Beven & Brock Property Mgmt

Everything was going great. I had been hired by a local engineering firm. I found a great apartment in Alhambra, and it was just a few miles from my new job. I went through all of requirements to check my credit history and I signed a lease. Just before I was supposed to move in, my new employer advised me that my job was being moved to another state. I could move, and they would help me with some of my moving expenses, but I had committed to rent this apartment managed by Bevin & Brock for one year.
I went into the Bevin & Brock office and told them what happened. They probably did not have to do this, but they told me that they understood, and offered to cancel the lease if I would pay a small cancellation fee of $95 to cover the cost of the credit check and the time they spent working with me over three days, as they would then have to do this same work all over again. My obligation under that lease would have been $985 each month for 12 months. I got out of that lease for $95. What a relief. I am sorry to have to move, but I am thankful that they helped me to make the move easier.

Posted 09/10/09 | Report Abuse

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I read the comment below with some interest. Our association has been with Beven & Brock for more than 21 years. Sure there have been times when service was not perfect. Yes, I have heard that over those 21 years there were times when one board or another has considered changing management companies. None did.
From the Beven & Brock perspective, I am sure some of our owners and board members have been less than helpful. I have listened to some of our owners talk down to the property manager as if that manager were a servant, or worse.
For all of these years, they have stuck with us, and we have stuck with them.
I have only been an owner at my association for 12 years. When I was just an owner, and during the few years that I served on the board, I was always treated respectfully, and always received whatever help I needed. Maybe that is because I always tried to treat them respectfully, as that is the way I would want to be treated.
I do not mean to question what "David" (see below) wrote, but I found it interesting that he completely mis-quoted Mr. Beven, saying exactly the opposite of what Mr. Beven wrote. I do not know if it was David's intent to be so misleading, but that is what he did. In my work, I try to quote people accurately, to represent what they have said accurately and fairly.
I have never spoken with Mr. Beven, but I have always found Mr. Brock to be very hands on about his business, and always willing to help. Whenever there was a problem, and problems did occur, he was always available to correct the problem, at least to my satisfaction.

Posted 08/19/09 | Report Abuse

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Thankfully our Homeowners Association finally got rid of Beven and Brock. As Michael M. below states, these guys are THE WORST. When Fin Beven responds back and states I HAVE NO CLUE, believe him. What a way to run a business, an owner with NO CLUE. The Beven and Brock Associate who was assigned to our Homeowners Association was partial to a chosen few who were on her A list. If you were not on her A list then it was a complete waste of time trying to get help. If there is any Homeowners Associations considering hiring this CLUELESS organization, I would make sure you were on their A list.

Posted 08/08/09 | Report Abuse

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Michael ... I do have a clue because what you say is important to me, and I really do care. You are unhappy, and I want to help you. I just keep trying. When tenants move in they are given my name and direct telephone number. When any tenant calls and asks to talk to me, I always will. If a tenant has a maintenance issue and does not get prompt satisfaction, most of them seem to understand that if they would just call me, I would be sure that their concern is addressed immediately. If Michael M, below, would just call me I am sure that I could set this right for him. It's really so siimple. If you need my help, just call. I am Finley Beven and I can be reached at 626-243-4145.

Posted 07/02/09 | Report Abuse

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B & B is the WORST! Their "customer service" stinks as well as their lazy apt. managers. I couldn't help but laugh at Mr. Beven's comment below...he doesn't have a clue. I am preparing to move out due to such a terrible experience, and once I'm free, I can not wait to tell the world how terrible B & B really are. For example: I had a maintenance issue. I made several phone calls that went unanswered. I finally went to the office. Here's where their customer service comes to play...after I talked to some woman there (wish I had her name) and told her my concern and how all my phone calls were ignored, she said, and I quote, "If you don't like how we do things around here, you can move out". Therefore, I AM moving out.

