I had to find a new place to live because the building was living in had the furnace die, then the pipes froze because they dragged the feet getting it fixed. (I had to live in a hotel, that was being paid for by the town.) I emailed them, explaining this and gave them my cell phone number. I got an email from then asking for my number. Then when I did talk to Debbie Shapiro she was basically yelling at me because she could not help me find a place tomorrow. (like the whole thing is my fault) avoid this JERKS like the plaque. read more

I have been working with the Rental Group for about 4 years now. I have found Steve and his team to be helpful in locating exceptional tenants who were responsible, wonderful, and timely with rent. I continue to use Steve at the Rental Group even now. read more

It's been years, but I think this is overdue. This place has a problem. I dealt with rental group in 2012 when moving out of Somerville and to Arlington looking for my own 1BR. I found an apt I loved--right in East Arlington, right above Giles Wine on Mass Ave and across the street from Za Pizza. But quickly there were issues. First, there wasn't a parking spot for my car. I was told by RG that the owner would be repaving the lot "very soon" to make the extra spot, but probably not until after I moved in. This was a problem because in Arlington there is no overnight parking allowed on the the street and I needed my car to get to my job in Wellesley. I made it clear if I didn't have a parking spot it was a deal breaker for me taking the place. So what did they do? They lied and told me no problem, that the Baptist Church next door had plenty of spots in their lot they'd be willing to rent out to me for a very nominal monthly fee until the lot in my building was re-paved. I said great, I'd love to be put in touch with them and get something IN WRITING guaranteeing me that...but they kept hedging and said not to call the church. Finally, one day I went to the church myself and asked the office--and basically got yelled at saying they had promised/were offering no such thing and the Rental Group needed to stop saying stuff like that. I told the Rental Group what happened and the dude (Frank, I think) scolded me for going over there!! Anyway, I put my foot down and said that the super needed to re-pave the lot BEFORE I moved in and I needed a guarantee in writing. The landlord agreed to it but then said he'd raised the rent $50/monthly. I was running out of time to find a place and agreed. When Louise had shown me the place the windows were in really bad shape and she told me they'd be replaced BEFORE I moved in. They hadn't been and the first thing they said the day I moved in is they would be replaced in a week or two--which was a bummer because who wants to deal with that? There were screens missing from most of the windows and shades from a couple and when I went to RG (which is right next to my apt), I was told to just keep them closed or run the AC instead rather than open them (this was June). I told them it was a health code violation to not have screens during the summer months and I wasn't going to pay extra for AC. Luckily, the super fixed that my first day. The windows stayed broken though and a microburst in July blew out one of the ratty windows altogether--and I basically didn't have a window there for almost 2 months. It took many emails over the next few months for them to finally replace all the windows--only after I finally threatened to call the Health Dept because it was going into October and freezing w/o a real window. Another issue I ran into was there was some strange alarm that sometimes got tripped in the middle of the night in the wine store right below my bedroom and I'd be woken up to it. The owner (Sean, who also owned my units and the rest on that block), didn't offer a 24 hr emergency line so I'd have to just listen to an alarm for hours all night. A few months before my first lease was up, RG and Sean sent me an email raising my rent $100/mo effective 2 months before my lease term ended (in this case, RG didn't just broker for Sean, they seemed to manage his lease and lease renewals for him). I reminded them I was still in my lease term and it is ILLEGAL to raise rent while within a lease term. Though I got a quick "sorry about that" I spoke to several neighbors who said that that was common and they paid extra early. When I was fighting against the rent raise for my lease renewal (because speaking to other neighbors I had the steepest increase by far and it felt like punishment for all my complaining about the windows and then the alarm system), I dealt with Rental Group. I was being told before I even signed on/agreed to the rent raise of $100/mo, that my rent would be raised by at least another $150 the following lease term. And they would "lock me in" to this "reasonable increase" if I signed an addendum. I dealt with Steve, and we had a back and forth about it. When I told him it seemed strange and sketchy Sean was already trying to raise my rent for a year from then when I hadn't even signed off on the upcoming lease I got this email from Steve (copied and pasted verbatim from my email log): "My suggestion, if you're not happy is to move out. You told me you see units for $X including utilities, why are you not taking them?? You're the authority on the rental market!!, move out and save money.. Why are you staying?" and several more emails after that (I think he was drunk). That's the Rental Group. read more

