I guess I'm the only person in San Jose who actually had a GOOD experience living at 101 San Fernando. I lived there for 3 years in 2 different apts (first a 1bd, then a 2bd) and always felt safe and satisfied while there. I loved that the units were so new, the community was fully gated, the night-time security patrol, the in-unit washer and dryer and the size of our HUGE 2bd (over 1200 sqft!). While I did have a few minor complaints (the elevators breaking down, the fire alarms ALWAYS going off, the 3rd St gate in the garage not working) overall, I don't feel that these things were too inconvenient. There was always another elevator or the stairs to use and the gate on 4th St was generally working. I never had a problem with someone parking in my space or getting my car in or out of the complex. And usually when a gate was out it was the result of someone hitting it with their car, which is not exactly the management's fault. I did often hear my upstairs neighbor walking (to the point of shaking my lights), but after personally talking to my neighbor about the problem, the noise was cut dramatically. And, as I learned after moving out, this type of noise problem is NOT exclusive to 101 San Fernando. I'll admit that I didn't interact with the management much, but I didn't have any cause to, and the few times I did I always felt that they were professional and helpful. I was once charged a $100 late fee because they said I turned my rent in late (I didn't), but after speaking with the manager (it was a man at this time, I don't remember his name) he removed the charge and I didn't have to pay it. From then on I never used the drop box again and always turned my check in personally and asked for a receipt (which has a date on it) just in case there was ever another discrepancy. I was also locked out of my apt after hours on one occassion but didn't have to wait more than 5 mins to be let in, and I was never charged even though my lease stated that I would be. As for the downtown noise, that really can't be helped. I thought it annoying at first, but I got used to it and actually found the large police presence downtown comforting. After moving out, into a much quieter neighborhood, I felt really vulnerable and alone, like if something were to happen it would take the police forever to get there! And the noise actually HELPED my son become a become a good sleeper, we don't ever have to worry about being too noisy after he has gone to bed! I also had a few problems with homeless people downtown but this was off the complex and, again, this was not the management's fault. I also received close to my full deposit back on time, minus about $150 which they itemized. So while my time at 101 San Fernando was not perfect, the minor inconveniences were well worth living in such a beautiful, large apt walking distance to restaurants, Camera 12, bars, The Improv, MLK library...I could go on and on. I would still be living there today if it weren't for my husband disliking downtown living. I think that the people who DID have problems at this community just didn't read their lease or didn't understand it. I've never lived in one place where I was sent a bill to remind me to pay my rent, and upon moving in I was given a paper that showed the approximate amount of deposit I would receive back in relation to the amount of time I lived there so there were no surprises there. As for the people who left holding deposits and then changed their minds, they should know that holding deposits are rarely ever fully refundable, if they are refundable at all! A holding deposit means that they are taking that apt off the market and holding it specifically for you, so you should never leave a holding deposit unless you are for sure going to take the apt. This holding deposit is the same whether you are booking a banquet hall, scheduling a tattoo, or signing up for a class at the YMCA! And if anbody ever tells you different, make sure you get it signed and in writing because they are the exception to the rule.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates