Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Sep 28 2015


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"Great Location, Building
Well Maintained, Our Unit
Sucks"

The location and building is great, but our unit is a dump. The building has ants which we are constantly coming into our unit. Our landlord is very cheap and it is very apparent with how everything in our unit is done.

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on May 6 2016: I'm considering a rental unit in this building and would be interested in hearing more about your experience as a renter, given that most of the positive postings here seem to be by owners (who obviously would be hurting the value of the own property if they said anything negative). Would you mind saying what unit you were in or at least which floor your unit was on? Thanks! unregistered user on May 20 2016: Not the same person, but I am currently renting a unit on the 11th floor, and I also have an ant problem despite a clean kitchen... Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Jan 25 2015


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"Terrific"

I've been renting for the past 4 mo. Extremely impressed. Building has been very well-maintained - though it is around 30 years old and looks questionable from the outside, when you walk inside it's glowing. All of my friends, family and guests have been shocked when they come to visit me. I feel like I'm living in luxury (especially having lived in student housing!). The elevators, hallway and lobby are gorgeous; clean and sparkling. The staff (Merek, Jo, Rick, Jason, Chris, Alex, etc) are friendly, professional and kind. The security staff in particular are excellent. One time I had unknowingly not shut my front door fully, and received a knock at 8 pm on a weeknight - the security guard had been patrolling the halls and noticed. Totally worth my rent $!! The pool and hot tub, though often under repairs, are wonderful, as is the library of shared books among the residents and cozy couches. The exercise room is fantastic - treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowing, weights, yoga mats, gym mats, workout routine posters. The best part is that people are rarely there at the same time - you can play your music and have the whole place to yourself! I have nothing but good things to say for Kent Towers, and can't imagine leaving. Perfect location, walking distance to the ByWard Market, Glebe, Bank St., Elgin St., Parliament, and the transitway for easy access to Hintonburg and Westboro. I am two blocks from my office. I love it! Well done!

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Families, Professionals, Investors, Students, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Owned a unit in this building

Reviewed on Nov 17 2010


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"Five year owner, forced
to move"

Am devastated as I look at condos in Vancouver - none compare with this location, price, size and luxury. The management, to me, was involved and superb. Looking at new companies and places makes me appreciate them even more. Sad to go and wish I could replicate my Kent street place in Vancouver.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Professionals, Investors, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on January 27 2011: I disagree with this review and have lived in several condos in Vancouver and Toronto that were much better managed. This review is lacking in detail as to why the management is involved and superb...I've lived there 5+ years and am consistently disappointed in the staff and management: false fire alarms all the time, dirty common areas & recreation facilities unclean. Security smoking outside all the time and with a surly attitude. Do your homework and go to a better managed building. caryscott on July 28 2012: Fire alarms do not occur "all the time" (talk about lacking detail). During the garage repairs last summer they had a couple close together and none since. This has not been a chronic problem. Cranky residents happen everywhere. unregistered user on May 31 2014: The above review is quite outdated. There was a couple false alarms in 2011 and nothing since unregistered user on September 28 2015: Fire alarms do occur at least once a month. Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Owned a unit in this building

Reviewed on Aug 22 2010


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"Owner Occupier"

Best value for the money in downtown Ottawa. I've lived in this building since 1991 and I still love it.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Professionals, Investors, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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	Comment on this Review: unregistered user on September 9 2010: Thanks for the detailed information, I guess we'll believe you !! Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Aug 8 2010


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"Rental, One and a half
years"

I rent in the Kent street building and agree with the last poster - my experience has been really, really positive. Have not noticed the animal thing, but have noticed that the management staff is good. The weekend security staff has been, in my opinion, lack luster. Other than that, the owners (or, I suppose other renters) are really kind and there is a pride in the space.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Professionals, Students

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on September 9 2010: The lobby looks good, but the male changing room is disgusting, particularly the shower curtains. For a little $ on cleaning they would have such an improvement... unregistered user on May 31 2014: Staffing of the security office has been increased since 2011, and new staff are quite helpful Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Jul 16 2010


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"Rental - 6 months"

