Carlmont Heights Apartments

"We lived in the complex from 2018 until the end of 2020. The Good: the people who live there are generally friendly and the complex itself is usually quiet. Never had issues with the dumpster, etc. The rooms themselves are pretty good sides and the closets do allow for a lot of storage. We had a unit with an updated kitchen. While pretty "cozy", it worked for us. If you had a choice, I would recommend the lower level units, as the upper level ones do become very hot during the summer months. The Bad: Like others have said, we noticed that our utility bills were super high compared to another apartment we lived previously in Belmont. When something needed repair / fixing we would contact the Property Manager and ask. My wife works nights as a health care provider so per California Renter Laws, we asked for some coordination for someone to come over. This was never the case - as a random person would show up sans notice mid-day while my wife was asleep. Most places I have rented in the bay area have a regular maintenance crew. The people who would show up or be seen around our complex seemed to be a revolving door. Also, it did take many days and several attempts on our part to receive any sort of response. For fun - take a look up underneath the units on Hastings drive - one has a large rotted hole of sheetrock from leaking pipes. This has been there for well over a year now. This should be unacceptable to any property owner. Another item that prospective tenants should be aware of is the activity on Hastings Drive at night. Kids use that road often to sneak off to drink beer/ get high etc. So it's not uncommon to hear loud music or the lovely waft of weed in your windows at night. There have also been a few domestic disputes that we could hear through closed windows and did end up calling BPD. Folks have commented that you will not receive much, if any, of your deposit back. While this is infuriating - this practice is not specific to this complex. Most property managers are pretty predatory when it comes to the deposits. For this, all I can say is take photos before you move a single thing in, and once every single thing is out."

"The experience that we have at Carlmont Heights Apartments was the worst ever for me and my family. We get the top floor apartment that in summer was super hot and winter it is impossible to warm up. Our electricity bill was 200$ and also we pay utils 200$. The electricity power went off several times during our 6 months staying there. Please be careful. They also come up with so many charges after we move out. We left the apartment in better shape than we got it but still they keep half of our deposit."

"I stumbled upon Carlmont Heights and sure happy that I moved in! I had been looking for two months. Rob is the property manager and I appreciate how’s runs the apartments. He not only cares, but his attention to detail is really appreciated. When I moved in, I just notice some wear and tear, and he and his team was responsive and professional. Additionally, I am appreciative that Rob screens people thoroughly. I have a dog and brought her in to have Rob meet her before we signed the agreement. That’s important and I wish other apartments would check for temperament. CH is a quiet, and professional community. There’s a sense of community with couples, singles, and families with small children. The only downside is apartments are older and so the walls can be a little thin, however, my neighbors are super kind, conscious and we aren’t having loud parties."

"Rob is hands down the absolute worst apartment manager I've ever experienced. He's not mean, but completely unprofessional and mismanaged. He openly told us about the personal business he runs on the side, which is why he's not always on top of things. Unless you mention the word "mold" nothing will ever get done when you require maintenance, they'll just fix it when you move out. When you put in your 30 days notice they start showing the apartment right off the bat. Now I will give them credit for giving 24 hour notice, but they don't always follow it. About 2 weeks before out 30 days were up, Rob and one of the owners showed up to our apartment with no notice, claiming they needed to look at the kitchen for "advertising purposes", which would be fine if Rob and one of the maintenance guys hadn't done this exact same thing a week earlier. My husband, who had worked all night, and baby were asleep so I asked them to come back about an hour later. They straight up said they couldn't, it had to be done now. I should've stayed firm with my no, but I wanted to keep things cordial during the move out process. The neighborhood is great and the complex is full of a lot of great people. The maintenance guys are absolutely top notch, but management, specifically Rob, is an absolute joke. But after meeting the owner, I really can't imagine they'd be able to find anyone better. Look, in this area you have to find the best price for you, but document everything Rob says and keep ALL emails, his other business is his priority and you can't trust that."

"I lived at Carlmont Heights for 1.5 years and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. When there were items in the apartment that needed to be fixed, maintenance was prompt and courteous. There is a manager that lives on site that is very friendly and always willing to help out or answer questions. My apartment deck had a beautiful view of the hills and I could see the Bay in the distance. I had a large one bedroom with beautiful vaulted ceilings and beams. The grounds of the property are quite simple but well maintained. They have a pool in the middle of the complex that was so wonderful during the summer. The clubhouse has a small workout room, sauna, lounge area, and a pool table! Recommend this place is you like peace and quiet in the hills!"