As a happy tenant with Abbolone & Scullin, I find it upsetting that there were all of these negative reviews above. I've had 4 different landlords/management companies in Philly, and I found A&S to be by far the best.
Unlike all of the other management companies in Philly, Mark and the rest of the group at A&S made me feel like I was actually a customer. They treated me like I was worth something and that my business was important to them. This is in COMPLETE contrast to all of the other companies I've had contact with - not just the ones I actually rented from, but the some 15-20 companies that I have inquired with at various points. The rest of them treat you like you owe them something and like they should have no obligation to serve you. They treat you from start to finish like you're just scum renters that are going to destroy their properties and never pay the rent.
Mark Gamba is the main person I have come into contact with at A&S, and in my experience, none of the negative that I see written above applies to him. Here's a summary of my actual experience with him:
-When I applied to rent the apartment, he didn't hassle me for tons of money in deposits like other agencies do. He gave me very quick approval then gave me lots of time to get the appropriate deposits in.
-When I came to move in, A&S let me go in a couple days early to get started.
-A&S was immediately responsive to my request for extra keys.
-The deal on rent that I got was unbeatable. One of the best values for a high quality unit that I've encountered in Center City Philly.
-The apartment was in excellent condition, and the maintenance requests I did have were addressed quickly. Not only that - Mark and the others showed very genuine concern when I came to them with requests. Never once did they treat me like I was asking too much (unlike all other landlords, who have basically told me to get lost, even with the smallest requests).
-I turned in rent late a couple of times with absolutely no trouble, even though I probably deserved some.
-The rent didn't go way up my second year.
-When I had to move out before the end of the second year, I again was given no trouble. You'll never find another leasing agency that will work with you on this.
-Mark's got pretty much the best, sweetest dog in the world that he keeps around at all times.
So to all of you writing all this negative crap on here, try going to Philadelphia Management, or Philly Apartment Co, or University City Housing, Lease Philly, City Living Philly, or any of the other overbearing large agencies in Philadelphia, and then you'll see what a poor renting experience really is. Those people treat you like crap start to finish and suck every dime out of you that they can.
A&S might not be perfect, but they are in my opinion better than anyone else in this town.
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