Pinecrest Apartments

Pinecrest is located on an 8 acre parcel and offers one bedroom (650 square ft) and two bedroom (850 square ft) apartment homes that are reasonably priced. Current pricing is subject to change daily, so it is best to contact the office for a price quote - written quotes are good for 48 hours [2/18/2011]. Select one and two bedroom apartment homes are available as well in a single level cottage. Pinecrest does not require last months rent upon move in. The deposit ranges from $500-$600 depending on apartment size, and are subject to credit approval. There is a $300 pet deposit, no pet "rent" and the weight limit is 50lbs full grown. There are certain breed restrictions, and a limit of two pets per household.

The apartments come with ceiling fans, dishwashers, microwaves, ample counter space with the option for a breakfast bar set-up, and ridiculously large walk in closets. Residents enjoy the friendly management, pet friendly atmosphere & ideal location.

Residents have pool access, 5 picnic areas, and a 24-hour on-site fitness center. Brand new Whirlpool washers & dryers were installed in both of the 24-hour laundry rooms at the end of 2010. The cost of laundry rose with the new units, now costing $1.25 to wash and $1.00 to dry. The new machines no longer have a visible timer/countdown to indicate when they will be done, nor do the dryers allow for adding additional time. The dryers are on a sensor & made to run until the clothes are dry (assuming that they are not over-loaded). This means that you should not need to add additional time, and should not have to pay an extra $1.00 just to get an extra 5-10 minutes to complete the drying process.

Management changed in April 2010, instituting several new policies, including stopping the prior policy of charging for water, sewer and trash pickup.

They require $100 up front to reserve an apartment, which will go towards the security deposit at the time of move in. Application fee ($35) is required at time of reservation but will go towards the move in cost once the application is approved.

Pinecrest has a resident portal online where residents can see payment history, pay by credit card or bank account online, and set up recurring rent payments similar to auto bill-pay. Residents may contact the office for their registration code - each resident will have their very own unique code assigned to them, so even if there are multiple people residing in one apartment, payment information will remain secure and confidential.

It is now an option to go online through the resident portal on the Pinecrest Website to submit service requests and view the status of pending requests.

Pinecrest is currently accepting fall deposits for the 2012-2013 year. As specific apartments become available they will be offered to the applicants based on a first come-first served basis. Management will be tracking each applicant's preference on location, floor plan & price in an effort to help incoming residents find the ideal apartment.

The community is on Unitrans E bus line (and a block away from the P/Q bus line). It is located just under 2 miles from the UC Davis Campus, and about half a mile from Downtown Davis. Pinecrest is also walking distance to Nugget, Little Caeser's Pizza, Subway, CVS Pharmacy, Acorn Veterinary Clinic, A'Bout With Hair & Travis Credit Union.

Pinecrest is professionally managed by the Riverstone Residential Group.

Pinecrest encourages feedback from residents & prospective residents as well as others who have had an interaction with the property and/or management team. The management company has recently begun sending out Customer Insight Surveys. These are sent out to all people the office and maintenance staff come in contact with - people who have toured but not rented, residents who recently moved in, residents who have recently had a service request completed. The surveys are not required to be filled out, and can be completed annonymously. However Pinecrest encourages those who respond to leave their contact information. We want to know where we are providing excellent service - and where we have room to improve. The management team is constantly striving to take into consideration the desires, constructive criticism, and positive feedback of all who want to have a voice.

Residents are encouraged to contact the office (or comment on this wiki page) with suggestions for ways to improve community life, events and overall living experiences. These types of comments are helpful to the management when planning property improvements, community events, etc. Suggestions such as a coin machine for the laundry rooms & pet stations throughout the community have already been made. In addition, residents are able to participate in periodic surveys from the management with a variety of topics ranging from resident satisfaction, desired renewal incentives, proposed improvements & more.

For listings of other rental properties available in Davis, please visit our Housing Guide as well as our Apartments pages.

