement of safety and accessibility standards, and steady, accountable leadership that treats residents with dignity and respect.

This area of Rochester, New York offers a vibrant and diverse community with convenient access to various amenities. Within close proximity, there are several cafes offering a variety of coffee options and eateries that cater to different tastes. Additionally, numerous parks provide beautiful green spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation. The neighborhood is also well-equipped with medical facilities, including hospitals, pharmacies, and physician services, ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors looking to settle in a dynamic urban setting.

Cafes

• Java's Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Ugly Duck Coffee (0.5 miles)
• Locals Only (0.6 miles)
• 1872 Cafe (0.9 miles)
• New City Cafe (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square (0.3 miles)
• Highland Park (1.7 miles)
• Durand Eastman Beach (1.9 miles)
• Cobbs Hill Park (1.9 miles)
• Seneca Park (2.8 miles)
• Genesee Valley Park (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Fifth Frame Brewing (0.3 miles)
• The Vesper (0.3 miles)
• Strangebird (0.5 miles)
• Roc Brewing Co. (0.5 miles)
• Genesee Brewhouse (0.6 miles)
• Jim's On Main (0.8 miles)
• Rochester Public Market (1.1 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (0.5 miles)

Physicians

• Imaging Center - Alexander Park (0.7 miles)
• Allergy & Rheumatology - Rochester/Alexander Park (0.8 miles)
• Pain Management Center (1.4 miles)
• Highland Hospital Radiation/Oncology (1.4 miles)
• Occupational Medicine Services (1.7 miles)
• Urmc Labs (2.1 miles)
• Culver Medical Group (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Strong Memorial Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Highland Hospital (1.4 miles)
• Strong Memorial Hospital - Cardiology (2.4 miles)
• SMH Nicu (2.5 miles)
• James P Wilmot Cancer Center (2.5 miles)
• Neuro ICU 8-1200 (2.5 miles)
• University Of Rochester Medical Center Surg/Path Lab (2.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Highland South Wedge Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Highland Hospital Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Genesee Campus Apothec (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Southside Apothecary (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Artisan Church (1.7 miles)