As a locally owned and growing property management and development firm since 1988, Forward Management, Inc has developed a unique understanding of the housing and real estate market in the Madison area.
By managing over 60 properties consisting of approximately 3500 apartments in both established and growing neighborhoods, we have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in connecting residents' needs and wants with the best apartments in Madison and the surrounding communities.In addition to our great locations, our properties are professionally managed with an attentive, responsive management and maintenance system.
By managing over 60 properties consisting of approximately 3500 apartments in both established and growing neighborhoods, we have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in connecting residents' needs and wants with the best apartments in Madison and the surrounding communities.In addition to our great locations, our properties are professionally managed with an attentive, responsive management and maintenance system.
Reviews (26)
Stephanie P.
Nov 15, 2021
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I lived in at Cross Hill Heights for two years and while I was there I really enjoyed it. I have written other good reviews for the building and thought it was the exception for the mediocre reviews from Forward Management.
However, then I moved out. I had always had really good communication with the property manager Joe, so I let him know on July 30th that I would be moving out on September 10th, but would be paying through the end of my lease Sep 30th (as expected per my lease). On July 30th I asked what would be expected of me at time of move out. He basically said the norm, clean up, turn
However, then I moved out. I had always had really good communication with the property manager Joe, so I let him know on July 30th that I would be moving out on September 10th, but would be paying through the end of my lease Sep 30th (as expected per my lease). On July 30th I asked what would be expected of me at time of move out. He basically said the norm, clean up, turn
Emily Brooks
Sep 29, 2021
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We rented from FMI our whole tenure in Madison (from 2018 - 2021). I was always impressed with the responsiveness of our Property Manager, Tami and the kindness of the main office. Even when we wanted to downsize from our first two bedroom to a smaller apt, they helped find us our second apt with them. The spaces are clean (both in the common areas and outside), the apartments were pretty well insulated from noise (if there were any issues my neighbors were very receptive to making changes), and they do strictly enforce the no-smoking policy. They are very pet friendly too! Maintenance was very
Michael Edwards
Sep 16, 2021
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Contacted over 3 times and didn't recieve a response for over a week. Was first to apply for unit and did so within 20 min of getting a response. I was unavailable the remainder of the day as I was traveling and someone else applied in that time. They gave them the unit first because I was not able to respond within 5 HOURS with my paystubs which were NOT required as a part of the initial application. As the first applicant you would think I would get at least some reasonable timeframe to respond not 6 hours. This is the worst and most disrespectful experience I've had dealing with a leasing agent
Roney E.
Jul 06, 2021
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WORST RENTAL AGENCY!!!! DO NOT RENT FROM FMI. If I could select no star, I would. I had the worst time with this apartment complex. Always paid my rent on time. Never complained about the hardest water in Wisconsin. I re-signed my lease and 4 days later, I asked to see if I can rescind the renewal of my lease. They wouldn't let me rescind the lease. The property manager was rude and told me all the wrong information about subleasing the apartment or adding another person as a roommate to the lease. I made an honest effort to sublease the apartment and the potential renters weren't approved
Ernesto Bautista
Jun 27, 2021
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Forward Management discriminates against people that have medical bills in collection (that's 1 in 3 Americans according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). I tried moving into a place they managed that was over 25% less than what I have been paying for over two years. Not once in the two years that I've been living in my current apartment have I been late on a payment - but those medical bills are the ruler by which they decided to judge my character or my ability to pay my rent. Discrimination against people with economic hardship (after we are coming out of a pandemic) is just sad
Becca Humann
May 06, 2021
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I lived in a FMI managed property (The Preserve at Swan Creek - the building is now condos) from 2018-2019. The apartment itself was fine once I cleaned it, but the management of the property was a nightmare. On the day I was scheduled to move in, they gave me the wrong keys. When I called to let them know, the property manager was incredibly rude and asked me "if I put the keys in the lock correctly." It took them forever to get me the correct ones. The apartment was never inspected or cleaned prior to me moving. Once I got access to the apartment, all the windows and doors were open, it smelled
Jaclyn K.
May 02, 2021
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I enjoy living at Stockbridge Trails. There have been 3 different managers over the 5 years I was there and each was very responsive in addressing any concerns. The maintenance team fixed issues within days and things I put in as non-urgent and I thought they would get to in a week or two, they were there next day. They didn't fix something and then bill you for it unless they informed you that it might happen ahead of time. They power wash their underground parking garages yearly, typically in the spring and maintain the grounds. They put reminder emails out and if you ever have a complaint
Rock Cande
Apr 16, 2021
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Alexis DeMinter
Mar 21, 2021
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Alyssa was my leasing agent and she is amazing! I don’t know much about the company itself, but I am impressed with how helpful Alyssa was. She replied to ALL of my emails/questions/concerns in a timely manner. Not only that, she was constantly keeping us in the loop. She made is seem she wanted this apartment for us! She made the process very easy and was upfront with us when we asked questions.
