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A Suite of Companies Dedicated to Managing, Enhancing and Serving the Needs of Property Owners, HOA Boards & our Residents. Ready to build or remodel? We offer predesigned and custom homes, remodeling, and a full suite of services for takng care of your property. A nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide apartment communities with a Caring Community Team who will work to enrich the lives of residents and staff. The Hignell Companies has been an integral part of the development of the North State since 1948.
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The Hignell Companies is a family owned company that has offered property development services and property management for 70 years. Beginning in 1948, Fred Hignell, Jr., along with his partner at the time, Floyd Strange, was responsible for the construction of over 1,000 homes in 25 subdivisions, in addition to apartment and commercial projects.
At The Hignell Companies, we are a family of companies created to meet the needs of our community and our customers. A person (or people) who either owns, rents, or is responsible for managing and taking care of that property. While that is the common thread across all of our companies, we recognize that the needs of a prospective tenant are vastly different than the needs of a homeowner who wants to rent out their home, an owner of an apartment building or office complex, or an HOA board member.With different needs, we want to make sure we can help you, our customers, to learn what you need to learn and not get lost in the areas that don't matter to you!
As an investor with The Hignell Companies, you are partnering with a team of people whose goal is to maintain and enhance your property so you will be able to enjoy the financial rewards that come with ownership. At The Hignell Companies, our investors are our most important partners. We value the trust that you have placed in us to care for your property and are committed to honest and transparent communication.
To create an internal caring community through attitudes and actions, where employees flourish. To provide excellent quality property management and services to enhance the individuals and communities we serve. To provide a wide range of services to assist Community Association boards in fulfilling their responsibilities to oversee well-managed, caring communities.
Reviews (34)
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Katherine R. Tansey
May 24, 2022
I'd like to stay in Chico CA There must be somewhere I can affordably rent Any suggestions welcome
Debi M.
May 20, 2022
I have tried for months to get ahold of them about repairs that were done to my rental and get no return calls. The first time I asked about a sprinkler repair bill, they had no idea what was done and never called back. I finally called the landscaper and he said that the tenant had called him about the leak. What management company allows that? Seems they are too busy with their own properties to give a damn about anyone else's. I will be finding a new property manager. So disappointed!
Debra D.
Mar 02, 2022
I wish I could give negative stars to this joke of a company! I agree 100% with Jo N.'s review on 6/23/2021. We applied for a house on 2/4/2022. Our $70 application fee was quickly taken. I heard from them, via text, a week later saying our application was being worked on. I provided the additional information asked for. Another week goes by and I'm informed, again via text, that my application is being worked on still. ANOTHER week passes, I request an status update only to be told the owner was reviewing someone else's application.

And if that fell through, then ours would be sent over for review. At that time I requested that I be given an answer either way once the owner decided. I was assured I would be. Yes, ANOTHER week goes by (if you're keeping track, it has now been 26 days since we applied!) and I am texted that the people chosen backed out (which btw, I NEVER received the promised 'either way update') and if we are still interested they would send over our application. Seriously?!

I let them know that due to their complete unprofessional lack of customer service not to mention communication, that we found a different property through another rental company and owner that approved us in 24 HOURS! So, NO, we are not interested in having ANYTHING to do with your company!
Jessica W.
Dec 27, 2021
One big reason we picked an apartment owned by hignell is because they have security. Except in the year we have lived in these apartments we have had a $400 bike stolen and our car window smashed and broken into. Everytime we report it we get told there is nothing the apartments can do about it. They have security but it's the most minimal security they can possibly get.

Just enough security to put on their rental listings that they have security. A security car will drive throw the parking lot once or twice and then leave. We dont feel safe.
Jo N.
Jun 23, 2021
AVOID this company. Not only do they jerk you around for over a month when you apply, there is literally NO contact unless you call and call to ask for an update on your application. When they do finally respond, it's by text message. They flat out lied to us about our application process and eligibility. Unless you want to be lied to and given the run around, feel free to apply with them.

