ActivSpace at Berkeley in Berkeley

Used to be awesome but now is a prison sentence. The manager likes to threaten people for virtually anything saying he will evict you if you break any of his random rules like throwing away non compliant trash and they do sift through your trash and have cameras and everything to prosecute offenders. Even a two foot scap of 2*4 is grounds for three day eviction and if you arent out by then they will confiscate all of your property! So I was warned. My neighbor was told that if he was caught meditating he would be evicted because that is not work related. I would assume that also includes things like eating lunch or shopping on Amazon for non work related items. How would they know? Seems like threats for threats sake. They also like to enter your unit while you are not there for inspections and in fact guarantee that they will do so a minimum of once every four months. In short if I was Satan and owned this place I would rent it out and reside in hell which clearly would be the more pleasant place. Used to be a cool place to run a small business now I just cant wait to get out of here.

I recently had the displeasure of dealing with ActivSpace, and I must say, my experience has been nothing short of a nightmare. From start to finish, the level of incompetence and disregard for customer satisfaction has been astonishing.First and foremost, despite providing my updated address multiple times, the company failed to process it correctly, leading to a significant delay in receiving my deposit refund. Despite my continuous efforts to communicate and rectify the situation, it seemed like I was speaking to a brick wall. They only listened to my requests when I hired a lawyer. It took 4 months to get that deposit back.Not only did ActivSpace fail to acknowledge their mistake promptly, but they also displayed a shocking lack of accountability. Instead of taking ownership of their errors, they repeatedly shifted the blame onto their headquarters, passing the buck without any regard for the inconvenience caused to me, the customer.The lack of transparency and communication throughout this process has been utterly unacceptable. Promises of checks being mailed out, only to find out weeks later that they were sent to the wrong address, are simply inexcusable. Its as if they have no respect for their customers time or concerns.The constant turnover of management during my tenure only added to the chaos and frustration. In the span of five years, I had to deal with no fewer than four different managers. This lack of consistency and accountability within ActivSpaces management structure reflects a broader culture of neglect and apathy toward their tenants concerns and well-being.Furthermore, the dismissive attitude displayed by their representative, Mar, is deeply concerning. Despite my persistent inquiries and requests for updates, their responses were vague, evasive, and utterly unhelpful. Its clear that customer satisfaction is not a priority for ActivSpace, and they have little regard for the impact of their actions on their clients.ActivSpaces purported commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs is nothing but a hollow façade. Despite their claims, my experience with them reveals a company more interested in profit margins than in cultivating genuine relationships with their tenants. The reality is that ActivSpace operates more like a soulless corporation, devoid of any genuine concern for the individuals they serve.In conclusion, my experience with ActivSpace has been a complete disappointment. Their incompetence, lack of accountability, and poor communication have left me feeling frustrated and disheartened. I would strongly advise anyone considering renting from this company to proceed with extreme caution, as the level of service provided is simply not worth the headache and stress.Avoid ActivSpace at all costs if you value your time, money, and sanity.

I’ve been renting here for 2 years . & i must say “ Mar “ is just quite a breathe of fresh air around the building! His professionalism doesn’t go unnoticed. Please keep up the great work !