I think every leasing agent should be held to Alyssa’s standards, because she is amazing.
A few other management companies that I went through for a potential place did not reply to me, were deceitful
I think every leasing agent should be held to Alyssa’s standards, because she is amazing.
A few other management companies that I went through for a potential place did not reply to me, were deceitful
Scott James
Dec 05, 2020
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I have lived at two separate Forward Management properties over 2 years and have had very positive experiences at both. When my fiance and I moved to the east side of Madison, we worked with Holly to find an apartment that fit both our current and future needs. She was both extremely friendly and responsive. She worked tirelessly to help us find something that fit our budget and specific needs. She was even understanding when at the last minute we decided to switch to a different Forward Management property in the area. Holly quickly responded to emails but also texted with us (even outside normal
Hannah Hubertz
Dec 04, 2020
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I have been living at a Froward Management property for over a year now. I have never had issues with anything, but one day I did need to reach out regarding my first issue. My previous landlord was extremely dismissive and left a horrible taste in my mouth. Therefore, I was nervous to reach out, but Holly was amazing! She was so reassuring and professional, she did not stop until we found resolution. It’s rare that you have a building manager willing to really go to bat for their residents. They don’t mess around!
Ceildith C.
Sep 22, 2020
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The apt. was fine for a short term stay. Decent location and pet policies. But what brings this down for us are two very foolish mistakes we made and how they affected the return of part of our deposit. We did not take photographs of the apartment and the problems it had when we moved in and after we had it professionally cleaned when we left. We also were not there on the checkout day. If you choose to live there make sure you carefully document everything and be there on the checkout.
Jaime Castillo
Jun 09, 2020
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This is disappointing but I believe this company to be discriminatory towards those with families.
I have a family with four kids, one four year old and one two year old and a pair of twin babies under one.
According to the Fair housing Act a landlord has the right to restrict occupants as long as they don’t restrict children (under reasonable limits of course). My family is a reasonable household to fit into a two bedroom of 800 sq ft.
Soft Zoning laws in Madison state that a family of six should have at least 650 sq ft of space.
So according to local, state, and federal law they don’t
I have a family with four kids, one four year old and one two year old and a pair of twin babies under one.
According to the Fair housing Act a landlord has the right to restrict occupants as long as they don’t restrict children (under reasonable limits of course). My family is a reasonable household to fit into a two bedroom of 800 sq ft.
Soft Zoning laws in Madison state that a family of six should have at least 650 sq ft of space.
So according to local, state, and federal law they don’t
Bobby P.
Aug 20, 2019
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Do not make the same mistake my wife and I did
Forward Management is a bunch of scam artists and will do anything to make a quick buck. We had nothing but terrible experiences from move in to move out and Tami Tetzlaff refused take responsibility and it would take days to return a call or email. Just typing her name makes me cringe more than calling Comcast.
Move in - Notified 12 hours prior that our place wasn't ready and it would be at least 2.5 more days before we could get in. On my google review they responded claiming they compensated us for that. Well if you consider that I had to
Forward Management is a bunch of scam artists and will do anything to make a quick buck. We had nothing but terrible experiences from move in to move out and Tami Tetzlaff refused take responsibility and it would take days to return a call or email. Just typing her name makes me cringe more than calling Comcast.
Move in - Notified 12 hours prior that our place wasn't ready and it would be at least 2.5 more days before we could get in. On my google review they responded claiming they compensated us for that. Well if you consider that I had to
Jason G.
Mar 01, 2019
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I would advise you to strongly consider what other options are available to you out there. If for any reason at all you think there is even the slimmest of chances that you may need to find a sub-lease, you should consider those months to be a donation to Forward Management. In order to sub-lease, you will need to pay $200 and find your own sub-leaser that needs to go through the application process. They will tell you that they help you find a sub-leaser, but it doesn't make business sense for them since they already have you locked in and loads more apartments opened in this area. If the
Denise D.
Jul 06, 2018
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I lived in Stockbridge Trails, Madison managed by Forward Management and have been very happy with this apartment complex! I moved from a smaller town in Wisconsin and was nervous about renting in Madison after hearing a number of horror stories. I was pleasantly surprised. I had a great experience, we had a couple of minor maintenance issues and my manager (Adam) was responsive, helpful and kind. The maintenance crew was timely and very helpful. Our apartment was spacious and comfortable. The only reason I give it 4 stars is there are no conveniences within walking distance, though there
Jeremy R.
Apr 21, 2018
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Renter beware the service is lack luster and they'll nickel and dime you for every cent of your security deposit
We lived in their cottage grove apartments for 2 years, and while the apartment was nice the service was sub-par at best. Every time we had to call maintenance the gentlemen would complain about the work and constantly made my wife feel like she was stupid when she would ask questions. We eventually just stopped calling maintenance, or made sure I was at home when they came in.