We worked with Gloria and she was easy to get a hold of and always quick to respond. She was on time for every appointment we set and the apartment was as described. There were no delays on her part, no misrepresentations and nothing else that would keep us from getting the place we found. Our interaction has prompted me to work with Gloria on a professional level as well. If I look for a place in this area again I would certainly reach out to her. read more

Even though I found my place with other means, there was an agent working here that kept is close contact with me as I struggled to find a place with a dog. I felt like we was working as hard as me and that was very comforting to know. And when I had to tell him that I found one, he congratulated me! This left a great impression on me and I couldn't help but to leave positive feedback. Ask for Frank, you won't be disappointed. read more

I worked with Louise Neal while apartment hunting. She was kind, helpful, understanding, and personable. Unfortunately, due to circumstances that had nothing to do with the Rental Group, I did not end up taking the apartment (my mold allergy makes finding a place to live not so fun). Louise was extremely kind in understanding my needs and helped me a lot along the way. I would recommend working with her without reservation. The reason I've given them four out of five stars is because they deposited my deposit check before I signed a lease, which I find to be slightly disconcerting. Thus, a word to the wise: be aware that if the landlord "approves" you, your check will be cashed, even if you haven't put ink to paper. They should probably discontinue this practice, or be more upfront about it. That said, they are still a good bunch of people and they refunded my money quickly. read more

We worked with Gloria, and although we ended up not taking a place through her, she was amazingly professional and in tune with our interests and needs. She responded when other brokers were too busy and she really listened to what we told her was important to us. When we go looking again, we will start with her. read more

The Rental Group has been nothing short of heroic for my wife and I when we were in desperate need to exit a problematic apartment in the Boston Area. I was recommended to them by a co-worker of mine who mentioned Frank Mitrano by name. Once we called to inquire about available properties, we were delighted to see that a duplex that met our needs and budget was put on the market that day and were able to schedule a walkthrough in a matter of hours. Frank is very knowledgable about the properties he manages as well as the Arlington area in general, as well as being genuinely nice and helpful throughout the process. We got our application approved in around 24 hours (with periodic updates throughout by phone and email) and we're off to sign the lease this weekend. I have nothing but good things to say about the experience, and I would recommend The Rental Group to anyone who is interested in living in the Arlington area. read more

I recently relocated from Minneapolis to Arlington and Debbie Shapiro made the move extremely easy and stress-free! She never grew irritated or annoyed with my (many, many, many) questions and she was always available by phone or email. Each step in the process went smoothly, was clearly explained and I couldn't be happier with my experience! I would highly recommend The Rental Group to anyone but especially to those looking to relocate which can be so very stressful. I felt very well taken care of. read more

Had a chance to work with Gloria. She did a great job making out case to the landlord in a competitive leasing application process. We appreciated her hardwork. I deducted one star simply because the advertisement on Craigslist stated that the apartment was certified de-leaded but that turned out not to be the case. read more

After looking at close to 20 apartments with different rental companies, we came across The Rental Group. Frank is the only agent from this agency that I would recommend working with from there. Frank was extremely helpful and found us the exact apartment we were dreaming of. We thought that we had found an apartment prior to working with Frank and it fell through. Frank worked really hard to help us and really listened to us. Although he was having some personal challenges while we were working with him, he almost always answered the phone or made it so someone was available. On a more negative note: prior to finding Frank, we worked with several other agents from The Rental Group. The woman that stands out most in my mind was Debbie. Frank had asked Debbie to show us an apartment because he was unable to attend. Debbie let us in but ignored us the ENTIRE time. She was focused on the other client who was viewing at the same time. The other agents were "fine". If you want to settle for a bad/mediocre agent work with anyone else from The Rental Group, if you want someone who is dedicated to getting you exactly what you want, work with Frank! I'm giving 3 stars because Frank was great, however the other experiences that we had definitely deserve 1 if not 0 stars. read more

Had a great experience with the rental group. Mark was great ! Would highly recommend working with him. My boyfriend and I moved to the area and he showed us a few places. He was very honest about the listings and wanted to make sure to show us something that was the best "fit" for us. He moved fast in securing the property for us once we decided. Mark was very helpful with the process. I would use this company again if I end up moving with in Arlington. read more

