I?ve rented at Woodlake for 4 years and here are my tips if you?re considering the same:



--This is a condo complex, not an apartment complex. The difference' 55% of the units are owned, 45% are rented. This makes a huge difference in that residents really care about the place.



--Wide range of interior remodeling levels, some haven?t been touched in 30 years (Brady Bunch looking) while other owners have gone full-out with marble, berber carpet and designer lighting. Look at a few units.



--All residents must pay monthly assessment fees to the Condo Association to cover water/garbage/pg&e, landscaping, pools, gym, tennis courts, etc. This ranges from $200 to $500 per month depending on size of unit. Some landlords include this in the price of the rent, others don?t. ASK.



--Upside: Quiet, amenities you?ll really use (6 pools, huge and fully equiped gym, exercise classes, tennis, parties, etc.) and the common areas are immaculate. Strict rules about noise and quiet times are enforced by 24 hour security.



--Downside: These amenities will cost you. Things like a full-time landscaping staff are not free. Also, being a condo association, there are strict rules such as all window coverings must be white (they inspect!) and you can only have certain items on your balcony.



--DO NOT rent from "Woodlake Rentals & Sales/Woodlake Properties", the place on Peninsula Ave. next to the Chinese restaurant. The play themselves off like they are the official rental agency of Woodlake, but they?re not! Their rental rates are jacked up sky high. Look in the papers and online for a unit being rented by a private owner, you?ll get a much better deal.



--If you can afford a 2BD, try to get a townhouse instead of one of the apartment-style condo units. The 2-story townhouses have fireplaces, patios, skylights and are much more for the money.



--All in all, its a great place if you can afford it!

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