The apartment itself was nice, but don't be fooled. Once you live there for awhile you see some
We lived in their cottage grove apartments for 2 years, and while the apartment was nice the service was sub-par at best. Every time we had to call maintenance the gentlemen would complain about the work and constantly made my wife feel like she was stupid when she would ask questions. We eventually just stopped calling maintenance, or made sure I was at home when they came in.
The apartment itself was nice, but don't be fooled. Once you live there for awhile you see some
Tj K.
Feb 07, 2018
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Terrible properties and terrible property management. Can't believe these people are allowed to continue building and renting this sub-standard properties.
Do not rent from FMI.
In response to FMI's response to my post:
The plowing schedule is only the beginning. Here is a fun list of the bs we have had to deal with over the past 4 years.
--When we first moved in to the revere there were sheet metal shavings all throughout the carpeting, one of which ended up in my foot.
--When we changed apartments, here are some things we had to clean because FMI didn't care enough to.
Do not rent from FMI.
In response to FMI's response to my post:
The plowing schedule is only the beginning. Here is a fun list of the bs we have had to deal with over the past 4 years.
--When we first moved in to the revere there were sheet metal shavings all throughout the carpeting, one of which ended up in my foot.
--When we changed apartments, here are some things we had to clean because FMI didn't care enough to.
Jane D.
Nov 14, 2017
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The west side of Madison forward management is one to avoid. Tami was really the only manager who is very responsive, kind, and well organized. The apartments (including brand new) are very cheaply made. Handles falling off the doors, windows broken, all when you move in. Be sure to take photo and video evidence when you move in and when you move out. The managers and consultants never know what they are doing, and prefer to just charge you late fees or extra from your security deposit for their own problems. They are especially rude and unhelpful, especially after you move out. They don't
Otis H.
Oct 10, 2017
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I spoke via e-mail with Ken Sinner, the Property Manager of Brookstone Townhomes. His one liners were simply put, bland and not as appealing as they portray their properties to be. He simply was unwilling to make any arrangements to address the needs of a potential tenant to show an apartment. This laborious conversation left a spoiled taste in my mouth regarding Forward Management's management and specifically Brookstone Townhomes. I will not advise any potential tenants who are looking for housing to seek out any Forward Management properties because of this interaction. I emailed the owner
Brenda G.
Jul 02, 2017
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My husband I rented a two-bedroom apartment at Copper Creek on the west side for two years, from its opening in July 2015 to May 2017. We really loved our top-floor unit and would have stayed there longer if we didn't move to Seattle for work. It was very quiet, and having two underground parking spots was a great bonus, especially during the snowy winters. Tami Tetzlaff was our property manager, and she was extremely friendly and understanding. We rented at Hercules Trail (also owned by FMI) on the east side for one year before moving to Copper Creek and also had a really great experience
L. C.
Apr 25, 2017
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The reply you see to my previous review below is pretty representative of Forward's ways. "Well, we follow all the laws." Oh yes, the Wisconsin laws that leave a great deal of ambiguity that favors powerful landlords. (In the particular instance I described before, they *did* accidentally break the law, but insofar as it was an accident and they tried to remedy the situation ASAP by leaving and making quite sure to call me every time afterward, it's not really worth fighting over. One time they scheduled a showing for early in the morning when I said I'd be in bed and got
Hildavote Q. G.
Mar 14, 2017
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Alexis S.
Sep 19, 2016
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Forward Management is one of the most unprofessional management companies that I have worked with specifically (Tom). Their business practices are inconsistent and they are not consistent with their communication. The property manager we worked with was disrespectful and kept reminding us that they manage over 500 properties. I suppose that was their way of communicating we don't care about your maintenance issues or the errors we make on our end because we are too busy. Swan Creek was moderately maintained however they failed to advertise if you use the garage storage units everything
Jas S.
May 19, 2016
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I live in Woodland Fields on the lower west side of Madison managed by Forward Management and our property manager is Tami Tetzlaff. Woodland Field apartments are so serene. You are nestled into the woods, by fields, and a pond. There is even a walking path that surrounds the two buildings. One might think an apartment complex so close Epic that allows for dogs and cats, might be loud, but it isn't. You wake up and go out onto your balcony and see nature all around you.
I moved into Woodland Fields 4 years ago with high hopes of being on the "edge of town" and while the area has
I moved into Woodland Fields 4 years ago with high hopes of being on the "edge of town" and while the area has
Chelsey D.
Nov 18, 2015
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Absolutely terrible. Do not rent from The Landing, which is a new property managed by Forward Management. I live at 248 E Hill Parkway and this property was built last October. That's brand new right? Well don't get excited. There is a loud howling noise that has happened since I moved in and the property manager says there is nothing they can do about it. It's literally so loud it's wakes me up in the night. Usually it only happens when it's windy, but that's a lot of time in the fall and winter. I moved in last October and have been emailing with the property manager
