Tenant Reviews for 99 JOHN STREET

Went to take a shower this morning and the water in the sink and bathtub came out brown - not a little brown but dark. Even running the water for 2 minutes didn't help. Gross. Beware of this building. I'v lived here two years - it was great at first, but it's getting worse by the month because of the Rockrose sleaze and the construction on John Street.

2 weeks into my new lease, I received a letter indicating my lease had been canceled and that I had 60 days to move out. I also noticed that my floor plan is available on the Rockrose web site and is advertised for $1000 above what I am paying now. I called to ask why the lease was canceled and the response I received is, "you agreed to sign the lease with cancellation rider." You should note that a red herring was submitted in February to the attorney general's office (http://www.oag.state.ny.us/). If you call the office and ask to be directed to speak to someone about tenant's right or condo conversions, they can tell you about the current status of the conversion plan approval process. I was told that the first review is 6 months and this is generally to correct any deficiencies that Rockrose may have missed. In addition, it may take more than a year before the apartment building complex is completely renovated. If you have any complaints, write a letter to the attorney general's office. They will respond and take this into consideration during the conversion process.

Actually living at 99 John Street is, on the whole, a nice experience, aside from the constant and VERY loud construction all around the building. Friendly, responsive doormen; great valet service, decent gym, beautiful roof deck, and well-maintained apartments. The extra high ceilings, and modern appliances in the bathroom and kitchen are all nice touches. The problems all begin if you ever have to deal with the management company, Rockrose. They have a reputation in the industry for trying to screw you over at any opportunity, and they will. When I had to change guarantors on my lease, they informed me that I would not be granted the typical rent increase for my 1 br (in my case $150), but would be charged "what the market would bear," which was a $400 increase. I found this out with only three weeks before the new lease went into effect, making it virtually impossible to move out to another apartment. If you break a lease agreement, they charge you a fee of 2 months rent! The management company has been nothing but condescending. They will do anything they can to make an extra buck off their tenants and will be completely unwilling to work with you on any matter, aside from getting you to sign on the dotted line. Oh, and don't try to take them to court... you've signed away your rights to do that in the leasing agreement.

Construction noise! Neighbor's ------- everyday 5 times day and night. Some doormen are ignorant to say "they have the right, since they are paying rent. This is what you face living in the apartment". Dog's barking wakes me up every early morning.

I really like living at 99 John. I'm one of the fortunate ones who don't hear the construction noise - I'm on the other side of the street. This is not really a luxury building - the appliances and kitchen and bathroom are quite plain, but the place was clean upon move-in and that's what I care about. It's not that noisy (my dorm was worse). Great place if you're just out of college.

I have lived in this building for several years. All new renters and those renewing their leases must sign two riders (1) acceptance of adverse conditions (stating noise and vibration for at least a year possibly longer) and (2) an option that allows them to cancel you lease at any time (there is a 30-60 day notice period). They are also attempting to raise rents but as much at 10%--which might not be so bad--if it were not for all the riders they are forcing people to sign. In addition, if you want the option of canceling your lease--you have to sign a rider that you will pay 2 months rent as a penalty. Like I said, renters beware.

Anyone interested in this building should know that the owners are planning on SELLING the building in the near future. They are requiring that ALL new and renewing tenants sign a cancellation rider that lets them cancel your lease with only 60 days notice. Meanwhile, the renter is otherwise on the hook for the full 12 months. If this is a problem for you, you should probably look elsewhere.

I've read the other comments on here and if you are looking to live on Park or Fifth Ave, this is not the place you are looking for. But, if you want a relatively cheap, CLEAN place to live with no bugs and OK security (doormen are nice, but anyone can really come in) this is the place to be. Young professionals, not a family atmosphere...can be loud in the mornings, but I was on the 17th floor and it was perfect. I have no complaints...seems like people on this site are looking for more than what they paid for...they obviously haven't seen other "luxury" condos with roaches and ugly lobbies. The apts are pretty plain, but it's a rental, what do you expect?

My wife and I lived here for just under a year and then broke our lease and left. Although the staff was very nice and professional, our apartment was a good size and we were close to the subway, there were just too many negatives to consider staying any longer. The building is loud (ambien anyone)and is certainly not a luxury residence. But the greatest factor was that the managment company is just plain awful. Also, don't park at the garge downstairs they will ultimately destroy your car.

If you are a juice head or a Paris Hilton want-a-be this place is for you. Otherwise, run.. run hard, run fast, run far far far away from this egocentric yuppie hell hole. I have never been sourounded by so many tool bags, what a disaster.