Fickett Towers

Cons

• The AC is extremely loud, allegedly louder than 95 dB and potentially harmful to hearing.
• The manager is described as mean and rude and as not caring about tenants.
• Interactions with the manager are consistently negative, and many tenants share the same experience.
• Last year, the air conditioning was broken for weeks, leaving the elderly suffering.
• Nothing was done about the outage until a local news story covered it.
• The building is not recommended; people are advised not to move there or let their parents live there because they do not care.
• The elevator has broken repeatedly, trapping people for up to 45 minutes.
• They frequently operate with only one working elevator.

Review

Residents of the condos adjacent to this property describe a pattern of ongoing maintenance and safety failures that have left them frustrated and exposed to uncomfortable and, in some cases, unsafe living conditions. The most persistent grievance centers on the air conditioning, which is described as unusually loud and disruptive to daily life. People say it emits a noise that reaches a level described as louder than 95 decibels, a volume they equate with being harmful to hearing. The intensity of the sound turns routine use of the unit into a constant irritant and raises concerns about long-term ear damage, to the point where some tenants feel the situation could be grounds for legal action if not addressed.

In addition to the noise, there is a widespread perception that the management team is indifferent to tenant welfare. Tenants characterize the on-site manager as mean, rude, and uncaring, noting that this attitude comes through in almost every interaction. The sentiment is that management does not prioritize tenants' comfort or safety, and that the negative impression is shared by a large portion of the building's residents. The overall atmosphere is described as unresponsive and unsympathetic, with many people reporting similar experiences rather than isolated incidents.

The complaints extend beyond nuisance and interpersonal dynamics to concrete failures in essential building infrastructure. One review recalls that the air conditioning system was broken for weeks last year, a period during which many residents - especially those who are elderly - suffered from heat without adequate relief. The accounts imply that there was little action taken to fix the problem until outside attention arrived in the form of local media coverage. The language used clearly warns potential renters away, with strong cautions about living there and about whether it would be wise to place aging parents in such a building.

There is also a troubling safety update tied to the building's facilities. An entry from 11/22/17 reports that the elevator was broken, leaving people trapped for approximately 45 minutes. The tone suggests this was far from an isolated incident, with subsequent notes indicating that the building frequently operates with only one working elevator. Even when another elevator is functional, it seems reliability is inconsistent, which compounds concerns about accessibility and emergency egress for residents with mobility issues or during peak times.

Taken together, the reviews paint a picture of a living environment where critical systems - air conditioning and elevators - are not reliably maintained, and where tenant concerns are met with dismissiveness or inaction. The combination of a disruptive, potentially harmful HVAC noise and repeated outages creates a sense of instability and neglect that extends to the handling of repairs and resident welfare. The consensus among tenants is that improvements are overdue and essential for any future resident to feel safe, comfortable, and respected in their home.

For anyone considering moving in or advising a family member to live there, these accounts underscore the importance of examining how quickly and effectively management responds to maintenance requests, what the actual conditions of the building's core systems are, and whether there is a credible plan to upgrade aging infrastructure. The message conveyed by multiple tenants is clear: without meaningful change - addressing the excessively loud AC, ensuring prompt and courteous tenant service, and guaranteeing reliable elevator service - the property risks repeating these troubling experiences that have already caused considerable distress and public concern.

This part of Van Nuys, California offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With several pharmacies located within a short distance, access to necessary medications and health supplies is readily available. In addition, there are reputable healthcare facilities nearby, including the Kaiser Permanente Emergency center and various physician offices. The neighborhood also features a selection of dining options ranging from fast food chains like Wendy's and McDonald's to traditional Mexican cuisine at La Corona Mexican Grill. For recreational activities, there are parks such as Lake Balboa Park and Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park within a few miles, providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Furthermore, convenient transportation options like the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX make traveling easy for seniors. Overall, this area offers a mix of essential services, dining choices, and leisure activities that can enhance the quality of life for older adults seeking a comfortable living environment in Van Nuys.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (0.5 miles)
• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (1.4 miles)
• La Corona Mexican Grill (2.3 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.5 miles)

Transportation

• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (1.6 miles)
• Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (2.1 miles)
• North Hollywood Metro Station (5.1 miles)
• Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up (5.8 miles)
• Baggage Claim (5.8 miles)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (5.9 miles)
• Terminal A (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Emergency (1.9 miles)
• Veterans Administration (3.3 miles)
• Tebi, Sina Dr - Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Diabetes Education (5.4 miles)
• Rinaldi Convalescent Hospital (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Playground (2.8 miles)
• Lake Balboa Park (2.8 miles)
• Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park (3 miles)
• Encino Bike Path (3.7 miles)
• Coldwater Canyon Park (5.7 miles)
• Fryman Canyon Park (6 miles)
• Franklin Canyon Park (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immanuel Bible Church (2.8 miles)
• St Michael & All Angels (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (6.3 miles)
• Winnetka Bowl (6.7 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (3.3 miles)