Instrata Upper Kirby Apartments

Lived here since 2023. Started doing renovations to increase the attractiveness of the building but used shortcuts wherever possible. The hallway renovations were completed last year with lazy painting, cream colored carpet already smeared with who knows what types of liquids, and previous wood replaced with stickers.

The management recently declined to renew any leases in 2025 for the plan to renovate everything, essentially forcing all tenants out from non-renovated apartments. They then did... very mediocre renovations (picture inexpensive appliances, spray painting the walls now easily chipping, and applying thin vinyl wood throughout the whole apartment making noise crossing floors even louder).

They then offered for tenants to move to newly renovated units but requiring to pay an additional $300-400 on rent per month for the same square footage and amenities.

Recently moved to a new unit in the building only to find out that they in fact did NOT renovate my old unit, and a new tenant moved into to my old place less than 3 weeks from when I moved out. This represents the constant frustration of working with the leasing office.

It seems that the new renovations have not been bringing as many new tenants as desired as they are now decreasing the unit prices significantly- almost to the same prices as I was previously paying last year meanwhile the old tenants are still paying a hefty fee.

In terms of the building in itself, things have been getting worse slowly. Elevators breaking every month, gym AC breaking periodically, broken gym equipment, parking tags on the first floor never having worked, and new electronic locks that requires batteries and may leave you stranded or paying an extra fee to have it exchanged outside business hours.

Have been noticing more and more pests, substantially more than when I first moved in. Also noticed somebody sleeping in one of the storage closets in the hallways in the early mornings. Called the "in-house" security with no response nor any resolution of the matter. Overall, would not recommend moving here. Like every other business, it's all about cutting costs and making more and more money from the loyal tenants. Read More

Flooding occurred on the second floor back in July of 2022. Which was something where I was not a fault. The management required that I still pay rent on my apartment until my lease ended (which was inhabitable). I’d steer clear of the apartments on that side of the second floor because of mold that can develop. Outside of that this is a good place to stay. Location is close to everything and to my surprise they’re weren’t a lot of car break ins. Juan the leasing manager is the best, and carry’s... that management team on his back. He goes the extra mile to make sure you’re taken care of. Read More

Just moved in several weeks ago, however, every single resident I have interacted with during my move has been extremely polite, helpful and welcoming. They also have great things to say about the apartment complex, no negativity at all.

Upper Kirby is great for me. I've been here 4 years because of the nice apartment and attached garage. This garage seems safer to me than an open parking lot at some other apartments. My apartment is nice with new carpet in the bedroom, a new air conditioner, and appliances. The kitchen is small which I like.. I attend some of the exercise classes and work out in the gym. The maintenance staff repairs my place when I need it without long waits. The landscaping is lovely so I am... proud to have guests over. I can reserve the community room so we can play pool. I live close to work and many restaurants. Read More

Moved here in 2019, transferred units once, renewed twice, and had a good experience until my third renewal offer. I received my offer a mere 6 days before I had to decide whether or not to renew and my rent increased almost $400 for no reason. Management was less than helpful during the renewal process and once I decided not to renew, my unit was listed as available online for basically my current rate. Fast forward, after moving out I receive a bill from Greystar for hundreds of dollars to... replace the carpet in my 802 sq ft apartment because they found what they were sure was a “pet stain.” Called and explained that I never owned a pet so I couldn’t have left a “pet stain.” Long story short, Upper Kirby couldn’t care less about its residents. I paid my rent early every month, was a considerate neighbor, and all I got was a big “screw you” in the end. Read More