Lakemount Apartments

Pros

• The unit is beautiful and includes its own balcony.
• Layla was great with communication at the outset and quickly collected the application and holding fee.
• Claudine is an amazing property manager who is friendly and readily available.
• Claudine consistently addresses repairs and tenant concerns quickly.
• Claudine is honest, trustworthy, and goes above and beyond for residents.
• The location is great with friendly neighbors and a dog-friendly environment.

Cons

• The leasing agent Layla disappeared after payment and stopped communicating.
• Layla claimed the application was stuck in limbo because of a background question, which the reviewer says was answered correctly, yet she couldn't fix it.
• The process was described as lacking transparency, with no clear timeline or accountability.
• The reviewer had to file a bank dispute to recover funds, and only then did Layla offer a refund by mail.
• The unit and building were described as disgusting with a major roach problem.
• The resident manager Claudine was accused of gossiping about tenants and being unprofessional.
• Some reviewers described the company as thieves and claimed deposits were unfairly kept.

Review

The collection of remarks about Lakeview Towers and its nearby Lakeview Apartments reads like a study in competing experiences. On one hand, there are sharp accusations about a problematic leasing process and questionable handling of money; on the other, there are long-running testimonials praising certain managers, a strong sense of neighborhood appeal, and hands-on service that keeps residents and prospects feeling cared for. Taken together, the voices paint a picture of a property with undeniable perks and equally undeniable tensions, depending on who you interact with and what moment you catch the process.

One of the most detailed and negative accounts centers on a prospective tenant who attempted to rent a 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit (#206) for $2,050 at Lakeview Towers. The applicant notes the initial friction started with a $490 application and holding fee that was collected promptly, followed by a rapid disappearance of the leasing agent, Layla, after payment was sent. Layla reportedly promised a call the same day but then "ghosted" the applicants, forcing them to chase contacts all day as their move-in date approached. When the applicant finally got a response by calling from another number, Layla became defensive, accusing them of "hounding" her and steering the conversation toward her own experience rather than addressing the job responsibilities. The situation escalated with a claim that the application was stuck "in limbo" because the felony background question hadn't been answered, a claim the reviewer disputes, insisting the question had been completed correctly. Layla allegedly tried to "fix" the issue but could not resolve it, leaving the applicant with a sense of sketchiness and dishonesty surrounding the process.

The reviewer goes on to say the situation exposed a broader sense that the property organization is more focused on fees than on successfully placing people in homes. They admit to being upfront about imperfect credit, and to Layla signaling that the credit concern would be manageable, but the outcome contradicted that impression. After the reviewer filed a dispute with their bank to recover the funds, Layla finally reached out with an offer to mail a refund, which the reviewer described as another hint of shady behavior. In their view, there was no clear timeline, no transparency, and no accountability - a pattern they say persisted until the money was returned after the dispute.

The same reviewer explicitly cautions potential renters who have financial constraints or imperfect credit not to engage with this particular leasing process, arguing that the team appears more interested in collecting application and holding fees than in placing people in homes. The emotional toll is described as substantial, with the reviewer deeming the experience a waste of time, money, and peace of mind, and even recommending bank involvement to protect other applicants. They conclude with a strong sense of disillusionment about the service experience, though they acknowledge the broader location might offer some appeal to others.

In stark contrast to this negative leasing experience are several testimonials about the property's on-site leadership, particularly the resident manager Claudine. A subset of reviews portrays Claudine as attentive, responsive, and effective, praising her for timely repairs, responsiveness to questions, and a visible commitment to keeping tenants satisfied. One reviewer calls Claudine "awesome" and "heaven-sent," emphasizing that she is on top of issues and consistently available to handle problems. Others recount that maintenance, mail handling, and tenant concerns are addressed quickly when Claudine is involved, contributing to a sense that the property is well managed overall.

Yet within the same set of reviews, Claudine's professionalism is not uniformly described. Another account accuses the same manager of unprofessional behavior, including gossiping about tenants and failing to reply to emails, painting a picture of a management style that some residents find difficult to tolerate. The tension between hallmarks of excellent service and allegations of gossip or neglect showcases a common reality in multi-tenant properties: a manager can be a lifeline for some residents while becoming a source of frustration for others.