We have jobs lined up for our move up to the area, solid references with no late payments in our 3+ years in our current home, we're financially secure and they still claimed they can't approve us because we have "no income" they'll take your application fee and ignore you.
Nick L.
Jun 23, 2021
Absolutely zero customer support or aid in the rental process. "Check our listings on the website" is really not a good response for someone asking for help getting a rental, and I got that from MULTIPLE people from Hignell. I also was strung along with properties that were already spoken for, and they use predatory strategies to get people to pay for their application fee.

Very long response times and zero support. It's as if they wanted my money and didn't want to help me. "The Hignell Companies" is full of dishonest people. I would not recommend working or renting with them, as they do not do right by their customers or clients.
Bev Rignall
Jun 12, 2021
I feel the staff on the premises are very caring and truly go out of their way to do everything possible to please the tenets. I feel blessed to live in this location. The grounds are very well keep up and you know they care about how the surroundings look. More importantly the manager does her best to make sure our individual needs are met and attended too.

She is a sweetheart and very kind and caring person. I am so glad i chose this place to make my home i feel very safe. I would certainly recommend anyone looking for a new place to live Hignell co on east ave here in chico. Great choice for me.
Jerry R.
May 28, 2021
Avoid this company if you can. They do not have any integrity. We rented a house from them. When we went to move out, they were incredibly unethical. They did an inspection without us there even though we did not authorize it. They claimed we damaged things that were damaged when we moved in. They were also slow to respond to things that broke while we were living there. Very sleazy company!
Tracy Iler
Apr 22, 2021
Sterling Oaks is a wonderful community for us to live. There is a great balance of various age groups who live here, which makes it great for our kids ages 10-17 years. The Caring Communities Team adds such fun by providing special games, dinners, breakfasts, etc, even during COVID! They are creative and safe at the same time. We have had only a couple maintenance needs, which were taken care of in a timely manor. The gym and pool and hot tub really add to our enjoyment, too. We truly enjoy our home here!
Ted Driver
Apr 17, 2021
You spent lots of money updating the laundry/bath facility, but you didn't add needed laundry equipment that there is room for and there's hookups for. Some days you have to wait up to an hour for a washing machine and/or dryer. Do you really give a Rat's A$$ about your customers (the tenants). The new folding tables don't work any better than the old ones. they just look better. Are you doing it for the tenants? OR are you just trying to 'look good.' I've been a tenant for 12 years.

You haven't done anything in that time to garner a 4 or 5 star rating from me. Remodel of the clubhouse sucked big time. And on top of that it's worthless. It's only available when YOU say so. It's NOT a clubhouse by my definition.
Patricia Hall West Mulder
Apr 13, 2021
Overall my apartment has been a great experience. Last year a tenant who had not been properly screened caused a huge amount of damage to many vehicles, including vandalizing my own car so badly that my insurance company declared it totalled. The property management company was rather slow to respond to this individual and it resulted in more than $40k worth of damage to tenant vehicles over 2 episodes of felony vandalism. In general, management have been very professional and responsive to any other issues.
Laine Wood
Mar 24, 2021
Villa Del Mar is a really great place to live. The complex remains impeccably clean, the neighbors are friendly, and the resident manager is extremely helpful, responsive, and professional. It took about two months of applying for apartments, being transferred from office to office, and scheduling a walk-through to finally land at Villa Del Mar. When I first moved into the complex, the resident manager at the time wasn't responsive to emails or calls concerning walk through inspection images.

