Santee Villas - Santee, California

Michele H.

I had a small worry about a area in my kitchen that I was concerned about and on the very same afternoon that I spoke to them, they came over very quickly took care of my worries, painted where there was a spot that I was concerned about.And in so quick of a time, it was perfect. They were polite and kind and informative. And I really, really appreciate all of the people who were care, you guys do a great job. Thank you so much

Charles C.

Apartments are nice but the staff is super shady and lie to you. If you move here LEARN THE NAMES OF YOUR STAFF because 1 will tell you something and when you go to complain you'll get someone else who will just deflect and deny your issues. Over corporatized and way too many rules.

Joel D. T.

This place deserves a zero. Incompetent employees here who can’t even answer a question for a future tenant. Not sure if the gentlemen on the phone was new? But I was placed on hold several times while he had to go get answers from his coworker who apparently kept walking out of the office. Read the red flags folks. Don’t rent here. I only wish I had did a tour prior to applying and putting a security deposit here already because now I have to wait in order to get that back. Not sure who the hiring manager is here to have hired these employees because they show no enthusiasm or wanting to answer questions for tenants.

Janelle J.

I lived this apartment complex for several years, and while the complex and location was nice, it was a frustrating experience marked by more cons than pros. Below is a breakdown of the major issues that made a nice location a mostly unenjoyable place to live.

PARKING:
The parking situation is the most significant problem. Each apartment is assigned one parking spot, with an additional spot available for $50 per month. This was recently increased to $75 without explanation. The parking spots are cramped, and residents are prohibited from backing into their spots. The on-site security selectively enforces this rule, ticketing some vehicles while ignoring others. There is no consistency in enforcement, with some vehicles being booted, ticketed, or towed without warning, while others are allowed to double park daily without repercussions. The guest parking system is ridiculous, requiring online registration, which seems intentionally inconvenient. This forces many to park on the street, often far from their unit. Additionally, frequent maintenance work often prevents residents from using their paid parking spots, and the complex refuses to prorate the rent for these inconveniences. The complex also charges $25 for new parking permits if you get a new car…. God forbid you put the sticker you already paid for on your new car. What a joke.

STAFF/MAINTENANCE:
Communication between office staff is poor, and maintenance issues are frequent and often go unresolved for weeks. Despite having no children or pets and rarely being home, I had to deal with the front door lock breaking, cabinet handles breaking, light bulbs burning out very quickly, the fridge seal breaking, the dishwasher failing, the sinks clogging multiple times, the toilet not working three times, a water leak in the roof which required a hole being cut out of it, 3 termite infestations, and the microwave completely breaking. Some of these issues occurred simultaneously, and some went weeks before being addressed or finished. Maintenance staff often entered the apartment without prior notice, despite requests for a heads-up. When termite issues arose, maintenance required me to leave the apartment for four hours with no prior warning. Communication with the office is frustrating as most staff members unhelpful, except for Kimberly and Michelle.

HEATING/AIR:
The apartment's heating and air conditioning system is inadequate. A single large AC unit in the living room cools only that area, leaving the bedroom uncomfortably warm. The lack of insulation exacerbates this problem, making it impossible to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the apartment.

RENT:
Rent payments are another hassle. Payments are made through the RentCafe app, later replaced by the Resident Experience app, which requires residents to re-enter their banking information. The original app had numerous issues, including autopay failures, account balance being split into random accounts, deleted payment information, and convenience fees for using a credit card.

AMENITIES:
While the community pool and gym are nice, residents were charged full price for these amenities during COVID-19 when they were not allowed to use them. Despite this, rent was not reduced or pro-rated. Even after reopening, the jacuzzi was out of service for an extended period. The complex is quick to charge prorated rent and late fees but does not offer the same consideration when services are unavailable.

CONCLUSION:
While the neighborhood and location are beautiful, the numerous issues make living here a disappointing experience. From the parking situation to maintenance problems, poor communication, inadequate heating and air conditioning, and rent payment hassles, this apartment complex fails to meet expectations. It’s not the worst place to live, but with so many frustrations, it’s far from ideal.

Funny V.

It has a very reasonable and affordable pricing for your rental homes compared it with other properties. The maintenance guy Peter is a quite good handyman, the leasing office people are polite and nice professionals. The building layouts are well-designed and organized, and the facility has swimming pool, spa, BBQ grills, fittingness center, children's playground, little dog park etc. It is worthy to try if you are hunting for your rental homes.

firstnameVance

We have lived here for 6 years or so if not longer! This complex has really grown since we have moved here! They have really updated the apartments, the pool area and landscape! My toddlers love the new playground outside so much that the minute I open the door they bolt to it! Staff is always friendly and helpful! Office staff always reaches out within a day to address a concern if needed. Don’t get me wrong any where you go you’ll have some cons but nothing that hasn’t been addressed or improved.

Andy B.

Apartments are ok. Single pane windows so the bedrooms are poorly insulated. Parking a is nightmare if you get home after 4 pm. The reason for the 1 star review is how they treat their tenants. They charged us for everything possible upon move out even though we left our unit spotless. They are a bunch of crooks and their entire business model is to charge their tenants for anything they can get away with and be as difficult as possible in resolving the issues in hopes people will just shut up and pay. Our move out charges were insane, it was a total shake down and I really don’t have the time to pursue this any further. Shame on you Santee villas and greystar, you’re everything that’s wrong with property management companies

TheLostOne

This place was a hell-hole not only is management awful but their parking arrangement for most apartments is horrendous. If anyone even friends or family park in your parking spot, they will immediately tow it away They are tow happy here it’s a joke we weren’t allowed to have surfboards or plants or lights, or anything else out on our balcony, and to top it off after me and my wife and my family tirelessly cleaned the entire place, spotless re-painted and had a carpet cleaning service come out with no damages to the entire apartment. Everything all still in working order took me and my wife’s entire deposit and then on top of it we owed them a total of $875 not including the deposit that they took after this place is a scam. It’s a joke please do not move here for any reason