Since 1965, when it was founded by Frank West (1932 - 2005), Franklin West, Inc. has been a family-owned and operated apartment management company focusing on the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and the nearby communities of Butler (Forest Heights Apartments), Oakmont (Oakmont Landing) and Gibsonia/Allison Park (Orchard Hill).
With nearly 1,000 apartments and townhouses, Franklin West offers unique residences to meet the needs and desires of a diverse clientele. Our apartments include restored Historic Landmark art deco buildings, renovated Victorian-era mansions, and "resort-style" apartment complexes complete with pool and fitness facilities.
With nearly 1,000 apartments and townhouses, Franklin West offers unique residences to meet the needs and desires of a diverse clientele. Our apartments include restored Historic Landmark art deco buildings, renovated Victorian-era mansions, and "resort-style" apartment complexes complete with pool and fitness facilities.
Reviews (18)
Rachel W.
Sep 03, 2021
Report
We recently looked at a Franklin West property that was advertised as pet friendly. It was a beautiful unit, and the leasing agent was thorough in answering all of our questions.
However, it's important for anyone considering one of these properties to understand that, for Franklin West, "pet friendly" means you are expected to keep your dog in a crate whenever you are out of the house. Whether you're running to the grocery store for 5 minutes or working a 12-hour shift, your dog is supposed to be crated if no one is home. This was a massive disappointment and ultimately
However, it's important for anyone considering one of these properties to understand that, for Franklin West, "pet friendly" means you are expected to keep your dog in a crate whenever you are out of the house. Whether you're running to the grocery store for 5 minutes or working a 12-hour shift, your dog is supposed to be crated if no one is home. This was a massive disappointment and ultimately
Amy H.
Jul 29, 2021
Report
Darian K.
Jun 19, 2020
Report
Update: I did in fact get a notice however it did not actually state anywhere that my rent was being raised and it looked like what my regular rent was (1200) I didn't get a calculator and do the math and that's on me but it was tied into my renewal agreement, not a separate notice, and they still never let me know I was underpaying. Still kinda sneaky.
I lived in a 495 sq foot apartment from may 2017 to may 2020, paid 1200 a month (at least I thought that was the right amount) and never really had an issue with the apartment itself besides overpaying for it. Management, however, is
I lived in a 495 sq foot apartment from may 2017 to may 2020, paid 1200 a month (at least I thought that was the right amount) and never really had an issue with the apartment itself besides overpaying for it. Management, however, is
Casey T.
Mar 31, 2020
Report
I've been renting with them for almost three years in two separate apartments and have had several issues with the maintenance, but most recently, they raised the rent for my apartment for the upcoming year with no explanation during the COVID-19 global health pandemic. People are sick, dying, and losing their jobs and this was their response. That alone shows you what kind of company they are. Would highly suggest renting from someone else in Pittsburgh if you can.
Becca P.
Jul 20, 2019
Report
Hamid H.
Jul 23, 2018
Report
I stayed here for 3 years because the location is nice and convenient but it is a horrible management company. They will try and charge extra fees whenever possible. The accounting team is unprofessional and incompetent; she does not know how to perform her job nor keep a track of payment records. They will do everything to take your security deposit away (so ask for all your payment records before you physically move).
I had to have them come stabilize my toilet every few months because it would have a leak. The buildings are old and they come put on a quick band-aid and walk away. They don
I had to have them come stabilize my toilet every few months because it would have a leak. The buildings are old and they come put on a quick band-aid and walk away. They don
Elis H.
Dec 14, 2017
Report
I would give 5 stars for the front desk lady and 0 stars for the management. I always used to have a lot of my appliances broken, they used come to fix it and in one or two weeks use two broke again because they are very old. After moved I still payed my remained 8 rents and utilities and the only thing I needed just after moving is to check if I had bills and important mails in my mail box. They said: "our staff said there is nothing in your box". But I was waiting for my bills... Then in the next week I insisted again if I could have mail box checked again. The laid borrowed me the
Alex G.
Nov 08, 2017
Report
I lived in a one bedroom apartment on Marchand St for a couple of years. At first, I loved my new place. It was small and overpriced but charming with an updated kitchen, brick fireplace and full of sunlight....
Well, the fireplace didn't work even though they advertised it as functional. When I called they said they don't clean fireplaces that are that old and offered to seal it. The bedroom was essentially a sunroom with literally no thermal insulation. At the first frost it was unbearable to sleep in it even with the full heat on.