This wasn't necessarily the best experience, but my opinion of Hignell completely changed with the hiring of Villa Del Mar's current resident manager, as she represents Hignell extremely positively.
Rosanna Caldwell
Jan 25, 2021
Best apartment complex. I've had problems with my toilet and the emergency number they have is always fast with getting someone on the phone and here within a few hours. They have community events which are a great way to meet your neighbors and be social during these times. I would recommend to anyone
Brian Taylor
Nov 20, 2020
These apartments are not insulated therefore in the winter in order to keep warm takes a lot of energy in the summer it takes a lot to keep cool. the same can be said about the water, you have to run the water a while before getting hot water in the winter in the summer is the same for the cold water. Also the carport where I'm supposed to park my car when it rains something on the top pf the carport is mixing with the rain thereby staining the paint on the vehicles, brought it to the attention of the manager nothing was done about addressing the problem. I even asked about a different parking space and was told no. I am not the only one with a problem of staining of the vehicles from this section of carports.
Celeste Z.
Nov 10, 2020
I have been living in 1661 Forest Ave Apartments for over two years now, and have had zero problems. Any small issues that needed to be fixed were (minor plumbing, outside repair) addressed quickly and handled in a very professional manner. I'm very pleased with Hignell,
Krystle M.
Nov 06, 2020
This place is horrible! We were renting a house and if any repairs were needed they take forever to get back to you (if they get back to you at all) and you have to constantly keep calling them to try to get things fixed. The owners of the house decided to take both trees out of the backyard and we were left with an unusable, ugly backyard. Hignell waited too long to try to get someone out to fix the yard until it was too hot to do anything about it.

Therefore leaving us with basically no backyard. Had a leak in the master closet and it took them a month to fully repair it. Window leaked in a bedroom and when they finally sent someone out to fix it, it was only half done and they were supposed to send someone out to finish it.a year later and was never finished. I could go on and on. I had a pre move out inspection done and was never provided with the report from that. Donna from Hignell did the walkthrough with me and said everything looked great and did not mention one thing that I would need to fix or clean before I moved out and then I was charged after moving out for little things that I could have fixed or repaired before I moved out. Things like cutting board sanitation fee.

I had to email the company every day to try to get a copy of the pre-moveout inspection after the fact. Donna basically told me that it's up to the owners what they want to charge you for after you move out but the whole point of a pre move out inspection is to let me know what I can do to try to fix anything before I move out so I'm not charged. The whole staff at Hignell are incompetent and our experience was horrible! I would not recommend this company at all. If I could give a zero star review I absolutely would.
Ju W.
Oct 25, 2020
Tuscan Villa Apt in Oroville, CA. Thumbs down! Zero stars if iJust got my car vandalized and heard from the Oroville Police Dept (oh and they are a crackpot Barney Fife operation of another kind) that this happens a lot at this apt complex. So if that is the case what is management doing about it? All they offered to do is help me fill out some paperwork.
Jeanne Marie Smith
Oct 22, 2020
Living at the Skyline Luxury Apartments is wonderful! My unit is spacious and the upgrades are numerous. I have a small dog who is right at home with all of the other adorable dogs in this luxury neighborhood! Most importantly I feel safe and secure!
Matthew B.
Sep 01, 2020
My relationship with Hignell has always been positive. They're reachable, responsive, and accountable. Thanks to Marie at Rosewood at Joann in the main office
Sweet P.
Jul 26, 2020
The apartment i lived in had excellent management service. Carpet cleaning service is recommended. Would not recommend for any paint job. The supervisor marked the wrong time and said that he came by and nobody was home. There was no confirmation if it was actually came by because he never called me when he was at my house. He finally stopped by when I told him I was waiting. He had an attitude and never sent me a quote as he said he would. Paint job department is full of lies and highly unrecommended.
Foggy H.
Jul 25, 2020
I was looking at the reviews of this company and there are only two choices. One star or five. Well, I am going to give it a five. I asked the Hignell group (Jodi) to clean my house and they sent over four of their best people and in 5 hours my place was golden. Loved their work. Loved their attitude. Sure it cost a few bucks but anything worth having does.

