Tenant Reviews for 343 GOLD STREET

Avalon is a souless corporation who would rather initiate eviction proceedings than make a simple phone call notifying a resident that they accidentally set up a one-time payment instead of a recurring payment. Avoid Avalon if you have any other similar options.

Renter beware. Avalon Fort Greene looks great, but living there will leave you broke and angry. On the upside, the building is conveniently located near public transportation (and it's easy to catch a cab from the intersection out front). The apartments are spacious and well laid out, with good sized bedrooms. And who wouldn't want laundry inside your apartment? The front desk and office staff are welcoming and easy to deal with. Maintenance requests are taken care of relatively quickly. However, a year after you move in, you'll discover that the rent you were offered at the start was a clever ruse. Upon renewing, you'll be hit with the increase to "market rate" PLUS the maximum rent increase allowed by New York law. In our case, that amounted to a 14 percent rent hike, which we were able to negotiate down to 12 percent (leaving two percent plus the max allowed by law which would have been charged had we renewed again.) With little time to find a new place, we reluctantly stayed for one more year, at great detriment to our family finances. Also, once you do finally find a reasonably priced alternative and move out, as we have (thankfully), don't expect Avalon to return your security deposit. It will be absorbed, and in some cases, additional "damage" costs will be piled on, so that you'll wind up owing, rather than receiving money back. This will happen no matter what condition you leave your apartment in, which we have since confirmed with other former residents. Between your move in and your move out, expect to be charged for everything -- the gym is an extra fee. Any amenities? Extra fees. Dry cleaning on the premises? Great! But expect to pay considerably more than you would for an external cleaner. Same with the concierge cleaning service. In short, Avalon is a money pit. You'll pay high rent, high fees, and lose your security deposit in the end. Your wallet will be empty, but you'll have enjoyed a lovely view if you're lucky enough to get a high floor (until the glut of new, gentrifying high rises springing up all over downtown Brooklyn block that too.) Happy apartment hunting!

I do not recommend this building. Been living for 14 months - tenants mainly treat it like a dorm. Rent is too damn high to experience an environment like this. Cigarettes are regularly thrown from windows (make sure you keep any personal property safe). Customer service may take months to help, and do not fully reimburse damages. Elevators? Lucky if all 3 work at the same time. So, if you want to live in a dorm, pay market rate or above, get some Marlboros thrown at you, and walk up 20+ flights to your home - this is the place for you!

Everything is great . Maintenance is always completed quickly. My only complaint is that all the dogs go to the bathroom right by the back entrance and it smells. I walk my dogs down the street to go and wish others would too