Buchanan Property Management - San Diego, California

Jaclyn S.

Extremely Disappointing Experience with Buchanan Property Management - if I could give 0 stars I would.

I had been renting an apartment for 3.5 years before it was sold and BPM took over as the property managers. Unfortunately, my experience with them has been nothing short of horrific. BPM has been the least professional and most negligent group I've ever encountered. They showed zero concern for my well-being or for maintaining habitable living conditions.

My apartment developed a rat infestation, and when I reached out for help, BPM took far too long to address the problem. After pest control was sent out, the company explained that the issue was structural—not due to cleanliness—and identified several openings that allowed rats to enter the building. They provided BPM with a quote for necessary repairs, but BPM refused to address the issue, citing budget constraints.

I sent multiple emails, many of which went unanswered for extended periods. Despite my repeated efforts to get a resolution, my concerns were ignored, and I was left living with rats in my apartment for far too long. As a healthcare professional, I was deeply concerned for my health and safety—no one should have to live in such conditions.
Ultimately, I had no choice but to find alternative housing, as I could no longer live in my apartment. I gave BPM a two-week notice, but now they are attempting to charge me for an additional 30 days of rent, including half of November's rent. I refuse to pay and will pursue legal action if necessary.
I have close to a hundred videos and multiple photos documenting the rats and their droppings—some of which were found on my bed. I also have all the unanswered/ delayed response emails from maintenance as well as text messages, and correspondence from pest control that show their frustration with BPMs lack of response. After over a month of staying on couches and in Airbnbs, BPM finally sent a second pest control company (which by the way did not know the rats were actually IN the apartment because that was not communicated to them!!) The company set traps, however , their traps not only failed to solve the problem, but seemed to attract even more rats, including one that was injured and left blood all over my living room.
I truly don’t understand how BPM can continue to operate with such utter disregard for the health and safety of their tenants. If you're considering renting from them, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere—this experience has been an ongoing nightmare.
(Photos of rats in my home are just a few out of the SEVERAL that I have. I have over 50 videos!)

Salvation I. F.

They were doing routine maintenance in my unit. Unclear on what it was. I came home & my unit was flooded. Kitchen sink would drain to the downstairs unit. That neighbor moved out immediately. I had no water close to a month. Used paper plates & plastic utensils. They had me brush my teeth & shower in 1 of the empty units. I received no date of completion. I wasn't kept up to date on anything. Maintenance team would show up with no notice 7AM & random times.
I would have to insist on my new lease & wouldn't get it for another 3 months out.
Their records aren't up to date. They don't keep their tenants informed. Trash pick up is a big issue. There was a mass move out by 4 tenants @ 1 point. I'm also in the process of relocating. I'm seeking counsel with Better Business Bureau & legal representation for all their damages. DO NOT RENT FROM THESE CRIMINALS.

Joe L.

Celeste is amazing, she got my mother in a house with never even meeting her! She is very professional and friendly, I only spoke with Brooke once but she was very nice. I Definitely recommend giving these guys a shot. They have very nice units and the poor reviews are from complainers.

Simone R.

Worst management ever, I live in the little Italy complex and literally we don’t catch a break.
Water leaking, issues with dangerous tenant(they don’t properly background checking) who transformed the laundry room in a night shelter, gas leaking, water shut off without notice etc etc… We actually don’t have a laundry room 16 apartments with 1 washer, probably from the early 90s that keep damaging my clothes, almost 4 months since we communicated the issue and nothing happens.
Don’t know what to add since very often they’re solution to a problem is worse than the problem itself.

The R.

Don't take my word for it. Look @ their properties online, go there & ask about how well they are taken care of.

I randomly bought a chair off Facebook from someone also renting in 1 of their properties & we traded stories. They are also now in the process of leaving.

There were so many times we were left with no water for days.

Trash was left in the property during the peak summer heat for 2 months when the Porter left. Bugs got into the units.

I received no reply from my calls & emails regarding the issue. I had to physically go to their offices in Pt. Loma & still got no answer. Just an open ended talk around.

They had to go through their Lawyers before making any Porter decisions bcs 2 different then Tenants were the ones handling the trash due to bug infestations. They gave no rent discounts for the 2 months Porter work. Last Porter had rent discount for keeping the property clean.

They're not current on their dates & will give you incorrect leases.

My experience was not challenging.

It was the worst.

Take your chances but this is your heads up.

Leeanna E.

I am just now renting a place from them Celeste was so easy to work with she gets back to you in a timely manner especially when you have multiple questions I will be updating my review in the future if I have anything to add

Michael B.

wanted to take a moment to send an email emphasizing the great work your team has been doing on 4160 Texas Street.

Diana has been a great communicator, timely on addressing items, and a pleasure to work with.

Celeste has done a tremendous job interacting with the tenants amidst the notices and agreements/whatnot. She is very professional and has an amazing way with people.

Janet has made herself available for any questions and guidance on any items we’re unsure on.

Laurie W.

I’ve been living at a Buchanan property for over a year now in Point Loma and have had no issues. I just did a maintenance request which was scheduled and fixed within a day. Overall, I love the space and am grateful for amazing neighbors.