Posted 07/01/09 | Report Abuse

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My security deposit was just $295. Maybe times have changed, or maybe they set their security deposits based on credit scores. They told me that they don't own the properties they rent and manage, and that the owners of the properties tell them what to charge. I saw that the deposits were higher on some of their properties, but this is what they charged me. $295. My move-in process was business-like and generally pleasant. I have now benn in for 2 months, and am happy with the service.

Posted 06/22/09 | Report Abuse

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I was surprised by the response below, and agree with many of the positive responses that follow. the lady who processed my application told me to take pictures when I moved in, and to clearly indicate on there move-in form any deficiencies so that i would not be charged when I moved out. I talked to my neighbors and they were told to do the same. I've rented in several other places before, and no owner or manager ever advised me to protect myself this way so well. As I was told, it could be a different owner when I move out, and Beven & Brock advised me to protect myself this way. Thanks to their advice, if someone tries to over-charge me even 2-cents, I'll have my proof. I don't know why they would give me this good advice except to help me.

Posted 06/17/09 | Report Abuse

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The short of it: These guys are cheats, go somewhere else... $2000 security deposit...?? They imagine there aren't better companies out there. I'm not talking about the nice people in their offices who do their jobs well, the faces you see before you rent--I'm talking about an under provision of quality once you sign a contract. When I came into my unit, the paint job was terrible but I figured I won't have to worry about it--hairs and dust were painted over into the walls, leaving a bumpy surface--BUT when I left, the lady said the paint was faded and it would need a new paintjob... (Of course it looked ugly to her--the first one was terrible!) But of course then you have to pay for 75% of it. I was then told at pre-inspection that there was basically nothing I could do to clean my apartment to satisfaction (even though I had a week to do so), and that I should just let them clean it... And plus, in their rental contract, they make you sign a sheet that essentially defines "beyond normal wear and tear" to include anything like minor scratches or dirt on the walls--things the state of CA (plus the rest of the rental industry) say are obviously "normal" on its consumer protection sites and on their hotlines. So if you think you'll get your security deposit back with no problem--THINK TWICE! When you sign contracts like these that look fishy, there's nothing you can do if they want to screw you! They defy logic by making any possible excuse to keep your security deposit! First or second time renters won't realize how bad it is until too late. Don't sign a contract with them! These guys are dinosaurs who still think they can make a living by short-changing society. AND look at all the positive reviews on this site... NEARLY ALL ARE WRITTEN BY THE MANAGERS THEMSELVES OR PEOPLE WHO WORK THERE! People, before you get suckered into signing a contract, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! Leave this company in the stone age where it belongs.

UPDATE: To Marylin A. I also took loads of pictures when I got in. The reason they ask you to take pictures and include them with the rental lease (the only way they mean anything in court) is so that, when they look for excuses to charge you, they don't look for things you took pictures of. And there's always something. You can't photograph a paintjob where the wall wasn't sanded (thus leading to fast peeling) because it isn't obvious to you until your friend the painter comes over and says you were screwed. This doesn't mean that everyone will have a bad time. All I mean is that I did everything right, kept a perfectly neat apartment, didn't damage anything, and they still screwed me over. It CAN happen to you!

Posted 06/16/09 | Report Abuse

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My water heater started leaking sometime Sunday while I was away. It soaked the carpet in the hall, living room, and one of the bedrooms. I got home around 5:00 pm, and immediately called the Beven & Brock emergency service line. I got an operator who assured me that she would have someone from the company call me right away. It took 30 minutes. That seemed like a long time to me. When I finally did get the call things did get better. I was asked to turn off the water to the water heater, which I did. I was told that someone would be there soon. It was not soon enough for me, but 45 minutes later a guy did show up with the equipment to dry out the carpets and he drained the water heater. An hour later, another guy shows up with a new water heater, and by 8:30 he had it installed and had taken away the old water heater. I dont know if this is normal for them, but I do admit that it was pretty good service. Not perfect, but pretty good. I still had to deal with the fans of the carpet dryers running for several days.

