Countrywood

Points to be aware of before Renting

From: -Anonymous-
Date posted: 8/16/2009
Years at this apartment: 2006 - 2009
2 responses

This is a dispassionate review to educate you on the PROS and CONS before you rent:
PROS:
> Rent is lower than around Fremont.

South Fremont is more expensive
> Good Open garden type apartments with individual entry, not that hallway feeling where you could smell what the neighbor is cooking
> Greenery
> They take and keep Packages for you while you are at work
> Maintenance service is generally good and staff are friendly

CONS:
> Water heater makes loud boiling noises that are disturbing.

A guest had difficulty sleeping (was in the living room).

Countrywood would not replace the heater: they say this much is NORMAL.

I beg to disagree.

Also they refused to change bath tub with a minor stain saying you should have asked for that at time of rental! Again now not a big deal, but have had to adjust to these things.

**** UPDATE (2010): The noise has gone away since the water heater replacement.

Happy and Angry at same time, happy since the noise went away, Angry since for 2 years (2006-2008) with repeated complaints, they kept making excuses to not replace the heater *****

> Neighborhood is a bit Downscale
If you have family or looking for good school district, this may not be the right place for you.

This does not bother me - currently - though.
> No Gym
Though they may allow to use sister Woodmont property Gyms.
> Rate goes up by 100$ at end of lease term automatically (most new people get the 100$ off - bad advertising does not indicate that the low rate is because of bonus).

Then they are now willing to give you that discount since they know it is difficult to move out once you are in (similar to bait and switch but everyone in rental business practices this).

When I first came in 2006, they had advertised 1000$, that is MISLEADING, since actual rent is 1100$ and then they give limited time 100$ bonus.

> An earthquake caused a very minor crack in the popcorn celing, they say ignore it since structurally it is still sound (popcorn celing does not bear any weight, it is just for show)
> They force you to take Rental insurance.

The reason is that these units are old and more prone to problems and they do not want liability for fires etc.

Actually the major thinking behind this may be that the appliances here are Gas driven (stove/oven/furnace) old design and hence I am guessing more prone to fire than electric driven newer design appliances.
>Some shabby clunkers/old cars are parked on Balboa side, does not give a safe feeling on that side of parking lot.

That has not bothered me much though.


Other observations: Cats have not bothered me.

It is in fact cute to see cats waiting infront of doors of people who give them milk etc...

I myself am not a Cat lover but not a cat hater either.

Last updated: 4/6/2010

Recommended: YES Overall Rating

Parking: Maintenance: Construction: Noise:

Grounds: Safety: Office Staff:

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