Lightbox

I want to share my full experience with Lightbox in hopes it helps others navigating the leasing process, especially those from marginalized communities. When I first began applying, the experience was confusing and frustrating. Communication between the virtual and on-site teams was inconsistent, with conflicting information and a lack of accountability that made the process feel disorganized. At one point, I was even hung up on after respectfully asking that my correct pronouns be used and seeking clarity about a unit still being advertised. That moment felt incredibly disheartening and left me feeling unwelcome. To her credit, the property manager, Shelby, did step in and apologize for the earlier mishandling of my application. She worked through several hurdles to help me secure a unit before my previous lease ended, and I appreciated her professionalism at that stage. However, since becoming a resident, my experience has significantly deteriorated. There have been repeated instances of package theft. Multiple deliveries have gone missing, including a recent $150 item. There are cameras in the lobby pointing toward the front entrance, but there is no surveillance covering the mailroom itself. Despite ongoing theft, there has been no meaningful resolution or preventative measure implemented to stop the pattern. Residents should not have to repeatedly absorb financial losses due to inadequate security in common areas. The building also presents ongoing quality-of-life issues that have not been adequately addressed. The fire alarm has gone off repeatedly. I have personally experienced being stuck in the elevator for over an hour. When I requested documentation regarding elevator inspection certification, something management is legally required to provide upon request, I was dismissed rather than assisted. Noise insulation between units is extremely poor. Footsteps, stomping, and shouting from neighboring units are clearly audible, even late at night. Off-leash dogs are regularly present in common areas despite lease requirements, and enforcement appears minimal. Additionally, residents frequently smoke in or near the building, resulting in persistent odor infiltration. At almost $1,700 per month, residents should reasonably expect responsive management, functional building systems, and a secure environment. Instead, concerns are often minimized or waved off. I share this not out of spite, but out of frustration with a pattern of unresolved issues. I hope management takes meaningful steps to improve safety, enforcement, and communication so future residents do not encounter the same experience.

I was charged for a damaged smart lock after someone attempted to break into my apartment. Management’s own message acknowledged that “an unknown individual was yelling and struck the door multiple times” and “appeared to attempt to force entry into your home.” A neighbor witnessed this attempted break-in. Despite having clear evidence this was a crime committed against me, I was still billed for the repairs. The building is holding tenants financially responsible for vandalism and criminal activity that they did not cause and could not prevent. This creates an extremely unsafe environment where: - Attempted break-ins are treated as tenant liability issues rather than serious security concerns - Victims of crime are punished financially - There’s apparently no building security or accountability for resident safety The fact that management can witness a violent attempted forced entry and then charge the would-be victim is unacceptable. If you’re considering living here, know that you may be held responsible for damages caused by criminals targeting your unit.