Have been living here for six months and want to urge renters (or, i suppose, buyers) not to listen to the negatives. My rental experience has been very positive. The management has ben responsive on the two occasions I did need them (one my fault, one a neighbour's). My only complaint is the animals in the building. I think renters can't bring them in anymore, but the ones that are there can make a mess. It's dealt with quickly, but I don't even want to know that you take your dog out so seldmon that it urinates in the elevator. As others have said though, this is a really good price for everything that you get.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Professionals, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on September 9 2010: I too am sick of the dog smell and waste in the elevators. unregistered user on January 10 2011: As a dog owner it saddens me to know that other dog owners can act so irresponsibly. It really does cast a bad light on other responsible dog owners. I don't want to have to smell or live with messes neglected dogs leave behind.Please do not take it out on the animal though,it is the owner who needs the wake up call. Poor thing having to go to the bathroom so badly. caryscott on July 28 2012: I have never encountered this issue in the 3 years I have lived in the building. By-laws have always prohibited pets but were not being enforced but they are now (since 2009) for renters and owners alike but those with existing pets were grandfathered in. unregistered user on February 12 2016: The pet restrictions apply only to dogs. Cats and other pets are allowed at 199 Kent. Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Owned a unit in this building

Reviewed on Jul 2 2010


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"Owner of one year"

I have lived in the building for a year now and think the value is excellent. There are managerial issues, but in my experience they are all dealt with quickly. The location is exceptional. My apartment has a fantastic view and has never been subject to flooding. The investment into structural and mechanical upgrades is smart, but the carpets on the floors and the walls and ceilings need a re-do.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Professionals, Young Couples

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	Comment on this Review: unregistered user on December 4 2015: Good luck unloading this dump. unregistered user on February 12 2016: The hallways were refurbished in 2013 with new carpeting and wall paint. Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Apr 23 2010


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"Great value for the money"

Fantastic value for the money and one of the best locations in Ottawa! Low condo fees and I am a buyer at the current prices. Too bad there are no units currently available on the marketplace.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Families, Professionals, Investors, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on May 3 2010: I don't think outdated carpets and a dirty recreation area is "good value for money". The board and management can and should do better. unregistered user on May 31 2014: Corridors were renovated and replaced in 2013 - new flooring and walls on all 23 floors. Also a gym was added in late 2012. All this was done without any assesments. Well financially managed. Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Mar 22 2010


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"Lacklustre building and
management"

I agree the carpets are too old and dated - I think they are not replacing them due to the stains regularly caused by the dogs and cats in the building. I have an ongoing problem with my neighbour at Kent Towers slamming doors and creating disturbances; I have been very disapointed with the Management and staff's handling of the problem. They were not helpful at all and I have had to take legal action and make complaints with the City instead. The blocked drains problem is endemic at Kent Towers - those of us on lower floors have suffered many floods.

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on May 9 2010: Maybe it's just you! Leave and the building will get better. unregistered user on May 11 2010: I did leave, but a friend is still stuck with a unit prone to flooding. Why not help others by sharing information instead of insulting people for doing this ? Your second May 9 2010 comment (below) says the building is excellent and great value for money, but you give no reason or detail. You must be a real estate agent or staff of Kent Towers. Please be honest. unregistered user on May 31 2014: These comments are dated. Plumbing stacks have been scoped and are regularly cleaned and maintained. Walls and flooring on all 23 floors were renovated in 2013 Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
caryscott
Owned a unit in this building

Reviewed on Mar 16 2010


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"Good value for the money"

Given the age of the building the condo fees are quite reasonable and it is obvious the majority of funds have been re-invested in mechanical and structural upkeep and not cosmetic upgrades. Accordingly the hallways are clean but very dated. Like many buildings of this age there have been a fair amount of absentee landlords that have not upgraded their units. With the Mondrian open down the block and both Hudson Park towers now open up the street a number of the these owners who are finding the units harder to rent in their current condition are taking advantage of the price spike in the area to sell of their investment properties. I expect that the slightly less than 50-50 ratio of renters to owners will probably become 40-60 over the next couple of years as their is a significant gap between prices in the new buildings and older ones like Kent Towers that makes the units quite attractive to buyers. In the 9 months since I purchased I have always found the staff to be polite and helpful. There is a broad range of tenants and owners but I have never seen anything unseemly and my floor is whisper quiet. I have no hesitation in recommending the building.

caryscott recommends this building for:
Retirees, Families, Professionals, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on March 22 2010: You are lucky if your floor is "whisper quiet". My floor is like a "who can slam the door loudest" contest. Of course my living room is 8 feet away from the neighbour's door so it is very annoying !! unregistered user on May 31 2014: flooring and walls were all renovated in 2013 and a gym added in late 2012 all without any assesment. Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Rented a unit in this building

Reviewed on Nov 23 2009


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5 of 6 found this review helpful:

"Lived here many years -
location is the only good
thing here"

I know this building very well; rented many years because it was minutes from work. Don't believe the 5-star ratings some owners are posting on here. Security is useless and lazy. Hardly ever at his post; usually outside socializing and smoking. Office staff are rude and unhelpful. Common areas (particularly the pool recreation area) are dirty; some locks on doors broken Some very trashy people (crazies + drug dealers with agressive dogs) live here too.

