Costello Property Management

Pros

• One reviewer praised excellent management and maintenance when a refrigerator was repaired quickly (before noon).
• Repairs were done right away and the staff were friendly.
• Jesse was described as friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt in getting the job done.
• Paul's work was praised as great, with him being kind, patient, and trustworthy, making the reviewer feel safer.
• Ashley and Amanda were thanked for contributing to a beautiful and safe property.
• The staff were described as friendly and helpful, and the property was called one of the best apartments they've lived in.
• Maintenance personnel were friendly and knowledgeable.
• Maintenance requests are handled quickly and the work is done well.
• The company fixes everything in a timely manner and is described by some as the best property management/maintenance they've experienced.
• The online maintenance request system was perceived as effective and prompt.
• A long-time resident reported no complaints and noted maintenance has been promptly addressed.
• Bathroom sink repairs were done professionally with a new faucet; it looks and works great.
• Ryan was noted for doing an awesome job.

Cons

• The reviewer describes Costello management as horrible and unethical.
• They claim the credit check took over three weeks and refunds were denied, raising concerns about personal information.
• They say Costello requires proof that a sitter does not live on the premises.
• They describe move-out charges of 484.00 as a racket and say they would never recommend renting from Costello.
• They assert Costello changes rules arbitrarily and behaves in an unethical and appalling manner.
• They accuse Costello of predatory practices, including keeping deposits and suing tenants over minor issues like water leaks.
• They recount a safety incident where an employee followed a customer and yelled profanities, causing fear.
• They report units left with no running water and no maintenance personnel available.

Review

The collection of experiences with this property management group runs a broad gamut, reflecting both high-level praise and sharp, sometimes scathing, dissatisfaction. On the positive side, several residents describe rapid, competent service when urgent issues arise. A caller who reported a refrigerator problem around 9am noted that a new unit was installed before noon, calling it "excellent management and maintenance." Similarly, multiple accounts highlight maintenance crews who were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, with several residents singling out individuals by name for praise. Comments like "Jesse was very friendly," "Paul's great work," and "the maintenance guy was quick and professional" recur, underscoring a pattern of quick response times and skilled handiwork in many situations. The introduction of an online maintenance request system was also cited positively by some, being described as effective and prompt after an initial period of adjustment.

In terms of overall property culture, a subset of long-term tenants expresses strong gratitude for the stability and quality they've experienced. A review praising 16 years of residency emphasizes consistent service and a clean, safe living environment, with the reviewer suggesting they would recommend Costello to others. A similar sentiment appears in comments about new leadership additions, with praise for Ashley and a sense that the team has improved or strengthened the community. For some residents, the combination of responsive maintenance and supportive management creates an atmosphere of trust and reliability, reinforcing the idea that Costello properties can be well-managed and comfortable places to live.

Yet the same set of reviews reveals substantial and serious criticisms that cannot be overlooked. A recurring thread centers on the handling of move-out deposits and repair charges. One resident recounts moving after four years and being confronted with a high deduction (nearly $500) for carpet cleaning and blinds - charges they view as excessive and arbitrary, describing the situation as a "racket." Complaints of predatory or unfair practices surface repeatedly, including claims that the company pursues aggressive charges or legal action after a move-out, and that disputes over repairs and deductions are not adequately explained or justified. Several reviewers claim the company is slow to respond to legitimate concerns, and that communication can be inconsistent or unhelpful when customers raise questions about charges or move-out procedures.

Deposit disputes are closely tied to broader concerns about transparency and fairness. Multiple reviewers describe experiences where repairs or replacements were not performed in a timely fashion, while others allege that responsibility for problems - such as water leaks - was awkwardly shifted to renters, or that the cost of issues was inappropriately billed to tenants. In some accounts, residents feel the company uses deposits and court appearances to pressure occupants, with lawsuits affecting numerous tenants for problems that seem to stem from maintenance delays or unfinished repairs. The language used by some respondents - referring to predatory practices and "theives" - signals a deep frustration with what they perceive as a profit-first mindset at odds with basic tenant rights.

