Where to begin,

I lived in the 2 bedroom townhouse for 5 years and have a some experiences I would like to share.

First off, I choose Schooner Bay because they were the only place in close to my work that took pets over 30lbs. They do have a very liberal pet policy and that is a good thing considering how most places have a 20lb limit.

Having moved in prior to the run-up in housing costs my first rent was $2050 per month. It was subsequently raised 10% per year during the boom but ONLY if I signed a year lease. Of course that turned out to be a good thing considering that in 2000 they were charging $3500-$3700 for the 2 bedroom townhouse. My final rent was below $2000 the last year I was there. It was nice to actually pay that price after watching so many people get gouged.

As for the actual quality of the units, it is obvious that the complex is a cash cow for the company that runs it. Most of the units have had NOTHING updated since they were constructed in 1986. This includes but is not limited to:
Lighting fixtures, hot water heaters, washer/dryers, cutting boards in kitchen, stove/oven, faucets, plumbing, screens, and the carpet is NOT replaced at 5 year intervals as recommended. In regards to the hot water heater, mine failed and dumped the tank into my living room after having been in service for 15 years. The maintanence person who fixed it said they knew that specific model was prone to failure after 10 years.

Getting someone to address maintanence issues was a hit or miss proposition. Several requests to fix the washer/dryer unit were not acted upon until I had some 'face' time with the staff, several calls were needed before someone would spray for ants, issues with vermin were frequently met the response "we are near wildlife areas" and last but not least if there was work to be done in the units or on the exterior of the units, residents were lucky to get 24 hour notice. On several occasions when work was scheduled, it was not carried out at the scheduled time and the residents were never informed. This happened with the re-sealing of the patios.

The exterior windows were not cleaned during my entire stay, the grass was consistently overwatered making it impossible to walk, sit, run, or otherwise enjoy, residents consistently speed thru the parking lot at 30-40 MPH, and residents cats had the run of the complex and your cars hoods, roofs, etc.

The staff had turned over completely at least 4 times during my stay. At best the staff was apathetic. At worst, downright hostile. Calls were not returned, messages not relayed, and on more than one occasion, the staff blamed me for maintenence issues that were the result of age/poor quality.

Overall I think this is about slightly below average compared to other places I have rented from.

Schooner Bay should take 'Luxury' out of the title, charge a bit less, and begin a serious upgrade from their mid 80s' decor.

Foster City is a safe, quiet, well managed place to live but Equity Property Management(www.eqrworld.com) is obviuosly more concered with profits than with service. They manage Schooner Bay, Lantern Cove, Creekside in San Mateo, Southwood in Palo Alto, as well as Briarwood and Arbor Terrace in Sunnvale.

If you are going to pay more than $1600 per month in rent, I would recommend steering clear of Equity Properties. There are newer complexes that offer more at comparable price.

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