Let’s face it – of all the property management companies in the area the one that seems to be the most reviled is Goldmark Property Management. To be fair, I do believe they manage the largest number of properties locally; unfortunately, I do not think that explains why so many folks have disdain for Goldmark. From all I have heard over the 15+ years I have lived in the state I have concluded that Goldmark has earned a reputation for not being the most attentive or gracious property management company.
A recent story by KVLY in which Goldmark’s CFO Kurt Bollman responded to accusations that tenants’ apartments were not heated to the minimum level required by city code has brought a whole lot of folks’ blood to the boiling point. There isn’t much love for the company from former or current tenants. Indeed, it is hard to find folks willing to rise up to defend Goldmark.
I have heard hundreds of bad landlord stories over the years. The bulk of the stories have come from students who feel powerless against a big property management company. Goldmark isn’t the only property management company I have heard complaints about, but it definitely wins the award for the most frequently complained about company. I find it disheartening to hear that property management companies like Goldmark – large companies that are in control of such a large portion of the rental market – use their muscle and control without adequate conscience. They are supposed to be in the business of fostering happy, safe living spaces. They are supposed to care about the maintenance and upkeep of the property.
I think Goldmark should reflect upon how they can improve their efforts. I think it is time they focus on taking better care of the tenants that rent from them. Until Goldmark appears to care at least as much about the tenants in the buildings they manage as they do about their profits, I do not see any warm fuzzies being directed toward them.
You reap what you sow Goldmark…start focusing more attention on what you sow. Until you do that, don’t bother getting indignant about the way tenants portray you to the media. You’ve earned the disdain directed at you – one tenant at a time.
Day one thousand three hundred and six of the new forty – obla di obla da
Ms. C
I imagine they will resolve this tarnished reputation like they did over 20 years ago. Change the name of the company, and continue business as usual.
Another thing I found out about at the Homeless Coalition is that Goldmark does not rent to anyone with a criminal record. That can include non-violent, dumb-kid and other offenses that happened years ago with no repeat. This can sometimes lead to people being homeless in a place they’ve been good tenants for years. Goldmark buys the building and they are out in a month — not always time enough to find a new place.