Homestead Land Holdings Limited

Review 2014: Before I review, I wanted to point out a flaw in one person's argument regarding monthly fire alarm testing and yearly major fire alarm inspections; this is the law. If they didn't do it, they would both be fined, and putting people's lives at risk. If you move to another apartment with a comprehensive fire alarm system, you'll still need to deal with it. The alarm is annoying and nerve grating? Good, that's its job. Anyway, I wanted to review Homestead as I've been a person living in one of their apartments for almost two years. I live in one of the oldest Homestead buildings in their network. Though it's an older building with older building flaws, Homestead has, for the most part, been stellar when it comes to maintaining it. Between repairing minor flaws to doing massive upgrades to significant parts of the building, they have always made a point to do what is needed to keep the buildings maintained (assuming they are aware of it, of course; letting your super know about maintenance issues with your unit or building is rather important - they aren't telepathic, you know!). After hearing so many horror stories from people in other buildings or private landlords, Homestead truly does its best to make sure that their buildings are very well maintained. Staff are usually also quite helpful, and will do their best to make sure your needs are taken care of. Though I've had a few rough patches with Homestead, overall, if you want a company that is reliable, consistent, honest, and goes out of their way to ensure that the buildings are maintained, then this is the company for you. Update 2021: I recently became a tenant again, so it's time for an update! I've seen a number of complaints about Homestead, but from my own experiences I've never had many issues with them. Compared to the horror stories I've heard regarding other landlords, like I said previously Homestead does keep up with their maintenance, and will show up when asked. They even go as far as to do major renovations when necessary; like said previously Bradstreet for example had every window replaced, elevators gutted and rebuilt, a major upgrade to their camera systems, upgraded their entry system, and replaced all the hallway light fixtures. These major retrofits would have likely cost substantially more than the rent they were pulling in over for some time. One specific example I want to address is complaints aimed at pests (ie bugs) for a couple of specific buildings. It is INCREDIBLY difficult for an apartment landlord to clear out all invasive insects, because in order to properly fumigate, they require access to every single apartment at the exact same time, and each and every apartment needs to be accessible and clean. This is not always doable, especially if a tenant has a hoarding tendency, or a tenant is uncooperative. Although I agree it is an issue that needs to be resolved in ANY living situation, be aware that it is a literal war against these critters. They often end up living inside the walls and pipe runs within the concrete structure, which makes it essentially impossible. It is something that requires time and effort by tenant and landlord alike. They have been fair when it comes to past-due bills. So far I've never had major issues in either the old apartment nor the new. Although my experiences with their staff have been varied, the overall trend is that they're professional. I've always been courteous with them, and they have returned the favour. Although Homestead is a corporate landlord, they do have staff that care, and although they're pretty strict with paperwork, they don't rules-lawyer unless you really mess up. If you run into an issue, treat them with respect, and they should return the favour. If they don't treat you with respect, don't hesitate to contact their head office at 80 Johnson; I remember one less-than-stellar superintendant at Bradstreet leaving not too long after they were hired, so I know they do keep tabs on their staff. My 5-star rating is unchanged since my original 2014 review.

Horrible horrible horrible Vinessa is so unprofessional. She refuses to give pressing urgent information because she simply chooses not to.

Hello, Tracey Bedard is unfit to complete basic tasks required by her position in the company and this is condoned by higher management. I applied for a unit on Tuesday, October 6th. In the Homestead rental application, it is indicated that the applicant may send a screen shot of the rental deposit with the application in order to expedite the process. Even though I fulfilled this request, it took over a week to receive a response. I was told over the phone that the application was denied and that our deposit would be sent in the mail. After 2 weeks I did not receive my deposit but, had called and left messages with a man named Mike (whom I was told was Tracey's boss). He did not get back to me for several days and the receptionist skirted the issue until I threated to contact Alf Hendry. Only then did Mike do anything for me . Once again I was told that my deposit was in the mail. It is now October 23rd and the deposit has not arrived. Setting aside social and moral standards and looking at this from a business stand point indicates that Homestead has absolutely no respect for anyone or anything that is not an asset to them. While I accept the fact that I was denied residence, I do not accept the fact that $1370.00 has been kept in their possession beyond what I would call necessary.

My girlfriend and I tried to apply for an apartment through them... Almost a month later after we got declined we still have not had our cheque for lastonth deposit yet... Found out the woman we dealt with never notified them about it and also proceeded to tell me that I am declined to ALL homestead buildings in Kingston area... There are some good people that work there but if you get a Tracy Bedard avoid her!! She is not at all a friendly representative of the company and has avoided us for pretty much a month not... I use to hear how homestead was amazing now I wouldn't even put my worst enemy in these buildings

Do not rent from this company. My girlfriend and I lived there for only a year and got out of there as soon as we could. Management is unprofessional and cannot handle simple requests. Also, if your looking for a home outside of homestead, they give terrible references. Only care about themselves and not their past, current or future tenants. If I could rate this place with negative stars I would.

Unaccountable, they say they will fix something, then a year later there are problems. In Thornhill they bought out a slum lord building, and they are carrying on the same way with the tenants that already live here. They redid the washing machines and a year to date it still leaks, we have to swim to do laundry. They are too cheap to turn on the automatic sprinklers. Then there is the balconies they redid, except the bottom floors, no balcony, however the balconies have absolutely no privacy. How can one work from home during covid with all this drilling and noise.

I've lived in a couple of Homestead buildings now, so I feel qualified to leave this 1 star review. Used to be a decent company to rent from, but not anymore. Problems: Cleanliness (or lack thereof) Inept office staff - constantly "out to lunch" Overly expensive units Sub zero temps in hallways during Winter Constant water shutdowns Elevator shutdowns with insufficient notice Trouble having work orders executed Unable to control insect infestations I no longer recommend Homestead to anybody looking for a rental unit.

Do not rent from any homestead. I cannot enjoy our home with all the cigarettes smoking next door. I have health issues ,my son has asthma. The office employees are rude and don't care at all. They will pick the phone up and hang up. They will tell you do whatever you want . As we got in the stove is patch up and tilted, the bath tub is stripping and the paint they did over the facet, you get to see all the rust in it. If you want pictures I can . Terrible place to live. No customer service. No help, nothing! Oh I have to give a star to post . For me its a no star.