Security, privacy, and personal safety are also touchpoints in the reviews, albeit less uniformly. One incident describes a disturbing encounter with a stranger who followed a resident and their customer, shouting profanities and creating an intimidating situation. Another note highlights concerns about building security, including claims of no cameras or deadbolts, and the perception that harassment can occur with little recourse. The combination of safety concerns and the perception of lax security measures adds another layer to the overall impression that, for some residents, the environment can feel precarious or insufficiently protected.

Communication and accountability are frequently cited as areas needing improvement. A number of residents report difficulty in reaching multiple properties or receiving timely responses, including experiences where staff failed to return calls or respond to messages for extended periods. The tension between accessibility (as seen in online maintenance requests and responsive technicians) and opacity (in how charges are calculated or disputes are resolved) appears to be a defining feature for many critics. Some reviews describe a friction between policy changes and frontline experiences, with online tools improving some aspects of service while other policies - such as fee structures or move-out procedures - leaving customers feeling misled or undervalued.

Together, these perspectives paint a picture of a company that can deliver strong, even excellent service in certain circumstances and with certain teams, while simultaneously facing persistent challenges around fairness, transparency, and safety in others. For resident advocates, the message is that Costello properties can be excellent homes when maintenance is prompt, communication is clear, and staff members are aligned with resident needs. For those who have faced deposit disputes, slow responses, or security concerns, the experience can feel antithetical to a trustworthy landlord-tenant relationship, casting doubt on long-term satisfaction despite occasional high-quality repairs or friendly staff.

For prospective renters and current residents evaluating Costello properties, the message is nuanced. If you prioritize rapid repair responses, personal recommendations about certain maintenance staff, and a generally positive day-to-day living experience, Costello can be a strong fit - especially with the newer online maintenance system and a track record of dependable service from individual team members. However, you should also be prepared for the possibility of challenging experiences related to move-out charges, deposit disputes, and, in some cases, difficulties with timely communication or security concerns. Before signing a lease or engaging with management, it may be wise to clarify charge policies in writing, confirm procedures for move-outs, and inquire explicitly about privacy protections and security measures to ensure your personal information and safety are adequately safeguarded.

This area of Sioux Falls offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With an array of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents can easily access essentials and enjoy dining options. Additionally, there are several physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, providing convenient access to healthcare services. Parks such as Falls Park and McKennan Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The presence of transportation options like the Sioux Falls Regional Airport ensures easy travel accessibility. Places of worship like Westminster Presbyterian Church provide spiritual support for those seeking a community connection. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with a range of services and facilities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Restaurants

• Icon Lounge + Events (0.1 miles)
• Grille 100 (0.1 miles)
• Verde Lounge (0.1 miles)
• Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen (0.2 miles)
• R Wine Bar (0.3 miles)
• MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub (0.4 miles)
• Bin 201 (0.5 miles)

Physicians

• Avera Downtown Center (0.1 miles)
• Southeastern Directions For Life (0.2 miles)
• Community Health Center (0.2 miles)
• East Bank Yoga: A Healing Arts Open Studio (0.3 miles)
• Richardson Family Medicine (1 miles)
• Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (1.2 miles)
• Sanford Radiology Clinic (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Lewis - 10th & Phillips (0.3 miles)
• Lewis Drug (0.3 miles)
• Lewis Drug Stores (1 miles)
• Avera Pharmacy - Sioux Falls - Cliff Avenue (1.3 miles)
• Avera McKennan Campus Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• The Body Mind Bridge (0.3 miles)
• Children's Care Hospital & School (2 miles)
• Prairie States Surgical Center (2.4 miles)
• Boehm Shereck, Lori (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Falls Park (0.6 miles)
• Lyon Park (0.7 miles)
• McKennan Park (1.3 miles)
• Hole In Wall Park (3 miles)
• Yankton Trails Park (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westminster Presbyterian Church (2.8 miles)
• Hillcrest Baptist Church (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• All Day Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Century Theatres (3 miles)