The Residences at Bella Terra — Attraction in Huntington Beach

READ BEFORE SIGNING A LEASE: apt 2408 has a cockroach infestation. we were moved in here WITH the knowledge that there were roaches everywhere too. the previous tenant informed us he let the apartment know and even had pest control come and spray the apartment when he still lived here. we have been living with them in our kitchen, rooms, and bathrooms the past 11 months despite having it sprayed multiple times. i have also passed by an apt that has roach powder lining their front door in the hallway, so its not just our apt with an issue. we got the place sprayed about 3-4 times with no luck so we gave up because we would have to completely clear out all of our cabinets and move everything away from the walls. we were told there would probably need to be 6 treatments and it’s not our problem anymore so we said no. good luck to the next tenants. the fire alarm has gone off many times. because of construction in the building, they sent out an email saying it could be going off from 9am-6pm multiple days a week. they also say there is mandatory fire alarm testing. you can also randomly hear people’s individual fire alarms going off throughout the day. there are so many sneaky fees- as a warning, if you want two covered parking spots, you need to pay $20 for the first one and $150 for the second one. there is also a trash fee of $40. be careful with paying your rent as well, because there is a $100 fee if you are confused with how the app is set up and miss part of your payment. you also will get charged to clean the apartment even if you thoroughly clean it yourself when you move out, no matter what. we asked them what paint we should use to cover chipped walls and they claimed they would paint the walls where it chipped, but failed to mention they would be taking money out of our deposit to do so. we ended up doing it ourselves, but they gave us a paint 10 shades too dark (they claimed thats because it lightened up over a year… i have pictures from when we first moved in, the walls have not changed colors) we’ve also dealt with having to listen to our neighbor verbally abusing his girlfriend and we can hear every word, even with our windows shut. we also had to listen to one of the residents throw stuff at walls and try to destroy the apartment out of anger not too long ago from around 9pm-2am. people have also blasted music with their windows open at 4 in the morning multiple times. our upstairs neighbors dog has been digging at the floor, running around, and waking us up as early as 7am. when they stomp around, it rattles our doors and kitchen. we first told the front desk about the dog around 9 months ago, and after us reaching out a total of about 40 times, nothing has been done, and they are claiming they’re “working on the case”. I’ve sent many videos with proof of how loud it is. they tell us to call curtesy patrol, and at this point we feel bad for the officers having to come out every week because its not doing anything to help. people also smoke weed, despite it being a non-smoking property. there is also dog pee in the elevators all the time. dog feces in the hallways as well. the apartment claims to charge $25 if you leave trash next to the trash shoots, but even when the trash shoot isnt full (which it usually is), people are lazy and drop their trash bags right in front of the shoot, so I’m guessing they dont charge people enough (or at all!). i’ve heard about peoples cars being broken into in the parking garage too. the parking garage door stays open for around 45 seconds, and so random people can easily get in. I have even seen people drive through the exit in the middle of the...

Although I do not typically write reviews, I feel obligated to do so after my horrible experience with The Residences’ management company.

In June 2022, after almost two years in our apartment, during which we always paid on time, we received notice that management intended to raise the rent on our one-bedroom apartment by $750 per month (more than 30%). At first, we thought it was a mistake. After emailing three different listed email addresses, leaving voicemails at the provided number, and not receiving any response, we located a “text” number and forwarded our questions. We received a reply indicating the increase was not a mistake and that our rent was in fact being raised $750, although they would “try” to get the rate lowered. After a few months, management offered to “only” raise our rate $550 per month.

Next, management required we provide 60 days’ advance notice that we did not intend to renew our lease. They noted, however, that our notice would only be deemed “accepted” once we received their written confirmation. We provided our notice more than 60 days in advance. Days passed, however, and we did not receive any response from the management company. As the 60-day deadline was approaching, we looked online and discovered our apartment had already been re-listed for rent even though management had not informed us our notice was accepted. We did not end up receiving any response from the management company until we forwarded an additional email, in which we enclosed a screenshot of our apartment listed for rent.