The reviews also diverge on the overall character and value of the Lakeview property. Some narratives celebrate a prime location near Lake Merritt, describing a great neighborhood environment, walkable access to essential amenities, and dog-friendly policies that contribute to a high quality of life. Terms like "Lake Merritt gem," "great location," and "affordable housing in Oakland" appear in several positive notes, alongside praise for friendly neighbors and a quiet atmosphere. In these voices, the property is a prime choice for those who prize location and accessibility, and who feel their concerns get promptly addressed by a capable manager when Claudine is involved.

On the flip side, other reviewers question the authenticity of glowing reviews, suggesting that some favorable posts may be exaggerated or fake. One comment urges readers to scrutinize the names of people who leave positive feedback, implying a pattern of inauthentic praise. Another harsh note labels the management as "thieves" and describes negative experiences with the resident manager as the prevailing reality for some tenants. This spectrum of opinions - ranging from hero-worship of Claudine to outright accusations of deceit and neglect - illustrates how a single property can evoke dramatically different experiences, depending on the particular residents, staff interactions, and time frame being considered.

Towards the end, it's clear that there is no single, uniform narrative about Lakeview Towers or Lakeview Apartments. Some residents and applicants report distressing conflicts in the leasing process, including opaque timelines and disputed background questions, while others report outstanding personal service, reliable maintenance, and a robust sense of community and care under Claudine's supervision. The mixed feedback leaves prospective renters weighing trade-offs: strong location and community advantages against potential inconsistencies in how communications and issues are handled. A final line at the end - "James Coleman boos" - appears to underscore the divisive opinions and the sense that not everyone will share the same sentiment about the property or its management.

In sum, the property appears to offer compelling upside: an attractive location, dog-friendly policies, and occasions of highly responsive, personable management. But the other side of the coin shows real concerns about the leasing process, fee handling, and the reliability of certain staff members. For anyone considering Lakeview Towers or Lakeview Apartments, it would be prudent to approach with both eyes open: verify current management practices, seek recent resident references, and insist on transparent timelines and fee structures before engaging with the leasing process.

Located in the heart of Oakland, California, this neighborhood offers easy access to public transportation options such as BART stations and bus stops, making it convenient for seniors to get around the city. The area also features several parks where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and leisurely walks. A variety of restaurants are nearby, providing ample dining options for those looking to explore different cuisines. Additionally, pharmacies and medical facilities are in close proximity, including hospitals and physicians' offices for healthcare needs. For entertainment, theaters and places of worship are within a short distance, offering opportunities for cultural enrichment and community engagement. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors seeking a comfortable and vibrant living experience in Oakland.

Transportation

• Lake Merritt BART Station (0.5 miles)
• West Oakland BART Station (2.1 miles)
• 20/21 Bus Stop (2.2 miles)
• MacArthur BART Station (2.3 miles)
• Fruitvale BART Station (2.4 miles)
• Emeryville Amtrak (3.5 miles)
• JSX (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Alco Park (0.5 miles)
• Snow Park (0.8 miles)
• Morcom Rose Garden (1.6 miles)
• Mosswood Park & Recreation Center (1.8 miles)
• Dimond Park (2.3 miles)
• Alameda Dog Park (2.3 miles)
• Temescal Creek Park (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Nido’s Backyard (0.7 miles)
• Original Pattern Brewing Company (0.8 miles)
• Seawolf (0.9 miles)
• Jack London Square (1.1 miles)
• Drake's Dealership (1.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.5 miles)
• Dona Tomas (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Harborside Health Center (1.2 miles)
• Blüm Oakland (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Bicycle Coffee (1 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (2.3 miles)
• Highwire Coffee Roasters (3.2 miles)
• Caffe Strada (4.9 miles)
• Hal's Office (6.8 miles)
• Si Si Caffe (7.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Highland Hospital (1.4 miles)
• Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center: Summit Camps (1.6 miles)
• Kaiser OB-GYN (1.8 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• One Medical (1.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Mosswood Building (1.7 miles)
• Sutter Urgent Care: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (4.6 miles)
• Berkeley Pediatrics (5.5 miles)
• Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group (6.3 miles)
• Urology: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (6.9 miles)
• Sutter East Bay Medical Center (7.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Bay Street 16 (3.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bay Area Chinese Bible Church (5 miles)