With over 340 unique properties in historic areas of Durham, NC, you are sure to find a place that fits your style and personality to call home. Our owner-managed homes range from 7-bedroom restored Victorian houses to efficiency apartments tucked in one of our properties. We are committed to preserving the character of the house and the neighborhood when we buy a home to renovate!
At Bob Schmitz Properties, we pride ourselves on fast, efficient, and friendly service. We have a team of maintenance professionals standing by ready to exceed your expectations.
At Bob Schmitz Properties, we pride ourselves on fast, efficient, and friendly service. We have a team of maintenance professionals standing by ready to exceed your expectations.
Services
It is our mission to provide quality properties at a fair price and to diligently maintain your home with excellent service both in the field and in the office. We offer a portfolio of over 340 rental properties ranging from renovated studios to apartments to restored 7 bedroom Victorian houses and all points in between.
Congratulations on finding a new home with Bob Schmitz Properties! All of our homes are unique, which means you should check your lease or give us a call if you're unsure about your responsibilities. Below are some helpful hints to make your move in day as worry free as possible! Be sure to double check which utilities are your responsibility to set up service in your name!
After you provide us notice that you are moving out, we will send you detailed instructions; please refer to those instructions and don't hesitate to call us with questions or concerns before moving out. Unless you've made arrangements with the office, please return your keys to the Bob Schmitz Properties office by NOON on the last day of your lease.
If you have a central HVAC system, you are responsible for changing the filter every 30 days; if you are having trouble figuring out where the filter goes, please call us at the office. These filters are readily available at all home improvement stores (Lowes, Home Depot), many big box stores (Wal-Mart), and online.
Reviews (10)
Denny Huynh
Jun 28, 2022
Been renting with Bob Schmitz for about 3 years now and am really satisfied! Although the house that I am in is a little older, the staff does not hesitate to fix issues and replace items. They are also very reasonable with their rates as well. Overall, wonderful agency to rent from with kind, caring, and quick staff.
Sarah T.
May 13, 2021
In the 2 years I rented from Bob Schmitz Properties, I experienced a high level of professionalism and excellent customer service throughout every interaction. From the first time I contacted the office to discuss renting a place, they went above and beyond to help me find a place that might be a good fit and they exhibited that same high level of customer service my entire time renting from them.
I was always impressed at how quickly they responded to any questions or requests I had. Anytime I submitted a maintenance request, the issue was addressed very quickly, sometimes in as little a 2 hours and never more than a few days, depending on urgency. Throughout the process of having repairs done, they were communicative about the process and worked hard to ensure the issue was resolved quickly.
They also do really nice things like offer free flowers to all tenants in the Spring that they can pick up to plant at home. They hold a Halloween decoration contest every year. These are other ways I see them going above and beyond to make their properties a nice place to live. Lastly, the move out process was very easy and straightforward. When you move in, you are provided a list and are asked to inspect the condition of the home.
When you move out, there is a similar list you must follow to ensure the place is left clean and not damaged. They are upfront about this in the lease so as long as you keep that in mind and stick to the list, it's pretty likely they'll return your full deposit. I had a positive experience renting from Bob Schmitz and would recommend them to others.
I was always impressed at how quickly they responded to any questions or requests I had. Anytime I submitted a maintenance request, the issue was addressed very quickly, sometimes in as little a 2 hours and never more than a few days, depending on urgency. Throughout the process of having repairs done, they were communicative about the process and worked hard to ensure the issue was resolved quickly.
They also do really nice things like offer free flowers to all tenants in the Spring that they can pick up to plant at home. They hold a Halloween decoration contest every year. These are other ways I see them going above and beyond to make their properties a nice place to live. Lastly, the move out process was very easy and straightforward. When you move in, you are provided a list and are asked to inspect the condition of the home.
When you move out, there is a similar list you must follow to ensure the place is left clean and not damaged. They are upfront about this in the lease so as long as you keep that in mind and stick to the list, it's pretty likely they'll return your full deposit. I had a positive experience renting from Bob Schmitz and would recommend them to others.