*The pool was suddenly closed this fall as the new management imposed a "seasonal" policy, which was not previously in place at Pinecrest as the pool had previously been open year round. Note: Management is working to extend the length of time (going forward) during which the pool is open seasonally until a little bit later in the year.

Buslines/Biking

Public Transportation - Pinecrest is located on Unitrans E bus line. Several Yolobus routes stop nearby at Covell Blvd at J Street and will take you to Sacramento, West Sacramento, Woodland and Sacramento International Airport

Bicycle - Pinecrest is located on the bike path which connects to F Street. The path runs directly through the property making it convenient to get to downtown and campus.

Parking

Pinecrest does not require parking stickers. It has abundant parking in both lots.

Accessibility

Accessible Units Available

Location

Pinecrest's location is convenient for access to bike paths and is seated nearly halfway between Savemart and the Nugget shopping areas. "However" expect to hear and feel freight trains throughout the week. The north-south train line is Pinecrest's western property line, being no more than 25 feet from many of the buildings. While this track does shut down overnight, frequently trains start rolling through by 7 AM. The railroad also does 'coupling' near here, which basically involves bashing the cars into each other, which produces incredibly loud bangs/crashes. Note: Pricing is reduced for the apartments which are located closest to this part of the property.

Floor Plans

Add a Review

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Older Reviews

• Reviews from before the April 2010 change in management

Current Reviews

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2010-09-22 23:34:07   I lived in a two room apartment for a year and that was a horrible experience. I should have never rent this place. It's next to the train which will wake you up at seven in the morning, and it's next to the play round which keep you up until midnight. They do have a nice swimming pool and nice grass area, but it only means that you will have to pay more for your water bill (which were almost $100 every month for us).
There is only one bus line pass the apartment which run every 30 minutes during the regular quarter and every one hour during the break.
If these couldn't stop you from renting the place, I would recommend you to take pictures as you move in and after you move out because they will repaint the whole apartment, clean the carpet, and charge other fees that they can think of to get as much of your deposit as possible. Even though we wiped the floor, vacuum the carpet, and clean the bath room every week, and spent two weeks to clean the apartment before we move out, they still deducted $400 from our deposit because we didn't clean all the dust on the fans, hired a professional person to clean the carpet, and wiped off a few little marks on the walls.
Don't be tricked by their nice talks. If you do lived there, asked them to write everything on paper for you because they will say a different thing the next day. —tu

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2010-11-03 16:52:31   Great news! We just had it approved to order pet stations. We know that not everyone will make more of an effort, but we're hoping it helps a bit. Residents can also help us by informing management if they know a particular resident is a consistent part of the problem and not picking up after their pets. We really do want to fix what we can, within our power :) —PinecrestManager

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2011-03-01 15:04:00   The new management is stricter and charges more for apartments that are just as crappy as when they were previously cheaper. While the old management wasn't on top of things, at least they were genuinely nice and understanding, instead of just out to get your money.

We have been in constant war with keeping cockroaches out of the apartment since day one. If we forget to spray the entire place with poison before we leave for a few days, we come back to them crawling on the walls and a million baby ones living in the bathroom.

If you're interested in this apartment because it's "pet friendly" like we were, be warned that cats and small obnoxious yappy dogs are basically the only thing allowed. Dogs have to be under 40 lbs and cannot be related to any of the 15 or so restricted breeds. Non-allowed "exotic" pets include rabbits (which are domesticated pets..?), reptiles, birds, tarantulas, etc. While old management allowed all pets, the new management will NOT notify you of any of these new rules when you sign a lease (which also does not state these restrictions on it).

The new management also charges $300 deposits for each pet you own, which I believe is 6x how much the old management charged?

The appliances in our apartment are so old that they barely work or they break often, and unfortunately the apartment wasn't in perfect shape when we moved in and we did not take photos, so from the reviews I'm reading I don't really expect to get my deposit back.