Posted 04/06/09 | Report Abuse

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I had a problem with my application. My husband and I had been good renters, but we like a lot of folks had bought a house we couldnt afford. It went into foreclosure and really messed up our credit. We had always had very good credit before this.
I called Mr. Beven. His name and direct number were right on the info form they give to all applicants. I was actually quite surprised by that, an owner of a big company like this giving all tenants his direct number. He did not answer, so I left him a message. He called back in about 15 minutes.
Well, he listened to my problem, then told me that they were reviewing their rental criteria, recognizing how many good tenants may be in my situation. He said that I would be one of the first they may be able to let in under these circumstances, but he thought that he could get me approved. He did. We are now in our new home on Villa street, and very happy. I would like to thank the rental staff at Beven & Brock, and also to thank Mr. Beven for understanding.
I had a problem with my application. My husband and I had been good renters, but we like a lot of folks had bought a house we couldnt afford. It went into foreclosure and really messed up our credit. We had always had very good credit before this.
I called Mr. Beven. His name and direct number were right on the info form they give to all applicants. I was actually quite surprised by that, an owner of a big company like this giving all tenants his direct number. He did not answer, so I left him a message. He called back in about 15 minutes.
Well, he listened to my problem, then told me that they were reviewing their rental criteria, recognizing how many good tenants may be in my situation. He said that I would be one of the first they may be able to let in under these circumstances, but he thought that he could get me approved. He did. We are now in our new home on Villa street, and very happy. I would like to thank the rental staff at Beven & Brock, and also to thank Mr. Beven for understanding.

Posted 03/30/09 | Report Abuse

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It is my understanding that every tenant who moves out of one of the Beven & Brock properties is given detailed instructions on "HOW TO GET ALL OF YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK". I certainly did. I followed the instructions to the letter, and there were no surprises. I got everything back except a charge for re-screening the back door where my cat had a habit of trying to climb up the screen door. I thought that their charge was a bit high. However, Im not really complaining about that. I could have had the screen replaced myself, but I just did not want to take the time to deal with it. As the folks at Beven & Brock explained to me, it is clearly in their best interests to have the tenant repair any damage they caused and clean their apartment before they move out. If the tenant does the work, this shortens the vacancy time, and everyone wins. Darned cat !

Posted 02/23/09 | Report Abuse

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Well, at least this seems fair. When I moved out of my last place, the landlord charged me for cleaning and repairs. Some of this was fair, but I had questions about others, but couldnt prove my point. When I recently move in at a Beven & Brock property in South Pasadena I was asked to sign a form indicating the condition of the property when I moved in. There was even a BOLD written suggestion to me at the bottom of the form, encouraging me to take photos before my move-in. So, I did, lots of them. With their encouragement, and my photos, there should be no dispute when I move out. I like that. I think that their recommendation that I take photos can only work to my benefit. As they told me, sometimes properties are sold, and the new owner has no proof of how good or bad a property was when a particular tenant moved in. They will, with me, because I have my pictures. Thanks, Beven & Brock, for this good suggestion. Useful now, and useful in the future. I suspect that if others followed this good advice, they would be happy. I am acutally amazed that I did not think of it on my own. It does seem so obvious, and so easy with digital cameras.

Posted 02/23/09 | Report Abuse

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I'm shocked at the number of positive reviews this place has. They must be very easy to please. If you google Beven & Brock, there are a number of negative reviews for this company.

I am a young professional with excellent credit, but they still charged me $1650 for my security deposit, even though rent was only $1150. Actually, they were going to charge me more, but I told them that was too much.

During my time there, my gas bill was always over $120, for a 550 sq ft box. The apartment was dark and depressing, with paper thin walls. Linda Bailey, my apartment manager was awful. It would take her days before she got back to me, and the only way she wanted me to communicate with her was through e-mail. She was so bad, I had to call Beven after trying to get a hold of her for weeks. She called back right after I left Beven the message, but got mad at me. Unbelievable.

