J. Caren Real Estate Inc

In Fall of 2019, I moved into my current apartment. My apartment building does not have parking, but the building next to me, operated by J. Caren Real Estate, does. I noticed they had plenty of empty spots, so I asked if they would consider renting me a monthly spot. They agreed, and I have been a responsible neighbor paying my monthly bill ever since (it's now 2025). I was always well aware that they would always need to prioritize tenants, and that it could be a reality one day that they'd need that spot. That, however, is not the issue at hand.Some time around Nov 2024, a new tenant started parking to my left. They were CONSISTENTLY an issue. Parking crooked, parking in my spot, parking over the line, etc. I complained to them numerous times, because once they park weird, then I have to and so does the next person, etc. It was never a big issue because the spot at the very end of the line (which is right up next to a telephone poll) had always been empty so we had some leeway.Beginning of Feb 2025, someone started parking in the very last spot next to the telephone poll. Thus, everyone must park perfectly so that person has room to park.One day I'm pulling out from my spot and am stopped by the building manager. He starts saying that I need to park straight so other people can park straight. I kindly explain that of course I always do my best to park straight, but the tenant next to me is notorious for not, so then my hands are tied. He kept saying "I know, but YOU need to park straight" as if I was the issue. This went on for over 5 minutes, with him blocking my car, putting his hand through my window and verbally harassing me. He then threatened to call management and have my spot taken. I reported HIM to management. I can't explain how violating that was, especially since I have been a respectful parker for 6 years! I have never had a complaint once about my parking. Since the new tenant came, I have a camera roll FULL of photos of the actual parking culprit, and I can't even tell you how many countless photos there are of that person parking like a complete jerk.I soon get a call that my spot is terminated. I explain the situation - they said nothing of the fact that I was harassed. Susan Caren, who I spoke with, defended her employee's inappropriate conduct. I asked her directly if my spot would have been taken had this incident not happened, and in one breath said both "well no but we need to prioritize our residents". Which as I said at the beginning, I understand you need to prioritize your residents, but also your residents are the ones not parking correctly. If it was truly that and not caused by the incident, I would have received an email or call without being harassed by the building manager. Also, for a woman to dismiss another young woman who said she was harassed by your middle-aged male employee without even an apology for his behavior is a disgusting business practice.As of March 1, I have been parking somewhere else and have noticed my spot has NOT been filled by anyone else, so seems like they didn't need the space that badly to me.Don't deal with these people if you care about doing business with companies that actually care how they treat people!
Mar 6th, 2025

Rude people
Jun 14th, 2023

After many terrible city landlords, I am very happy with J. Caren Real Estate. They have an actual office with someone available M-F. They always answer the phone and are reasonable and timely with maintenance requests. They seem to care about the building and the tenants satisfaction. I would definitely recommend renting from this agency.
Mar 14th, 2023

I have lived in the same apartment for 3 years with J Caren Real Estate! I've been in Chicago for years and lived in different apartments but nothing compares to J Caren. This is the only apartment where it felt most like home! It is well kept up and they take really good care of their tenants. If I could give them more than 5-stars I absolutely would.
Jan 15th, 2023

The best landlord! We're always so impressed with their level of service and how they maintain their beautiful buildings! Rent is collected online and tenants can always reach the managers by calling or emailing the office. You'll be impressed
Dec 26th, 2022