Required renters to get renters insurance. I though living in Richmond this would be the best place because of the guard house and security automobile gates. Security automobile gates do not work half the time. When I called management after 6 weeks of the gates in the up position I was told that IF the owners wanted them fix... that was two weeks ago and they still do not work. Unwanted desirables and suspicious activities now are common place especially at night. Bella Vista made us all paid extra for our second parking spot after we sign our original lease stating we were granted a second parking spot.and rents constantly climb. Where is the money to maintain functional security for the gates ? I left for work at 5am and the guard was a sleep in the guard house. Gosh- maybe I should apply for a night shift- then I could get paid for sleeping. Nice facility to live in, high rent- most of all- complacent attitude from management to resolve security issues; however, if you're late paying rent they know how to expedite you're eviction.

In all honesty, they do have the largest apartments in the Bay Area HOWEVER, the resident services staff are totally dishonest Once you move in be prepared. We lived at this complex for almost 7 years and worked very hard when we moved to leave the apartment in good condition. Bella Vista staff held out a small amount for cleaning from our deposit ($50) but then entered into the system that we had broken our lease WHICH WAS A LIE and they have kept over $1,500.00 of our money. We have been fighting with them now for two weeks and WE still don't have the money Bella Vista will not state when they will refund it, only, "don't worry, you'll get your money." Yeah, that's what Bernie Madoff told his victims too. DO NOT MOVE HERE UNLESS YOU CAN AFFORD TO BE RIPPED OFF.

Speed bumps are designed to harm your vehicle if you drive over 1 mile an hour. Pools are often closed for repairs. They gave us a hidden fee then one day after rent was due gave us a 3 day or quit notice cause we didn't pay the additional 300 that we didn't know we had to pay. Staff are generally friendly but are forced to follow their strict policies which are not tenet friendly. The lighting in the apartment I was in was terrible, had to buy lamps, lots of them. Few good things about it is good Security, nice gym which often has a lot of ppl using it. But overall the experience was Landlord Vs Tenet kind of feel.

This is the worst apartment I have ever lived in....and I have been in a lot of apartments all over the country. a perfect example is for no reason I come home and my mailbox is empty and there is a VACANT slip in my box. I gave notice I would be moving out by September 1st at the end of my lease. This is June 30th. Still here. I could write an essay of things that are wrong with this complex from way to high of rent to the humidity in the lower units that even my linens never get dry. Run the other way...... do not rent here.

Management/new owners leave more to be desired--in dealing with most of them at the office, there is a sense of ignorance of the apts own policies and procedures as well as the "I hate my job" giveaways in their manner, and I repeat, I say most, not all of them; then there's the leasing agents that are happy and perky in appearance to get people to move in but they don't count, residents don't deal with them. I'd also say the office is slow to respond to residents as well and maintenance has to take a second try sometimes. The allure of these apts is the appearance and the amenities are great for what they are. I think it depends on which building you are living in since this place has so many buildings and different people/families develop the characteristics of the mini-neighborhoods around here. Some buildings are more noisy, unruly, "ghetto", etc. than others. There is more crime happening here than should be (apts are required to maintain statistics), on a statistical standpoint, but we have not experienced anything yet (been here for 4 years). We lucked out with a great building that's quiet (all the way in the back) and behaves well and we have a few meaningful connections with neighbors. The other closest building is also fairly quiet. Guest parking needs to be expanded--one carport per unit is ridiculous, especially if you have a family. I bet the average is 2 cars per occupied unit. I would advise not to even consider living here if you/family have more than one car. A lot of people park "illegally" or spend a lot of time circling the parking lots. When/if I get a second vehicle for my family, we'll have to move out to avoid the parking nonsense here. I am an avid recycler and a large can is not enough for several buildings... they need to get with the program here. What I find the most attractive is the fitness center/gym here. There's plenty of pools around the complex as well, including an indoor pool. What I find interesting is that the standards for becoming a resident are high/higher than average yet there's riffraff living here, according to most reviewers of Bella Vista. My theory is that once a new leaser(s) move in they sneak other family or friends to move in and those (un)lawful residents are creating some trouble. Or maybe it's just the rent controlled units? Anyone thinking of moving here should check out buildings on the perimeter but not next to the parkway or close to the complex entrance. I think those buildings are quiet, more often than not. Maybe, actually observe the residents or ask questions of those directly around the unit that you desire to inhabit. UPDATE: Moved out Aug/2012