El Macero Apartments

"Super disappointed with this place since FPI Management took over. If you look at recent reviews it's an ongoing trend. Currently our building has no hot water due to a water heater issue; which normally is understandable but no heads up or email regarding it isn't, especially when it's an overnight issue. The only reason I found out is due to the maintenance staff telling me after I called their after-hours number. For a major property management conglomerate I would expect more professionalism. However, this is par for the course of this management team. When they first took over we had flooding in our apartment over a weekend and the "emergency maintenence" number was an out of service number, meaning we had to wait days to get that taken care of. It took months on end and multiple complaints for anything to be done with previous neighbors leaving trash and food everywhere, blasting music throughout the night, bringing in homeless people and partygoers all throughout the week, and just breaking any rules regarding the lease while FPI mostly ignored it, while myself and other paying tenants took the brunt of their issues. Obviously the rent has raised yearly to what I assume is the maximum legal limit, and on the surface it makes sense; the apartment complex undeniably looks nicer than when we first moved in, however the price you pay is a premium for the inconsistency of living here, and the main draw of El Macero being one of the cheapest places in Davis to live isn't true any longer. Additionally, Gaby is very inconsistent in her approach as a community director. Sometimes shes very nice and a joy to work with, other days she shows annoyance and aggravation when asked for help. I've seen her yell at maintenance staff and be rude to other tenants as well. Please take the time and look at recent reviews for this complex; there's a reason the most recent reviews are the only negative ones and the ones with the most community engagement. It's been unfortunate to see this become such a negative living experience when it started so strongly when I moved in years ago and the expectations set by FPI were so high. I would like to highlight the primary maintenance staff member, Miguel, as a high point to the complex. He's been very kind and helpful."

"As others had mentioned, previous management was good. Brenda Smith was 1 very kind and understanding person. She also tried her best to help the residents of the apartments. The maintenance guys are awesome, especially Miguel! Who is a kind soul who will go above and beyond to help you with whatever you need. The new management (under FPI) provides a stark contrast to the way Brenda managed the apartments. The current management always treats residents as if they did something wrong (ie manager Gabbie raises her voice at you even if you are being very nice and respectful towards her). She has a horrible attitude towards people and treats you as if you are less than. They are also horrible at communication and are very difficult to reason with. The condition of the apartments is fair. They are on the older side, but they do renovate them on somewhat regular basis it seems. This is a very good thing! But, it is annoying for current residences (something to keep in mind if you like your sleep and/or your water not turned off for maintenance on some random week day). Sometimes you also end up with new appliances which is awesome! The balconies are nice and spacious but use is very restricted now (in case you care about that). Sometimes you do run into an occasional cockroach at home. Expect annual price hikes (although I don't think this is unique to this complex). Also, expect being pressured to sign lease renewals by recurring emails and door post reminders (which may or may not influence your decision to stay or leave but something to keep in mind). !!VERY IMPORTANT!! Know that once you sign the lease you are locked in for the year. This is the case regardless of what any manager tells you in writing or verbally. READ YOUR LEASE AGREEMENT AND THINK IT OVER TIME AND TIME AGAIN BEFORE SIGNING. Especially because, there is a 4000 something dollar lease breakage penalty. Management says that you are not responsible for this fee if you find a replacement but I have my doubts about that statement. I am taking the time to share, because I would have paid much more to have more peace of mind elsewhere but I did not know what was in store. Best of luck! Hope you find a nice place to call home :)"

"This place used to be a great place to live, but then FPI management bought it out and it's become miserable. Rent jumped the highest legal level immediately and construction began. It's been under construction nonstop (besides weekends) for 4 months now, and they have a long way to go. Everything in the 60 page lease was non-negotiable including: photo release so they can use your image anywhere, waiving your right to sue the landlord if someone gets hurt on community spaces, and making patios impossible to decorate, so the place has become devoid of all personality. No lights, no hanging things like flags or wind chimes, even putting time limits on how long you can have holiday decorations. Two of their addendums were direct violations of local ordinances and they said "just ignore it, we won't enforce it." FPIs method of communication is leaving condescending letters taped to your door. Like claiming we should be excited for less parking (see image). They look for corners to cut all the time, like making us leave our door open all day so paint can dry rather than just buying new doors. I already know they are going to do everything in their power to give us as little of our deposit as possible. The only good this place has going for it is the property manager, Brenda, and head maintenance, Miguel. They are both amazing people who go above and beyond. Tl;dr this place is no longer like all the positive reviews. I would have avoided it if I could have."

"I lived here for small time in 2020 but I have the best experience of my apartment life here. Especially the manager Brenda Smith who is very supportive, helpful and loving person. I will highly recommend this place to live. The management is also best."

"I lived at El Macero Village for 3 years. The management couldn't be any nicer or more understanding! Brenda in particular was always a pleasure to deal with and was very gracious throughout my crazy college years! Highly recommend this place, it is a lovely quiet neighborhood and the apartments, while definitely on the older side, are very cozy and nicely maintained (along with the landscaping work -- those guys always kept the place in tip-top shape). Will remember my time here fondly!"