Solid office space * Excellent rental rates * Good location * Amazing managerA few months into the pandemic, I realized that for my creativity and mental health, I needed an office outside of my home. Living and working 24 x 7 in one place was too much! Several years ago, my partner had rented from ActivSpace for a few years. He recommended them highly.At the time of writing this, Ive been at ActivSpace a few years. I researched several places, and their rental rates were the best. I like the location: its a relatively quiet area of Berkeley, away from the hustle and bustle, yet conveniently close to the freeway. My original, small unit was very solid. Also, the office manager during my first two years was generally helpful, easy to get along with, attentive, etc.Within the last two months, however, theres been one significant call-out: a new office manager, Chandra. Shes nothing short of amazing - really! Within just a few weeks, shes brought a whole new level of excellence to the job. I constantly see her interacting with tenants, even just in passing, in really energizing and connective ways. She sponsored an ice-cream social for everyone -- with more get to know your neighbor activities in the works. She organized an Open Studio event for artists and artisans to showcase their works, and to build community. The list goes on.Also, she convinced the company headquarters to let her advertise for new openings first among current tenants. This might seem like an obvious win-win, but it wasnt previously their practice. Ive benefited tremendously. I saw a posting for an open unit and decided to upgrade to a larger space -- something Id been contemplating. What was truly outstanding was that she did several things to make it super easy for me to move from unit to unit: got the company to bypass a contractual clause, so that I didnt have to pay on both units during my transition; gave me the names of a few highly-rated contractors to help with the move (painters, handy-people, etc.); patiently walked me through the entire process so that all the Is were dotted and Ts were crossed; and more. Honestly, within just two months, shes shown up as a huge advocate -- truly caring to make sure that everything is working well for tenants and to foster community-building among us. I feel a deeper level of being at home in the space, thanks to her. Ive already shared information about ActivSpace with a colleague who may be looking for office space soon - and will continue to spread the word with others.

My daughter rented a space for 6 months. Among a few minor issues all was ok. Untill she vacated. I personally helped clean the space and repainted it with her so she could get her deposit back. She deposited 725.00 and when she was refunded almost a month after she left they only gave her 125.00 back. I have already left a few messages and I am not getting a response. I wish we would have read the reviews on active space first because this seems to be their MO. Looks like well have to do it the hard way and contact an attorney. Best advice...Go elsewhere.

I have been at activspace almost a year now and just leased my second space because of Chandra the manager! She has gone above and beyond for me and made expanding such an easy and enjoyable process! Really cannot sing my praises more for her!!

Activspace is a company that has been scamming artist and small business owners for years. Every single location has the same amount of people complaining about there fraudulent deposit system. Activspace insures you will never get your deposit back and that you will never see where your deposit money went to. I rented a space as is. Not a perfect paint job, not even close. There should never be a studio given as is if the deposits are being used correctly.I had given a 725$ deposit for a 90sqft space. I had two people help me for two days clean and paint. I turned in my keys and everything to the very rude and unprofessional manager named Matt Fenzl.I received a check for my deposit and it was just 125$After calling Activspace and going unanswered I received an email from Matt Fenzl that stated he was getting threatening phone calls from my mother. Whom was trying to help me get in contact with an MIA Matt. He stated he could only talk to me and that Activspace was very helpful and that the 600$ went to hiring third party painter. I responded to Matt stating I would like proof of where the deposit went. The message went unanswered for a week. I messaged Matt once again and i told Him he would need him to answer or I would need to talk in person. Matt finally answered stating he would not send me any document and that Activspace is private property and I could not talk without an appointment. He then went in to say he would no longer communicate with me and gave me a mailing address to speak to there legal team There was no email or phone number given. Activspace as a commercial landlord has to show proof of where a deposit went. I am going to take this to court and I will be making sure to try my best to uncover there fraudulent system. All stories are the same when it comes to there space and there deposits. Its now time to end the assault they have taken among artist and small business owners for the pass decade and beyond.Activspace as well has terrible temperatures in the summer, does not provide screen doors and allows people To live in spaces.Activspace business module is about being creative and free and having a a blank canvas, its not about being perfect (take there plywood floors as an example) until it comes to moving out and painting.

Gr8 photo shoot spot.

They will take basically take all of your deposit, even if you user their demanded expensive paints and leave the space in great condition. So calculate that into your thinking before you rent here! Multiple times the build was not accessible because the door locks where broken.’

Been there 2.0 years so far and I am happy! Great location, good people in the shops there. Small spaces can be hard to find zoned for light manufacturing- ActivSpace is one of the few, and they have roll up garage doors as well as regular glass doors (or both) in different spaces. Rent 600-800 a month (depending upon size) and is bumped up a couple percent per year. Water and Electric is included. They charge extra monthly for you to display your signage- BOO!, this cost them 5th star)