We rented from an individual owner and lived in Dos Santos for a year. We regret very much and glad that the ordeal has ended. As a potential tenant, you should read through the lease and be aware of what you might be getting into. Based on our disappointing experience, there are three things for you, as a potential tenant, to consider:

1) Expensive Rent. As referred in some of the previous reviews, Dos Santo apartments are tiny. There is very limited countertop space in the kitchen and in the bathroom, there is barely enough space to put a hair dryer and a hair brusher, let alone other skin care products--unlucky for you if you are a high maintenance person. If you choose to live there, you are expected to pay $1.5/sq ft per month. Not really worth it, in our opinion. In addition, the wall is thin. Don t be surprised if you hear neighbor coughs.

2) High Deposit. Individual owner charges high deposit and you are expected to lose some if not all when you leave. In our case, the owner hired a professional house inspector to walk through the apartment and pick out the tiniest flaws, some might due to normal wear and tear, and some others might be pre-existing conditions that you, if a non real-estate professional, can easily overlook when you moved in. The owner will charge you inflated price to cover the repair or cleaning cost. The owner probably will then leave the chips and marks alone after you move out as traps for the next unlucky tenant. So the best idea is to a) ask for a lower deposit than 1 month worth of rent; a) compare the deposit with other managed apartments nearby; and c) ask for a list of how the deposit will be deducted before you sign the lease.

3) No Maintenance. Read the lease and make sure owner will pay for repairs due to normal wear and tears. After all, this complex is almost 30 years old. In our case, we went through a couple of weeks without water heater and almost had to pay for the costs of installing a new one.

4) Safety. There was supposed to have a security to patrol the area at night. However, there has been an incident where a car was broken in. Luckily, it was not ours. The complex now installed camera at the entrance and on the roof of the leasing office to "scare" thieves-- the complex manager only in the office two or three days a week.

Best luck to you.

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