In the end, I only got $1,000 back. It cost $650 to clean (even though I already cleaned) and paint (they must have used very high paid painters). I still need to investigate her painting company.

I have learned my lesson going forward. I will make sure to read reviews before signing a lease on a new apartment.

P.S. My new apartment only charged me $500 for security deposit.

Posted 02/19/09 | Report Abuse

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Heres a company that understands what going on out there. I accidentally got a copy of an internal memo from the owner. It was directed to all of his property managers, property owners, and rental staff. The sense of the letter was that for the foreseeable future they would not be raising rents unless someones rent was ridiculously low. This was apparently not done as a favor to us tenants, but out of what seems to be good business sense: to avoid unnecessary vacancies when times are tough. Mutual benefit, as it turns out. Good for the owners of the properties, and good for us tenants.

Posted 12/19/08 | Report Abuse

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So far, I have had a very good impression of Beven & Brock. When I arrived, I was greeted by Rosa, and she gave me a clear instruction sheet on how to apply with their company. HERE WAS THE GREAT PART: at the bottom of the cover-sheet, in a "bold" box, was a note from the owner of the company. It read "To All Applicants: If you have any problem with our service, any problem at all, please call me. If you think that I might be able to help you in any way, to answer any question, please call me at my direct line". It then gave his name and number. I will reserve final judgment until I have more experience with this company, but this to me sounds like an owner who is involved, and who really is concerned about customer service.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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An owner came to this site to complain that we at Beven & Brock would not contact his or her HOA, presumably to resolve some maintenance related issue involving the HOA and his or her unit. We cannot, and should not have any contact with the HOA. We did not pick the HOA. We do not pay dues to the HOA. We receive no service from the HOA. We have no legal or contractural relationship with the HOA. Only the owner does have such a relationship. We are in no position to ask anything of the HOA or of the owners of near-by units to the one we manage. Only the owner does. When issues arise involving an individual unit and an HOA, the only one with the power and authority to resolve the problem is the owner. Our responsibility is simply and solely to resolve problems that are 100% within the unit. If a tenant needs new paint or new carpet, or to have a garbage disposal serviced or replaced, that is our problem. These problems do not involve the HOA. Problems that involve the HOA must be resolved by the owner. He or she is the member of the HOA, not Beven & Brock.

Posted 07/21/08 | Report Abuse

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Many of the complaints against Beven and Brock were from tenants. I thought it appropriate to describe my experience as a property owner. We engaged B&B to manage our apartment. At the beginning the experience was ok - not fantastic, but questions were answered and the place was rented. However, throughout the experience, B&B either refused to do their job, refused to communicate information, or pushed work onto us (such as dealing with our HOA, dealing with calling repair companies ourselves, to speaking with the tenants directly about issues). In the end, they didn't act as a management company at all, they were rude, careless, incompetent, and left me with a sickening feeling each and every time that we had to hassle them to find out if they had once again failed to do something necessary and caused a problem to be worse. The tenant and we were so disgusted at the treatment we had received that we were able to work together to resolve all issues when the tenant left. However, the purpose of a management company is to act as a point of contact between the parties, and this was simply not done. If you have property that needs managing, it is my strongest recommendation that you never engage with B&B.

Posted 06/27/08 | Report Abuse

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WE TRY HARD EVERY DAY TO BE THE BEST. SOMETIMES WE DO NOT SUCCEED.

I am the co-owner of the company. My name is Finley Beven, and I can be reached easily during our business hours. If you have a question or a complaint, please just call me. 626-243-4145.

My partner and I started this company in 1979 with 6 rental units. We now manage more than 8,000 units of apartments, condominiums, and single family homes. Over the past 29 years, we have worked with and for at least 150,000 tenants, condominium owners, apartment owners, and Homeowner Association board members. We did not generate this level of growth and success without giving a VERY HIGH LEVEL OF EXCELLENT SERVICE to almost every one. Almost every one. As they say, you can't make everybody happy. Those unhappy few may come here to complain.