If you are in a similar place as me, which is old and tired and just worn out from a lifetime of work, this is a nice treat to give to yourself. Or for your wife or husband for Christmas. Get a house cleaning for your loved one! It is the same price as a nice string of pearls that your wife would only wear twice a year. Anyway, I think it was a great deal because they did my windows and carpets too. I am so HAPPY to have had the Hignell team clean up my home.
Stephen B.
Jul 15, 2020
Since this original post was taken down I'll elaborate on my original "Don't bother calling. Redirected website that's not up to date. Better off trying somewhere else " Called the company asking for availability of units. I'd already done research from various sites and found most websites not updated or don't respond. Thought I would call since actual contact seems to get better results.

When I called it was made apparent they didn't have any current info on availability and preferred I use the site(that wasn't accurate either). So don't bother.
Brandy V.
Nov 10, 2019
Management raises rent every 6 months, and they charged us for pest control spray when they didn't charge anyone else. They harass us and continue to ignore are phone calls. Property is nice but the management isn't nice at all. We received a 60 day notice for no reason and the former on-site manager told us to pay more than what the rent was so we did but find out she pocketed the extra and a months rent so it says we didn't pay last month but we did. We always pay are rent on time and is respectful and polite and keep to ourselves. We have a baby and they don't care to kick us out for no reason.
Daryl M.
Aug 13, 2019
Hignell is a solid company both for owners and tenants. they provide good communication and clear and concise instructions. they are fair in their applications process and they make the payment process simplified. they act in a prompt fashion regarding any repairs or maintenance issues. they have a friendly staff who make themselves available for questions or concerns.
Bonnie G.
Feb 05, 2019
Do not hire this company to manage your rental property. The sole purpose that The Hignell Companies exists as a property management company is to create business for its construction arm, "Experts in your Home, " by taking advantage of owners (and most likely tenants as well). You will never be given the whole story of what is going on with your property (or your tenants), but you will certainly get an over-inflated bill after the fact.

Each member of the ever-revolving door of staff members will tell you a different vague story that completely conflicts with what others tell you. If they are not able to answer your questions, they will simply make something up. Later, when you catch them making things up, they will either throw one of their co-workers under the bus or simply make up additional lies to cover their own behind.

It would take me several hours to describe all of the terrible experiences I had with Hignell in one year of using their "services." Every single interaction I had with them regarding my property and their "management" of it, ended with a web of lies and ASSumptions on their part. Their lies and horrible communication cost me several thousand dollars. Sure, they always act nice, and are always soooooooo apologetic, but after about the fourth or fifth misunderstanding, you realize that they aren't misunderstandings at all, it's a busienss model!
Julio O.
Dec 15, 2018
So I had my heater go out on me thought it would be weeks before it could get fixed had EXPERTS IN YOUR HOME come out within 30mins of me calling them they were here had a worker named BILL CLARK and he did a great job was very helpful not just that he left when my heater was up and running again. I manage a business and that's what you call great customer service. -Bidwell self storage Management
Gary L.
Nov 06, 2018
Unethical business practices, that is what people who know Hignell say about this greedy business. I responded negatively to a large rent increase Hignell is initiating for all their properties. I've spoken to many neighbors many who like my self are seniors on fixed income. My rent increase may not seem like much to a millionaire but to me and others it means we must cut back on extravagances like FOOD!

I did some research after this greed was revealed and find Hignell routinely withholds security deposits and demands addition charges when the property is left in the same condition it was rented in less "normal wear". I posted on HIgnells Facebook page and the page for my complex. I did not use any harsh language just presented the facts and my opinion that this is greed and I was blocked. Seems they are not only greedy but cowardly. I've since spoken to a few men who have been in business in Chico for decades, men who know Mr. Hignell and all of them say he is unethical and a lover of money.

The 80 year old neighbor I spoke to is concerned about this increase busting her budget, I wonder what Doug will be doing with the extra tens of thousands of dollars he will be taking in. I see he is in Maui right now. God will judge you harshly Mr. Hignell.
Sam S.
Jun 22, 2018
As of right now I've got nothing else to say except for if you wanna waste your and time with a lack of professionalism, poor management, or just simply waste your money then by all means apply with this company. The representatives are rude if not ignorant of the law and will take absolutely no time to resolve any issues that you have and/or concerns that might come up as a result of their poor management style.

