San Buena Ventura

The apartment complex is 50 years old and has been very poorly maintained by a long series of owners.

1. The roof leaks. You should purchase a number of large plastic sheets and cover computer equipment or any other belongings that you cannot afford to lose before every rainstorm.

2. Termites: Both this building and the building next door are infested. They swarm for one month a year and – even if you keep your windows and screens shut at all times – hundreds will get into your apartment.… They will not damage your belongings but they drop their wings and crawl into everything so you have to shake out your clothes, look into cups before pouring yourself coffee, etc. I once found over 200 crawling around in my shower.

3. Townhouses: For the 4 summer months the third-floor temperature during the day will hover between 90 and 105 degrees. These are your bedrooms. You are NOT ALLOWED to install an air conditioner in any of the windows.

4. Internet: The local provider will only sell you a high-speed package but the box on the street has a note inside that says, “Maximum speed 14Mbps” due to the distance from the hub.

In sum: The rent looks cheap compared to other places and cosmetic upgrades may make the apartments seem quite appealing. Do not move in until:
1. The roof has been replaced.
2. You are sure that your apartment has reliably hot running water 24/7.
3. The building has been fumigated for termites.

Do not rent the third-floor, two-story townhouses if you plan to use the upstairs rooms between 11am and 8pm during the summer months.

If you need more than the lowest-speed internet package, don’t move in at all. Read More