Realistically, we have made customer service errors. Realistically, our employees have made mistakes. I hate it, but it happens, and I will never hesitate to apologize to anyone who will give me the opportunity. When possible, I will do whatever I can to set it right.

My name, again, Finley Beven. Please call me if you have any questions. If you have a complaint, please call me. I will do my best to resolve the issue. My direct number is 626-243-4145, and I do return all calls promptly.

Our business has been successful because we have found a good balance among the needs of our tenants, our homeowners, our board members, our apartment owners, our employees, and our vendors. We do our best to treat them all well. We do our best to treat everyone fairly.

Posted 06/20/08 | Report Abuse

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I think if I don't have a manager in an apartment. The service is better. I asked to move out before the water leaking that they said it can't be fix. Whenever have problem, I have to wait for the manager reply at least for two days. This made the situation worst. I wonder why there is no evluation for the tenant on the feedback of the manager. The owner seems to be fooled as they never know the situation. B & B should have a professional support and service. However, with manager, it hiddened. Even the manager suggested me to move out as he lied. The manager company has their responsibilities according to the Housing Ordinial. I can't believe something caused by them should be suffered by the tenant. B & B manager should set up a channel for the tenant for giving feedback or checkin the situation more frequently. We have our own right. It don't want to loss business and want to be better. I believe without manager. The situation will be tackled faster and more direct. Please take care of it. Also, the manager promise the deposit can be returned by two days after I moved out. However, I have not received anything after two weeks. Even though I called them, there was no one replied. Is this company really a certified management company? It almost passes the legal return deposit day. Should there be any ways to monitor them?

Posted 03/18/08 | Report Abuse

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The 3 months I've been at this B and B property and it's been 3 months of problems every damn month. the response time is now 1 month of inaction for every broken item on the list. Yet they still feel it's okay to charge when the place is uninhabitable.

Posted 02/04/08 | Report Abuse

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I agree with writer, I have had many of their tenants to tell me they are unprofessional and rude. Shame on them a big company like they are. Beven and Brock company are who they are because the people make them. If they had NO tenants than their will not be a Beven and Brock. It is sad, because people who are supposed to be fussiness people are so ignorant today. The service you get today is "AWFUL" company need to invest in customers service training to their staff. But, first the leaders such as owners, director,
management etc. need to be the first to be trained. You can always tell what type of leader you are by the people who are under you.
So, remember people like me already know what kind of person you are, even if I do not know you personally.

Posted 01/11/08 | Report Abuse

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They have rented to numerous clients of mine and all of them say that they are very friendly as well as the people who work for them. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with one of there employee's and that was a great experience to work with them.

Posted 01/11/08 | Report Abuse

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B&B was horrible. I'm strongly convinced effortless communication and disregard for good quality customer service is the first lesson learned when hired as a property manager or office staff. Everyone always seems to be in a rude when you contact them... as if you're bothering them. There's a poor lack of communication from the managers to renters, property owners, and hired maintenance. They have no desire to accommodate their clients, no consider other options to come to a respectful and satisfied agreement. As a renter, the only relationship you seem to build is with your manager's voice mail. Mgr's never return phone calls, not even a courtesy call to acknowledge you're repair request/inquiry was received.

Their train of thought is illogical. They do only to benefit themselves. They have absolutely no concern for their renters well being and living situation. All they're concerned with is your money... if your monthly income is 3x the rent, then you're acceptable in their eyes.

They have a very poor understanding of what good quality customer service means. They act as if they are doing you a favor.

Zero respect and a black heart when it comes to their customers/clients... the people who fund their payroll.

Posted 01/11/08 | Report Abuse

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If you want to rent an apartment in Pasadena and its surrounds, you basically have no choice but to come to Beven and Brock for their listings. They pretty well corner the market on real estate rentals in Pasadena, especailly if you have designs on living somewhere cute and near Old Town. Other than that you can drive and drive and drive.

Posted 08/11/06 | Report Abuse

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