Corrine Taylor
Nov 20, 2020
Kathryn Daugherty
Jan 13, 2020
Best experience with a rental company BY FAR! Move in and out was a breeze. Never any issues with the apartment, noise, or the laundry facilities. Never saw a single bug in my apartment and the location cannot be beat. Rachel, the leasing manager, is friendly, responsive, and super accommodating. It is hard to find a place in Durham that allows pitbulls and it's wonderful that all of Bob Schmitz' properties are pet friendly with no breed restrictions! I would continue to rent from them without hesitation if I didn't have to move for a job.
Natalie Orlando
Oct 25, 2018
I rented an apartment in Watts- Hillandale for over 4 years and had a great experience! I'm extremely thankful for Bob Schmitz, as they are dog friendly and extremely accommodating. Maintenance requests were always responded to quickly, if not within 24 hours, and I received my full security deposit back (they do have a checklist you can follow to make sure you leave your property the way you received it). Bob Schmitz is a great company to rent from and I would recommend folks check them out. Thanks again Bob Schmitz!
Herrtimburkhardt
Jun 05, 2017
There are a lot of horror stories on here, and I'm in no position to doubt or confirm them. I can only talk about my own experience with Bob Schmitz Properties, which has been very positive. I've been renting a Schmitz apartment for just over a year now. Before that, I lived in an old, disgusting, poorly maintained $555 a month Princeton Villas apartment.
That apartment was around 500 sq. ft. (but the layout wasted a lot of that space), had a bathroom that looked like it hadn't been updated since 1970, an old stove with only 2 functional burners, no microwave, no window screens, no in-building laundry, fat roaches, a single crappy light fixture (apart from the light in the bathroom), and an unflattering old carpet.
By contrast, my Schmitz apartment is 388 sq. ft. but has a much better layout, new appliances (including a microwave), ceiling fans and lights in each room, new windows complete with screens, in-building laundry, and hardwood floors. For all that, it costs only around $90 more a month. In my experience, the folks at Schmitz also do a good job looking after their tenants.
They do regular pest control, respond quickly to emails, and have a diligent, professional, and trustworthy maintenance crew (which you won't need much, if your Schmitz apartment is in as good a condition as mine). The only major issue they've had to take care of for me was my refrigerator, which had some issues. I contacted the leasing manager about that one night and I had a new fridge within 18 hours.
That apartment was around 500 sq. ft. (but the layout wasted a lot of that space), had a bathroom that looked like it hadn't been updated since 1970, an old stove with only 2 functional burners, no microwave, no window screens, no in-building laundry, fat roaches, a single crappy light fixture (apart from the light in the bathroom), and an unflattering old carpet.
By contrast, my Schmitz apartment is 388 sq. ft. but has a much better layout, new appliances (including a microwave), ceiling fans and lights in each room, new windows complete with screens, in-building laundry, and hardwood floors. For all that, it costs only around $90 more a month. In my experience, the folks at Schmitz also do a good job looking after their tenants.
They do regular pest control, respond quickly to emails, and have a diligent, professional, and trustworthy maintenance crew (which you won't need much, if your Schmitz apartment is in as good a condition as mine). The only major issue they've had to take care of for me was my refrigerator, which had some issues. I contacted the leasing manager about that one night and I had a new fridge within 18 hours.
Antoine Reid
Apr 27, 2017
I've rented the same place from Bob Schmitz from 2010-2017. Overall, my experience with Bob Schmitz was positive. While the property I rented from was far from perfect-it had window AC units the entire time rather than central air and heat which were installed as I moved out, no washer/dryer which were also installed as I moved out, received some other upgrades upon move out and the street parking was less than ideal over the years as I competed for space with other neighbors that had 2 or more cars-STILL, it was good enough that I didn't move for years.
The price was very competitive for Durham, most maintenance requests were taken care of within a day and the office staff usually responded to emails pretty quickly. Most reviews complain about move out and security deposits. I received mine back within 30 days and in full. Well ahead of my move out, the office staff offered a move-out list of things they would be looking for and associated charges for things that were left in bad condition.