I haven't minded the noise from the train, however the leafblowing right outside my bedroom window at early hours of the morning can get annoying.

The only nice thing I have to say about Pinecrest is that I like my walk-in closet and it has lovely green yards and trees.

However I also seem to be one of the few who actually cleans up after my pet!

I didn't have too many complaints with the old management and I had hoped that the change would only be for the better, but now I'm definitely getting out of here as soon as my lease is up. —jazzapaloosa

• If the pet rule is not in the lease, you're not legally obligated to abide by it. —jsogul

• I'm really sorry to hear you feel that way. A couple of comments:

1) Prior management used to charge $500 per pet


2) Current management has no problem honoring something in writing from the previous management, even if it is not aligned with our current policies. Exceptions to this would be when it causes a hardship on the property, or other residents. Our screening criteria does state the pet and breed restrictions. If you did not move in while Riverstone was managing, you would not have known. That being said, the lease does state that written approval is needed before you can have a pet in the apartment. I know that prior management did not consistently go over the intricacies of the lease with everyone in detail; current management makes a point to do this so that confusion and frustration like this is avoidable.

As manager I try to have an open-door policy. If you want to come in to discuss your concerns, I would really encourage you to do so. I also have no problem sitting down and explaining how the move out charge process works, and doing a pre-walk through when the time comes for you to move so that you have a very good sense in advance of what charges you may be seeing on your move out statement. In regards to not taking pictures at move in, as long as you wrote down the deficiencies on your move in inspection form, you should be fine. —PinecrestManager

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2011-06-13 15:18:26   I live here. I was hoping that when management changed, it would be different. Although I would say they improved, I think there are some things that they cannot help because this facility is too old. Ever since I moved in here, there have been so many problems ranging from water problems to power outages etc. The water from the sinks and baths started to come out as brown water and it was reported, then it was fixed. Happened a few more times after that. The walk way lights and porch lights outside keep experiencing power outages, it was reported and supposedly fixed. But it still happens, I find it normal to walk around outside in the dark now. The sprinklers go on 5 times in one night, hour after hour, and the water pressure is ridiculous. It's so wasteful!!!. I feel bad for the people who are actually still paying for water charges, because you should pay attention to how much water is wasted at night when the sprinklers come on. Also, the sprinklers shoot so high and beyond, if you're parked on the street, you will probably get wet. Yeah, living around here you will also get a lot of bugs, those giant cockroaches, I think it's due to all the bushes and trees around here. As for dogs, they put up pet stations, but when the bags ran out, they never ever replaced them. Honestly, I wouldn't live here if it weren't for the price and dog policy. If you want to live at a decent size place with decent rent that allows dogs, and don't care about all the other misc problems, I guess this is the place for you. But besides that, I guess you get what you pay for. As for me, I don't think I'd live here again. —pinklemonade

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2011-06-21 00:39:48   Do you love cockroaches? Have you always wanted to have hundreds (or even thousands!) as your loving pets!?!?! Well, this is the place for you!!!

Personally, I do not love cockroaches, and do not want to have to avoid them during a midnight water-run to the kitchen. I'd also like to thank jazzapaloosa and pinklemonade (above posts) for voicing a number of my concerns (poorly maintained appliances, brown water, unreliable outdoor lighting (causing tripping on outdoor steps), loud and wasteful sprinklers).

Also, if you have problems with anything, instead of them offering to help or giving you some kind of discount*gasp* or apologizing, they will blame you or give some lame excuse (see above). This is not a place where the customer comes first AT ALL. A panel of mailboxes and the outbox have been broken for months, the pool has been closed for a couple weeks in 90+ degree weather.

I know this place is a little old...but for some reason the same exact units next door managed by Tandem (Cranbrook Apts.) seem to look great...and all the people I've talked to really like it there and don't seem to have any of the problems that occur here.