The worst of all, when I moved out they charged me
Well, the fireplace didn't work even though they advertised it as functional. When I called they said they don't clean fireplaces that are that old and offered to seal it. The bedroom was essentially a sunroom with literally no thermal insulation. At the first frost it was unbearable to sleep in it even with the full heat on.
The worst of all, when I moved out they charged me
Manas A.
Sep 20, 2016
Report
Giving 1 star because there are no lower stars available. Franklin west is a sham of a realtor. Agreed that the quality of their service and apartments are good. But their customer service is so poor and their need to make money at other's expense is so high that it is despicable and makes you wonder how they are in business even after so many years. Considering Bad Karma and all.. Nevertheless, I am a case of once bitten, twice shy! Will never choose these guys or recommend it to anyone!!! Please stay away!
John H.
Oct 15, 2015
Report
I really wish I would have looked at these reviews before choosing to rent with Franklin west. Please take all of these negative reviews seriously because they are valid. They really do try to impress you when looking at the properties and they do have nice properties. As soon as you're in a lease the courtesy ends. They do everything they can to charge you extra fees. The management is horrible and never understanding. I know what a process apartment hunting can be but please look elsewhere.
Leigh G.
May 22, 2015
Report
In the past several months the employees have made my fiancé and I much more comfortable. They call us before entering our apartment (with the exception of when we were out of town and had a large package delivered, they put it inside our living room). Also, they are more pleasant to us in general after we voiced our frustrations with them. Originally we signed a 12 month lease, knowing we would only be living in Pittsburgh for 9. They helped get our apartment signed by new tenants and we are able to get out of our lease early without breaking or violating it. They have done a great job changing
Tyson B.
Feb 20, 2015
Report
Nando M.
May 24, 2014
Report
When I moved to pittsburgh, I found Franklin West properties to be one of the best. Very well maintained and clean. However when it comes to management they are the worst. They took advantage of lease auto-renewal and charged additional amount which was like one month's rent along with a lease breakage charge. I have moved to multiple places across the country and never faced any issue like this. I will never recommend Franklin West to any of my friends at least despite of the fact that their properties are well maintained.
N. B.
Jan 28, 2014
Report
I would caution against this rental company. The properties are beautiful to look at and they roll out the red carpet when you are considering their apartments but once you are in and a tenant, all the niceness stops. They are indifferent and treat every service request conversation as if it is a legal document saying the right things in the vaguest possible manner but not following through.
I was completely misled by them when I was in the market for an apartment but I know better now.
I was completely misled by them when I was in the market for an apartment but I know better now.
Tim T.
Sep 16, 2013
Report
BEWARE - I rented from Franklin West when I was getting my Master's at Carnegie Mellon. They use CMU students as ATM machines and will do everything humanly possible to stick it to you when you move out especially if you are leaving Pittsburgh.
My list of complaints:
1) they charged me three months rent after I moved out, while the apartment was vacant. This was not in the lease. They conveniently forgot to mention this until I gave them my advance notice i was going to vacate the apartment.
2) they did not return my $1500 security deposit.
3) three years after I move out, they send
My list of complaints:
1) they charged me three months rent after I moved out, while the apartment was vacant. This was not in the lease. They conveniently forgot to mention this until I gave them my advance notice i was going to vacate the apartment.
2) they did not return my $1500 security deposit.
3) three years after I move out, they send
Catie C.
Jun 14, 2013
Report
Would strongly advise against renting with this company. The management team is extraordinarily umprofessional. My apartment was uninhabitable due to recurrent roof leak that they did not repair adequately until my belongings were finally destroyed. At that point, I had mold and mildew. Their only response to me was "well you should have had renters insurance"....this would not replace the pictures and priceless items I lost as a result of their substandard living conditions. I continued to have to pay rent for several months though I was unable to live in the apartment due to these
Charlie S.
Oct 28, 2012
Report
This management team is stellar. From reception to management there is always a friendly person available during business hours. They pick up your mail when you're out of town and deliver UPS/FedEx packages during the day when you're not there to sign for it. Any time there is a maintenance issue someone will come by the day of or next day and fix the problem, even if I'm not available to be there.
I had to move out recently due to a relocation to another city, and I wish I could find a company like Franklin West here. They sent my security deposit refund quickly and set the
I had to move out recently due to a relocation to another city, and I wish I could find a company like Franklin West here. They sent my security deposit refund quickly and set the
Z. R.
Oct 02, 2011
Report