Now I cannot speak personally for Chico or the folks in corporate, of which I hope reach out to me soon, but as for the folks in reading I think the entire office needs to be shut down and replaced. Mr. Chan, Yolanda, lori, please do the residents that rent fron you a favor and resign.
Richard E.
Apr 13, 2018
AVOID THIS COMPANY! If I could rate it a zero I would. Do not rent a house from this company. Their business practices are unprofessional. What they did to my mother in law who is relocating to Chico is the perfect example of unprofessional. How do you tell someone you are approved to rent the house, collect money, and then 24 hours later say the owner changed their mind.

That could have started a catastrophic series of events if notices were given to employers and current landlords. The negative reviews on this page and google speak for themself and I should not have ignored them. My credit score of 800+, my wife's credit score of 800+ and household income that is well past the absurd six times the rent that they require was not enough to co sign. We have professional jobs. They were not dealing with college students!
Ryan R.
Apr 05, 2018
Prepare for a run-around! My wife and I were the best rental applicants (750 credit, high income, exceptional references). The rental application was submitted, but questions remained regarding the property. They would not answer our questions without an additional fee and application. Calls were not returned until days later. Voicemails were left, and when Vanessa finally returned my call, she still had not gotten the answers to our questions. Knowing how I was treated by the staff in the application phase, I backed out of everything before I got stuck working with this company long term.

If you're going to work with them, go to the DMV and make note of the experience. Then, apply that experience to your working relationship to Hignell. Avoid at all costs!
Diane C.
Oct 10, 2017
I wish I could give zero stars. We needed some finishing carpentry and painting done after a new roof install. Experts in Your Home was recommended by the roofer, and I was kind of excited to think we could find a good company to do all our home projects. Tim came out to scope out the project, and we discussed several options from simply repair and repainting to possible covering the soffit.

I was assured we would find a solution in our budget. When the bid came in I was floored. They wanted to charge $10,000 to cover to soffit! When I asked about a bid for just repair and painting, he basically said that they didn't want to do it. When I emailed back asking what happened to "We'll find a solution in your budget", and if that was a "We don't want to do the job bid", I never heard back.

We ended up hiring rSg Painting, and we HIGHLY recommend these guys. A small family run company, and they were AWESOME. The bid was $4,000 to do the repair and repainting of our eaves and patio, and ended up almost painting the whole house for no extra charge and gave us the extra paint.
Alex N.
Sep 26, 2016
Do not rent an apartment from Amanda Place. If you want to burn your money for a dirty apartment then go ahead! I request for a clean but that shit just not working! I rent an apartment and caused my rhinitis. That means the carpet wasn't really clean when you moving in, That means you can't fucking breathe with your nose after living in their apartment.

I spent 16 hours to wash the carpet and the water still looks black! So Please, find somewhere else. The Amanda Place and 1661 forest ave Apartments are both under Hignell So don't choose them.
Brandon W.
Jun 15, 2016
Horrible experience. The property manager Heather is pushy and rude. Not too mention, when I moved out, they refused to split my deposit as my roommate bailed on me, thus forcing me to leave it. Only that wasn't the end of that, instead of taking the free money they got, they made up a bunch of fake cleaning charges totaling $2000 and "lost" my info sending the bill to collections for me to find on my credit report. Dirty move by a scummy company. If you care about your credit report, don't go near this over priced, under-maintained, dump.
Codey U.
Jun 18, 2015
This is THE worst company I have ever had to deal with. I renting through a private landlord three years later Hignell took over and everything went to shit. The documents they had about my paperwork had expired two and a half years ago. The woman handling my move out forgot the keys when I met with her after she was fifteen minutes late to our appointment.

Super unprofessional. Didn't know anything about the complex. After getting a copy of all documents on file, I saw they are trying to charge me for turning in my keys 6 days late, when I turned them in on the first? I'm so pissed. Crappiest place I have ever seen manage. Maybe their just cheap to manage through, sure shows.