Vista Del Mar Condominium Complex

***My review is of Vista Del Mar condominiums, and not of any particular landlord in the complex.***
I live in Vista Del Mar and think it’s a beautiful complex with generally well kept landscaping. Much like Chris said in his review and shows in his pictures, the complex went through a rough period recently with the landscaping but is quickly returning to its previous, well-​maintained state.
From what I heard at the home owner’s association (HOA) meeting this spring (both owners and tenants are welcome at the meetings and allowed to be on the Board), the HOA had a temporary cash flow problem caused during a period of transition in the ownership of about half of the units at short sale. Landscaping is the largest ongoing expense for the HOA so when cash flow got tight, the HOA temporarily stopped using a landscaping company. I’m not on the HOA Board, but it is my understanding that this strategy temporarily reduced the expenses of the complex so that the HOA did not have to use reserve funds for landscaping. While this caused some temporary inconvenience and annoyance for the residents, it was a good choice for the complex’s long term outlook. I know a lot of home owner’s associations are struggling in this economy, so I’m glad our Board is taking action now for the future.
In the last few months, the landscaping company started coming out again the grass is being cut, weeds pulled, and dogs cleaned up after. The landscaping still isn’t quite as perfect as it was before this hiatus, but things are turning around. Of course, just like Chris, I wish the dog owners in the complex were better at picking up after their own pets but that’s why the HOA has the landscaper help out and made doo-​doo bags available in the grassy areas. Basically, this complex is in a transition with the recent change of half the owners, but it’s a beautiful space that’s close to lots of stores and restaurants. I really can’t complain!

I am writing to update my earlier review (below) because, in fairness, there have been some improvements. The issues with the landscaping have been addressed, and that has made a huge difference in the way we feel about living here. I am going to upgrade my review to «3 stars» as of today. The original review was written on 3÷31÷2012. Today is 11/​17/​2012.
This place was really nice when we were first shown in June of 2011. The complex is only five or six years old. The buildings were new, and freshly painted. The landscaping was nicely manicured and well kept. We decided to move in the beginning of July, 2011. Everything was great until a change of ownership sometime around the beginning of 2012. Suddenly, all of the upkeep stopped. The complex is «pet friendly» which is nice, being animal-​lovers ourselves, but the neighborhood has taken an immediate downward spiral, and people no longer pick up after their pets. Since the management has stopped taking care of the place, the renters seem to have followed suit. There is now trash laying everywhere, dog and cat feces all around, and grass and weeds that are literally two to three feet high! When we contacted the management company about the issue, they passed the buck to the Home Owners Association. We take this to mean that the situation is not going to improve.
Here’s what the property management has to say about the problem:
«Hi Chris,
Thank you for the check to pay your March rent. However, I have to point out that you have mistakenly deduct $ 150 from this month’s rent. The reason is that Le Garden House property management is only responsible for the interior of the unit your are leasing. The outside are common property to all 102 units and it is the responsibility of the HOA for maintenance. When you bring up the concern or complaint regarding the lawn and garden, I have to bring it to HOA Management right away, which I did, and request them to provide the service and do their job because we have already paid them for common area maintenance and landscaping for the unit you are leasing.
Hence the problem of the landscaping is not due to the ownership change, it is due to the fact that the HOA management has not done their job. With my explanation I hope you understand the difference between unit property management and HOA management. I assure you I will bring this issue up again in the coming HOA Board of Director meeting. Please kindly send in a check of $ 150 to make up the remaining of the March rent. It is greatly appreciated!
Thanks and regards,
David Wei
Property Manager
Agape CPA Firm»
As you see, the property manager sees the problem being an issue of «landscaping.» They are completely oblivious to the fact that it’s a crime and public safety issue as well. I can’t say that I am expecting very much from them. The really unfortunate thing is that the property is located right next to a pretty run-​down apartment complex. The management company’s inability to take care of the upkeep has led to a very rapid decline in the area, including an increase in crime. More and more gang-​banker types are moving in, and I expect the place will be uninhabitable by the end of 2012. We will be moving out, naturally… A word to the wise if you are thinking about renting or, God forbid, BUYING one of these doomed units! Look before you leap! We would NEVER have moved into Vista Del Mar if it looked like it does today.