Cavendish Condominiums

It’s hard to find reliable information online about the company that manages 600 Maryland Ave. NE (Eastpines Terrace Apartments, Inc.). Jaffar, our agent, was not upfront about the application process (more paperwork than getting a new job; a lot of back and forth before you can see the lease) or the lease, which included several pages of rules – no plants on windowsills (or outside), bikes, or hanging pictures without prior written approval, plus all curtains must be white. We wouldn’t have bothered to apply (and spent $ 50/​pp on application fees) if we’d known all of the rules that the owner thinks are completely acceptable and customary, but would significantly impact one’s enjoyment of a rental property. I went to a Catholic university, and the freshman dorms there were more likely to let something slide.
While the apartments are beautiful, the location is great, and the prices aren’t bad for DC, other residents have said that you can hear traffic and the main door slamming through the walls. Unless you are ok with that and a landlord that is looking for any minor infraction as an excuse to kick you out, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Oh wow. This place.
I’ll start off with the pros– to be fair, it’s in a really convenient location, about a half mile from Union Station and half mile from Eastern Market. Some of the units have a porch which is very nice indeed. I think all of the units have fireplaces which is also nice.
Now for the bad. Never ever live here. Avoid the landlords and property association (East Pine Terrace Apartments).
Issues:
– general maintenance things. These probably aren’t that uncommon, but I never imagined they would rent an apartment with carpets that were torn up by the previous tenant’s cat. When the previous tenant left gouges in the kitchen countertop, the landlord painted over it rather than replacing it. When a landlord told me that screens would be fixed I thought they would be. When workers smudged handprints on the walls I thought they would be cleaned. The landlords have a serious case of the «don’t give a f**ks,» and it shows in how worn down this place is.
– outdated appliances. In the 11 units there are two with gleaming new appliances. The other units have 40-​year-​old appliances and linoleum counters. If you get one of the updated units congrats, but just be aware that my ancient water heater broke and leaked all over the unit below me. The water heater is in the closet. They had a lot of clothes ruined.
– broken toilet. Throughout my living there this was my biggest gripe. I complained about it 6 times but I clearly should have complained about it the the Office of the Tenant Advocate. Once my landlord let me know if it was an issue I should use my neighbor’s bathroom. Seriously.
– quiet enjoyment. My landlord would also routinely enter my apartment without any prior notice, without an emergency.
– infestations. Caterpillars. Mice. Moths. I’ve lived in the area and I’ve lived in old apartments, I understand that some of these things cannot be avoided. I also understand that, as landlords, there are means they need to take to protect tenants from these kinds of issues.
– rent increase. Went up more than 13% entering my second year. It was a $ 235 increase for no reason– there were no capital improvements, non-​rent-​controlled apartments were allowed a 2% increase based on the fact that we’re in a MoFo recession… but these jerks had the audacity to charge me an extra 13% for a toilet that wouldn’t flush and linoleum tackiness. No thank you.
The good news is that there are frequently apartments available– no one stays more than a year. Now you know why.