Review by Raul Ovalle (Rating: 1): I lived in this building for three full years, and while it can’t be considered a “luxury” building, it is one of the cheapest in the area. However, that “low” price comes with a high cost.

Pros:

• Location: It’s very well-located, with a Metromover stop right in front, allowing free and easy access to Brickell or anywhere in Downtown. It’s also close to I-95 exits.
• Views: Being a fairly tall building, the views are spectacular.

The negatives (and the real issues):

1. Located across from a jail: Yes, you read that right—a jail. The inmates have a direct view of the pool, where some people, including OnlyFans models, pose naked to get their attention. This leads to yelling and shouting, which can be heard clearly throughout the building.

2. Vehicle theft: Car and motorcycle thefts are very common. I personally knew several people who had their vehicles, especially motorcycles, stolen.

3. Lack of security: Security is practically nonexistent. The main door is always open, there are no cameras, and anyone can enter. On top of that, package theft is a constant issue. I had multiple packages stolen, including expensive ones worth over $500.

4. Security deposit: They will NOT return your deposit. My case is a clear example: they charged me $1,160 for the floor, which I had reported as defective from the beginning and was never repaired. They even assured me it wouldn’t be charged. Additionally, they charged me $450 for a poorly painted wall, which was already like that when I moved in. I’m attaching the letter that details how they kept my entire deposit.

5. Maintenance issues: After two years, my apartment developed a mold problem. Their “solution” was to send someone to apply a product, but they warned me that if it returned, I’d have to pay for the cleaning.

6. Neighbor issues: I had a problem with a neighbor whose dog kept urinating on the balcony above mine. At first, it happened daily, and even though I reported it multiple times, nothing was done. Eventually, it decreased to about once every two weeks, but the issue persisted for two full weeks straight at one point. When I finally went to the office in person, things took a bizarre turn. Instead of the issue being the dog, it seemed like a person was the one urinating. I’m not exaggerating—I’m attaching a video as proof.

7. Dogs in elevators: Every single day, dogs urinate in the elevators. Since there are no cameras, management can’t do anything about it, leaving the elevators smelling awful most of the time.

8. Sidewalk problems: The sidewalk in front of the building is nearly impossible to walk on. The residents do not pick up after their dogs, leaving it covered in poop. While they clean it in the morning, by nighttime, the smell is unbearable, and walking there is disgusting. Again, since there are no cameras, they can’t issue fines to irresponsible pet owners.

9. Poor-quality finishes: The finishes throughout the building are extremely low quality. The doors are poorly made, not properly aligned, and feel flimsy. The paint is so cheap that it scratches just by looking at it. It’s clear that everything was done as inexpensively as possible.
10. Melo buildings: After some research, I’ve found that all buildings from Melo have the same recurring problems. Poor security, bad maintenance, and lack of accountability seem to be a trademark of this developer.

11. Limited rent payment options: While they do offer an automatic withdrawal option, they don’t provide the flexibility for tenants to transfer payments manually when they choose. This lack of modern, tenant-friendly options feels outdated and inconvenient.

In summary, while the location and views may seem appealing, the security issues, poor maintenance, neighbor problems, lack of cleanliness, poor-quality finishes, dishonest handling of deposits, inconvenient rent payment systems, and Melo’s reputation make this place a terrible choice. Think twice before moving here. - a month ago

Review by Toño Flores (Rating: 1): I recently moved out after three years of responsibly maintaining my apartment, and unfortunately, my experience with the security deposit process has been extremely disappointing. Despite the excellent condition of the unit at move-out, I was charged an excessive amount for laminate repairs that seemed unjustified. It feels as though management is indifferent to whether these charges are fair or reasonable, simply passing on costs without proper validation.

For anyone considering renting here, be prepared for a rigid approach to deposit deductions that may not align with the actual condition of the unit. I'm attaching photos of the apartment at move-out to provide transparency and let others judge for themselves. While the location and day-to-day living experience were positive, this final experience leaves a lot to be desired.

Update after reply from the team:
Thank you for reaching out. While I appreciate your team’s commitment to transparency, Patricia Quintana has not been able to provide actual before-and-after photos or an itemized list of what was fixed. Without this documentation, it’s hard not to feel that, regardless of the amount charged—whether it was $1,000 or any arbitrary figure—the response simply defers to “what the company charges” without due consideration of fairness or accountability. Frankly, it feels as though the cost of these repairs is treated lightly because it’s not coming directly from your own funds. I would appreciate any additional details or documentation that could help clarify and justify these charges. - 3 months ago

Review by Aldana Britos (Rating: 5): I’ve been living in Downtown 5th for the past 3 years, and it has been an incredible experience! The common areas are spotless, always well-maintained and the recreational spaces like pool, gym, jacuzzi, are always in excellent condition. One of the greatest advantages is the management team, especially Michael, willingness to resolve any issues quickly and effectively. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to live! - a month ago

Review by Johnny Bromberg (Rating: 5): Downtown 5th is a great building and they have a great team of employees that are always ready to help any problems. I’ve had a couple situations here and Lopez and the other employees make a great effort to solve problems. I enjoy living here and really recommend it. Lopez is a great guy!!! - a month ago

Review by Noelia Villarroel (Rating: 5): “I recently had the pleasure of working with the management team at Downtown 5 Specific Tower East, and I must say, they exceeded all expectations. The manager is exceptionally professional, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents and guests have a seamless experience. The staff is equally impressive—friendly, efficient, and consistently maintaining a high standard of service. The building is not only beautiful but also well-maintained, thanks to their dedication. It’s clear that this team genuinely cares about the community they serve. Highly recommend!” - 6 months ago