I experienced firsthand the unethical behavior of this business as expressed by others on this site. I have dealt with many realtors and landlords and this was by far the worst and I do not wish them on anyone, I answered an ad by one of the agents, for an apartment. The agent showed me the apartment, letting me know that "several other people" wanted the unit and were going to look at it later in the day so I should grab it while I could. I thought the building was a bit run-down, so I asked the agent what the property management was like, and also asked about the character of the residents. She told me that "the on-site super is wonderful, never have had a problem with him" and that management is "very responsive" and that the residents "like it so much here they never leave--some have lived here for 20 years!." (In fact, as I would find out later, the agent is a resident of a building also owned by this management company--perhaps they are paying her to falsely advertise the place?) I liked the apartment itself, and signed a lease-- the agent told me I was required to pay an $81 lock change fee and a $100 deposit fee for the remote control for a gate to the parking lot. I did all of the above. Upon moving in,I found out the on-site super was squatting in the apartment. His bed was in the living room. The apartment was in filthy condition, hadn't even been cleaned - had a busted carbon monoxide detector and a bathroom that had walls that leaked water when the shower was turned on. I called the agent and she told me they'd change the locks but i'd have to pay another lock change fee. I did not receive a remote control and the parking lot had no working gate. The agent told me "it's being fixed." I was told by residents it had been out of working order for over two years. I've lived in this apartment for seven months now and it has been nothing but trying to get management to make repairs--I have to call several times and threaten to call the health department before they take any action. Tenants are leaving here on a monthly basis. And several tenants have told me they have called the health department in order to get property management to do repairs, and the health department has cited the management company for violations. Aside from that, there is no upkeep and no one ever cleans the common areas--there are dead cockroaches in the hallways. I have been continuously spoken to sarcastically by the on-site super (who was never even fired after I reported to management of his squatting in my apartment) and verbally harassed on the phone by the head maintenance guy when I request repairs. The only person who has been helpful and friendly is the night/weekend super, who told me that sometimes management doesn't pay their repair workers and that is why repairs don't get done, and why everyone treats tenants so poorly.. I contacted the agent and The Rental Group by email to let them all know the reality of this place so that they could tell the truth to future prospective tenants. I received no response. I believe they outright lie to prospective tenants just so they can get their realty fee upon lease signing. These are poor building conditions and no human being should be treated as tenants are treated here. I will of course also file a complaint about this property management. But I write this one on the realty group because I don't know how a realtor can advertise such a place and still have a good conscience. read more

Dear Yelpers, This review is long over due. PLEASE STAY AWAY!! I wished that I had taken the advice of the previous posters!! I honestly don't know where to begin. I've never dealt with a rental agency, agent, landlord/management like this one!! I wouldn't wish this unexplained, unprofessional, rude, controlling demeanor on anyone!! I was in search of an affordable studio or 1BR in Arlington. I searched high and low on the websites: Trulia, Zumper, Zillow, Craigslist etc. Saw a few in the area that was semi affordable, walking distace to stores, banks, public transportation, safe neighborhoods, parks etc. I should have known when I met Louise (rental agent) that she was a little shady, unprofessional, rude, push, blunt and arrogant. I should reverse the fact that I came in contact with RG a year ago when I met Harry. He had shown me an apt in Watertown and had reassured me that the 1BR apt was mine. I wrote a check for a deposit on the apt. Apparently I didn't get the place and I was annoyed!! I demanded my check to be shredded. I must say that he did do a good job at communicating with me via phone/text viewing apts in my price range/location. He was more professional in the beginning than his counterparts: Louise and Gloria. After awhile when I contacted him regarding apts he would never return my calls or texts!!! I moved on and ended up working with Louise (this is her middle name) I found out through the registry of real estate agents!! She showed me a shit box studio apt in Arlington, and then the currentl place where I live is nice neighborhood-close to public transportation, banks, parks, bike path etc. I really enjoy the area and all that it has to offer. The apt listing was posted on many sites and continue to circulate even after I rented it!! I paid a fee, first/last month's, security and credit report-extremely expensive, more than Ive ever paid (never again). Louise cashed my check asap=who does that!! She tid communicate via text/phone calls, but with a nasty attitude and was clearly working for the owner ($$$). I was appalled by the treatment I received and did not doubt my intuition and will never ever again work with this place again!! I don't understand how it's sti;; in business and legal!! They should be ashamd of their unethical practice is deplorable!! BEWARE of SOME OF THE LANDLORDS who try to BULLY proactive tenants illegally!! read more

Only interested in the money. They don't care if they rent you a hell-hole. Should've gone with my gut. If I could give NO stars, I would!

STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!! Find other agent who can actually help you. The realtors that work here are manipulative, rude and pushy..TAKE YOUR BUSINESS SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! read more

At first we were quite pleased working with Gloria. She steered us to a great place and said it was all set and we just needed to submit the papers. When we asked her where to deliver them to her she said, actually texted, "sorry. It's gone." Seems like she was telling more than one prospective renter that they were "first." And when we asked for our application fee back, because we did not get the service we should have, our call was not returned. Stay away from the Rental Group. read more

I contacted Gloria late on a Saturday night about an apartment that seemed too good to be true. She almost immediately responded saying she would do her best to get us in the following day to look at the place. She completely came through for us and got us in the following day! Luckily we were the first people in to see it and Gloria got our application and deposit in that day. Before we knew it, the dream apt was ours! Gloria was a pleasure to work with and we spent more time just chatting with her than we did actually filling out paperwork. She is such a sweetheart :) read more

I couldn't have been happier with Gloria. She enabled me to get a wonderful apartment with everything completed in just two days. She went out of her way to help even staying after office hours to wait for me coming from my workplace. She was friendly, kind, and professional. I appreciate all she has done for me. read more

I had a great experience working with Frank Mitrano. He was friendly and very responsive. Throughout my search, he made it a point to check in with me at least on a weekly basis. We had a difficult time locating a de-leaded apartment and ultimately i did not end up renting through him, but only because I ended up purchasing a home instead. Out of all of the rental realtors i worked with, I must say Frank was the best. I would highly recommend him to anyone searching for a rental. read more

It's amazing to me how people can have such radically different experiences with the same business. My girlfriend and I have been looking for apartments in the Greater Boston area for a little over a month now, and it's been a difficult search because our budget is not unlimited, we have a cat and cars, and we have a complicated commute, so location is crucial. We had been looking just about everywhere on the T or Commuter rail, but Debbie showed us our first unit in Medford, and we instantly fell in love with the unit and realized that Medford was our ideal location. Although we did not get that unit (the property manager had two other applications besides ours), Debbie returned my deposit to me safe and sound, and immediately offered to show us another unit that had just come on the market that morning, which fit all of our needs and more. Both of these apartments were two of the most beautiful we've seen, and at the most reasonable prices we've seen: a rarity for the Boston area. We met the current tenant, who seemed very happy with the building (she was moving closer to the city proper for location). Debbie really went to bat for us with the property manager and convinced her to take us on even though we're a young couple, just starting out, and I'm very happy to say that we just signed the lease today. Not only was I impressed by the quality and prices of the units that they have on the market, I am very grateful to Debbie for taking the time to listen to us and helping us find such a beautiful place to live. I should also say that she was extremely responsive in her communications, both my phone and email. read more

I worked with Leah at The Rental Group, and my experience in renting my 1 BR apartment was very smooth from start to finish. The apartment looked exactly as pictured in the Craigslist ad, and the rent included exactly what was mentioned in the ad. I would gladly rent from this company again! read more

My wife and I have only good things to say about the Rental Group! (Done business with them about a year ago.) Frank Mitrano took time to actually listen to our housing needs, preferences, deal-breakers etc. He then took us to a property we had seen listed online, which turned out to be exactly what we wanted. He was gracious and authentic in our exchanges, did not try to push us in any direction. I also am under the strong impression that, had the first house not worked out, he would have only showed us better places for us and not wasted our time as so many real estate agents do. So: time and money well spent with Frank and The Rental Group! read more

Frank is wonderful. He followed-up with phone calls and emails and made the entire rental process pain-free. I'm excited to move-in next month--- so glad I found Frank's listing on craigslist. I definitely recommend him! read more

I worked with Leah and Steve and it was a quick and easy experience. I needed to find a place in short order because of a move, and they were nothing but helpful. I contacted them off Zillow and had a great place within 3 days. I'd use them again for sure! read more

I dealt with Frank, and I connected with him immediately. He is an outgoing, direct, Italian guy, like many people I grew up with; he may not be the kind of person that works for everyone. Anyway, he showed me the flat and was direct that it wouldn't last. He was flexible on some terms and the move in date and we came to agreement. There was one minor detail in the lease term that I hadn't anticipated but it was explained; everything else had been disclosed during the showing. I think the fact that I only fussed about one important issue established a good rapport that lasted throughout the lease and on its termination. read more