Unfortunately, our problems did not stop there. Upon our move out, we were charged for complete and total carpet replacement, although there were no stains, tears or damage to our carpet. Although we disputed this charge, maintenance had apparently pulled up the carpet and located “stains” to various spots on the bottom of our carpet. It is unclear how these stains were caused, as we did not bring any foods or liquids into the carpeted area and did not allow any pets in the room. The Residences only provided one email address to which disputes or questions regarding billing could be directed. While disputing the charges, we received multiple automated responses from the provided address indicating our emails would be replied to in “two business days.” However, on NUMEROUS occasions, we did not receive any reply, had to send additional emails, and did not receive any response for at least more than a week. All the while, we continued receiving emails about our final account statement and threatening to send us to collections if we did not respond. In particular, we opted to pay $200 to have the apartment cleaned by a company chosen by the management company. While disputing charges to our apartment, the management company forwarded images of the post-move-out condition of our unit. It was obvious from the images that the apartment had not been cleaned. We therefore requested confirmation the apartment had been cleaned, since we paid for the service. We also requested an explanation for another unreasonable charge. After two weeks of no response, the management company simply replied “the charges are valid and due the property. Your dispute is closed.” Talk about customer service.

I have read other similar reviews indicating the management company overcharges for repairs on move-out and does not respond to inquiries/disputes. I naively assumed those situations were different and that such a circumstance would not happen to me. I hope that others do not receive the same treatment, but felt this experience was...

Now, I’ll be honest—I submitted my application signed lease virtually and felt unease for 2 months prior to move in because of the reviews I read. I may just be fortunate and landed a great location on the property but my experience has been wonderful! I worried about theft (especially leaving Bay Area which crime is just out of control), I worried about neighbors, trash, and potential issues compromising safety. So far, I’ve experienced over the last month: Gates always fully functioning, fire alarm (knock on wood) has not gone off once in my apartment or location, though I’ve heard it near by a few times for a matter of seconds. No issues with dog droppings & areas I’ve ventured are clean. BBQ’s in court yards are spotless. My parking is near the entrance to the hallway that leads to apartments and I’ve had no issues. I selected a corner apartment, 3rd floor that looks down to courtyard. Naturally, sound bounces off the walls, but nothing that is not to be expected living in a large apartment complex. Balcony’s facing businesses will endure additional noise so selecting a balcony/bedroom windows with courtyard for more serene environment would be your best bet. Anything facing outside perimeter will naturally have increased noise especially at night when noise seems to be more pronounced and echos as temperature goes down at night and parking lots are empty. So, know, that bedroom windows would be open to that and could be frustrating. Apartments move fast here. I had a few maintenance needs on move in day and staff from leasing did walk through, after I followed up with these concerns. Alice submitted work orders and it was done that same next day! Additionally, I was given two days rent free for the inconvenience. I’m a firm believer your approach, energy and respect gets you much farther and help is there. Customer service has been great (for me) because I know things happen. I haven’t seen people in the stairways, but periodically see weird trash indicating someone that resides here left it or someone was possibly in stairway. I haven’t seen any homeless around the building facing Costco which location I live in. Not all people respect the smoke free environment which trails up buildings and can go straight into others apartments. I addressed this and action steps were discussed so leasing can contact that person or send notices to residents in area that the smoking on patio occurs. Costco, shopping, everything for daily needs a 5-10 min walk away! Costco carts come in handy for groceries and helped me unload my car during my move. Parking made simple when you have guest using Costco parking garage 5th floor if needed. Time limits do apply though (24 hours) or you risk being towed. I was initially, so stressed before move in but I know my tenant rights so I just trusted this process and my decision to rent here. And, lo and behold, I am pleasantly surprised and very very happy! Ps. No bugs in my apartment. No issues with parcels or when packages left at my door. When you get a delivery, read your notifications when delivered! We live in a day and age that if there’s an opportunity, people take it—taking yoo Amazon packages! And no issues connecting to smart home/internet. Besides instances that internet might be down due server issues. But happened one time, in...