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Investors

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on November 23 2009: This is true - there is also an obese woman that loiters in the lobby each day bothering residents - she smells like urine. unregistered user on December 6 2009: There is a woman that lingers in the lobby. This is an unkind characterization - call management if you have an issue. unregistered user on January 18 2010: The entire staff at Kent Towers is useless...it is a waste of time to complain about anything...they are just collecting paycheques because they know that the location means suites will be occupied, whether by owners or renters. With the new condo developments downtown, expect to see owners move to greener pastures and the units will be occupied by renters who care less and less (notice the garbage everywhere lately ?) unregistered user on February 23 2010: I have never had any issues with the staff at Kent Towers. They've always gone out of their way to help me whether it be un-clogging a drain or helping to coordinate parking spots for me. I also like that they know the tenants and will make someone unknown use the buzzer to call the person they're meeting before allowing them entry. And aggressive dogs? You've got to be kidding me...every dog I've ever seen here (which I haven't seen that many in the two years I've been here) has always been well behaved and respectful. unregistered user on March 10 2010: If you don't like the building you can always move somewhere else that"ll happy. Life's to short to be misserable. unregistered user on March 22 2010: I have an ongoing problem with my neighbour at Kent Towers slamming doors and creating disturbances; I have been very disapointed with the Management and staff's handling of the problem. They were not helpful at all and I have had to take legal action and make complaints with the City instead. The blocked drains problem is endemic at Kent Towers - those of us on lower floors have suffered many floods. unregistered user on July 1 2010: I have lived in the building for a year now and think the value is excellent. There are managerial issues, but in my experience they are all dealt with quickly. The location is exceptional. My apartment has a fantastic view and has never been subject to flooding. The investment into structural and mechanical upgrades is smart, but the carpets on the floors and the walls and ceilings need a re-do. unregistered user on September 9 2010: Bad management, poor service and maintenance. unregistered user on May 31 2014: this review is outdated. the situation here is dramatically and positively different now. unregistered user on December 4 2015: Looks like a shill here trying to prop up the reputation of this dump. Write a comment about this review Enter image text:

Reviewer:
Unregistered User
Owned a unit in this building

Reviewed on Jul 15 2009


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1 of 5 found this review helpful:

"#1 in Ottawa"

Best building in Ottawa!

Unregistered User recommends this building for:
Retirees, Professionals, Investors, First Time Buyers, Young Couples

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Comment on this Review: unregistered user on October 6 2009: I agree, wonderful location, terrific management and staff, in-unit laundry, central air, underground parking - What more could you ask for? unregistered user on November 23 2009: Too many criminals (drug trafficking) in the building though, and the security just hangs around outside smoking. unregistered user on November 23 2009: What a coincidence that an owner would rate this the #1 in Ottawa, and it got all 5/5 ratings too !! Huh ! unregistered user on December 6 2009: I rent, do not own, and have found the location really good and the place quite well kept. Have no idea about the drug trafficking allegation - how would one know about that? I have noticed security outside smoking, but also find them to be quite conscientious and that they police the entry quite well. I would buy here if I could afford it. unregistered user on January 18 2010: The police raided 199 Kent St. 8th floor on a "suspected" hard drug trafficker a couple years back. They shot the owners dog, "Black Sabbath". Besides the large guy on 8th floor with the dog, I know firsthand that another set of dealers lives on the 23rd floor...keep your eyes and ears open and be careful at Kent Towers... unregistered user on March 22 2010: I have an ongoing problem with my neighbour at Kent Towers slamming doors and creating disturbances; I have been very disapointed with the Management and staff's handling of the problem. They were not helpful at all and I have had to take legal action and make complaints with the City instead. The blocked drains problem is endemic at Kent Towers - those of us on lower floors have suffered many floods. unregistered user on May 9 2010: Excellent building. A great value for the money. unregistered user on May 11 2010: Wish they would clean the recreation area or renovate - I got a fungal infection on my feet even though I always use slippers there. Bizarre and gross that they keep the dirty toilet brush in the lockers. unregistered user on June 4 2010: very noisy place to live; walls and doors do not keep out neighbour and hallway noise. Write a comment about this review Enter image text: