Consumer beware: read before deciding to rent in city of el cajon, california
The owner of this apartment complex is Monark L. P as of May 21. The complex is quietly managed by the owner's son, Mark Mittal —owner of Montezuma Equities Property Management Services and is supervised by Swami International, Inc. Locate out of Garden Grove, California. This complex is NOT recommended as a child safe environment since on-site management and maintenance are known on occasion to enter apartment premises unannounced and at unusual hours AND without prior tenant consent or appropriate pre-advanced written notice.in addition to this one major safety concern, the parking lot does NOT have functioning cameras (albeit par for the neighborhood) and this has been a problem when vehicles have been vandalized and requests for video footage to accompany police reports were unable to be produced.)
As for the way the complex is situated, the apartments by themselves are cozy and cute and the patio is medium to large and especially nice and this arrangement does allow for privacy and opportunity to interact with your neighbors if you so choose. People living in the complex in general - are friendly and respectful and look out for each other. However, be aware
that the grounds are not kept up or cleaned by onsite management and plumbing facilities could use a definite overhaul, and the rent is on the high side forwhats offered in the way of location and amenities.
On the flip side, this complex is GREAT if you qualify for section 8 housing assistance — the owner will and actually has evicted
non-qualifying current to date rent paying tenants to facilitate government assisted vouchers, which I assume is related to collecting higher rents (up to 110% of area's going rental rate per unit) as allowed by the HUD incentive initiative. (Seemingly, the City of El Cajon has an overabundance of low or limited income individuals (no blame intended), which because of hard times, I assume, is the reason HUD officials are allowed to overlook the 33% rental maximum requirement normally allowed per an owned complex under federal by law.
Although, I must admit this factor does make Colonial Gardens Apartments the idea place to live if you are poor OR dont want a background check OR in general need a quick no questions asked legal place to relocate. YES — I realize this information may sound somewhat off — but in reality the tenant screening process and current resident occupancy rate support this statement as well prior superior court and small claims/eviction public records which are accessible for public review.)
As much as I love my neighbors and the way the apartments are situated, in good conscience I cant honestly recommend this complex to anyone seeking safe or reputable refuge. However, if want more information to make an informed decision about this apartment complex and location or any property managed by Montezuma Equities for yourself dont take my word alone
You can visit Mark Mittal by goggling his name on Facebook where you can view pictures of ALL properties currently managed and posted and then you can decide for yourself.
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