Many of the reviews of people saying big chunks of their security deposits were withheld were items on this list. Yes, it took replacing some items on my own and investing some money to clean up the place after move out but it was worth it as it resulted in the return of my deposit in full. My advice to anyone renting from Bob Schmitz is to READ THE LEASE and READ THE MOVE-OUT INSTRUCTIONS!
They are upfront and transparent about what's expected of you as a tenant and what you can expect from them in return but many seem to skip this. Also, before you move in, check around at other apartments to see what amenities they have. I wish I'd have asked for things like central A/C and heat, or maybe even the washer/dryer. Bob Schmitz seems willing to hear you out and consider tenant requests that are within reason.
The price was very competitive for Durham, most maintenance requests were taken care of within a day and the office staff usually responded to emails pretty quickly. Most reviews complain about move out and security deposits. I received mine back within 30 days and in full. Well ahead of my move out, the office staff offered a move-out list of things they would be looking for and associated charges for things that were left in bad condition.
Many of the reviews of people saying big chunks of their security deposits were withheld were items on this list. Yes, it took replacing some items on my own and investing some money to clean up the place after move out but it was worth it as it resulted in the return of my deposit in full. My advice to anyone renting from Bob Schmitz is to READ THE LEASE and READ THE MOVE-OUT INSTRUCTIONS!
They are upfront and transparent about what's expected of you as a tenant and what you can expect from them in return but many seem to skip this. Also, before you move in, check around at other apartments to see what amenities they have. I wish I'd have asked for things like central A/C and heat, or maybe even the washer/dryer. Bob Schmitz seems willing to hear you out and consider tenant requests that are within reason.
Christa Kelleher
Oct 28, 2015
I had absolutely no problems with Bob Schmitz Properties, despite many of the reviews here. I was able to apply for an apartment from a distance (which was a real plus, since I didn't have time to come to Durham to look around) and secure a 6 month lease (another plus, so I could check out the place and the area). Any issues were immediately taken care of.
Some of my neighbors had complained about bugs, and Bob Schmitz had folks in our places spraying the week I moved in (I always got an email with info on the time they'd be there). In addition, when I decided to start looking for a place with a roommate, the folks at Bob Schmitz kept me informed about different properties they had available. When it came time for me to move out, they were helpful and friendly, and refunded me my full deposit. I has no misgivings about recommending them based on my own experience. In addition, they sent out birthday cards, which was actually really sweet!
Some of my neighbors had complained about bugs, and Bob Schmitz had folks in our places spraying the week I moved in (I always got an email with info on the time they'd be there). In addition, when I decided to start looking for a place with a roommate, the folks at Bob Schmitz kept me informed about different properties they had available. When it came time for me to move out, they were helpful and friendly, and refunded me my full deposit. I has no misgivings about recommending them based on my own experience. In addition, they sent out birthday cards, which was actually really sweet!
Genna Andrews Kingon
Apr 30, 2014
Fortunately, we had a much better experience with Bob Schmitz Properties than it seems some others. We were able to arrange a sooner move-in date than was described in our initial inquiry, which was very helpful for our situation. A few small repairs we requested were quickly completed once we moved in. Prior to the end of our lease, we bought a house. Bob Schmitz Properties worked with us to arrange a move-out date and quickly get in a new renter. We left the rental very clean and orderly and promptly received our security deposit as described in our lease.
Ginny Crothers
Feb 16, 2014
I had a perfectly fine experience renting from Bob Schmitz Properties. They were SO helpful in finding the right place for me to live when I moved to Durham. Rachel, one of their property managers, especially, was invaluable in locating a property that fit all of my needs. The house I lived in was perfect for me and my dog-- small but not too small, nice wood floors, plaster walls, nice appliances, and a fenced backyard.
Whenever I had any issues with the apartment, their repairmen were usually out to fix the problem within ONE day. All in all, Bob Schmitz is one of the better rental companies to rent from in Durham. They're reliable and their properties are conveniently located and nicely updated.
Whenever I had any issues with the apartment, their repairmen were usually out to fix the problem within ONE day. All in all, Bob Schmitz is one of the better rental companies to rent from in Durham. They're reliable and their properties are conveniently located and nicely updated.