I could go on, but it's time to clean up the cockroaches I smashed and get that water....

—davisred

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2011-07-18 18:48:58   I have lived here since August of 2010. We love our little one bed one bath. The closets are HUGE and we have NEVER had a bug problem. Maintenance and staff are always very quick, know my name and what apartment I am and and very friendly. —SarahHamblen

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2011-08-01 11:18:14   Sarah, I'm very jealous. —davisred

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2011-08-08 14:50:52   No bugs in my apartment nor have I had any problems with them fixing any thing that is broken in my apartment. The new management has always been very helpful with everything since they came into power. —thomashew

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2011-08-20 13:30:31   I am moving in to Pinecrest this fall and was met by a wonderful staff that really answered a lot of my questions. From what I hear, the place is doing a lot better now under the new management and a lot of the old issues are now taken care of. Especially the pest problem, they mentioned it has been completely eradicated as well as checked on vigorously to ensure the complex is clean. Also, you have to remember, that in some cases bugs are a direct cause of uncleanliness, which in a college type setting, can be easily made by the busy student. So, I am looking forward to my stay there, but will definitely voice my experience when the time comes. —davisaggie1

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2011-08-26 20:28:43   Dear davisaggie1. They are not completely eradicated and nobody has contacted us to see how the problem is doing. "Also, you have to remember, that in some cases" people are extremely clean, stop using their kitchen due to infestation, and put down traps but the problem persists. —davisred

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2011-09-11 00:25:18   I toured this place extensively and decided not to stay for reasons several other members pointed out. But I like to state things in my own words, so here is why I decided not to live here.

1) When we discussed the facilities with the management, they were quite fake and condescending. The blonde woman who waited on us seemed to sneer at us the entire time. She acted very defensive when we voiced concerns about asbestos (which the neighboring complexes admitted to having in very small quantities in older sections (but hardly dangerous amounts) and, given the age of the building and the fact that they were all built at the same time, by the same company, seemed foolish), denying that there were ever any traces in the first place. Okay then. She got weird about several other questions raised as well, mostly about noise volume, the nearby train, pests, and the effectiveness of the maintenance.

2) The model we viewed was disgusting. And this is the MODEL! Models are supposed to look better than the actual room so we were horrified to think about what the actual bedrooms would look like. There was black stuff in the model bathroom, the carpets looked unclean, and the walls looked like they hadn't been painted for a while. It also smelled funny.

• I'm not sure how the model could have been in this condition, but I am sorry that was your experience.

3) We (my roommate and I) were initially attracted to the complex because of the price. For a one bedroom, it was considerably cheaper than the other complexes nearby. HOWEVER after interrogating the management at length we discovered that they charge you for basically everything but cold water and trash pickup (but, according to some people I talked to, they used to!). Take note that hot water is not included here, unlike some places.

* I'm sorry that our utility policy wasn't clear. We charge no city utilities. This means all water, regardless of its temperature, is included in the rent, as is trash & sewer. The only utilities we require residents pay is the gas & electric (PG&E) bill.

4) There is no wi-fi anywhere, or a computer lab. You are completely responsible for hooking up your own internet. No ethernet cable ports, either, from my understanding.

• There aren't any apartments that have internet included, but we do offer WiFi for free in the common areas. Additionally, many of the companies that contract to do "internet included" services provide slow and often unreliable service (not always, but often). We prefer to let our residents pick & choose which services they want to pay for instead of increasing the rent for services they may or may not use. Many people choose not to get cable TV and simply watch shows on services such as Netflix or Hulu. For basic internet services on average the cost is only about $20-$25 monthly. We also offer a price-match guarantee for "extra" utilities such as cable or internet, through our Riverstone Connect program.

5) This isn't a complaint so much as a WTF. Why do they take your ID? It was weird. She wouldn't even give us a tour of the place until we let her hold our drivers' licenses hostage. What is the point of that? It struck me as a particularly intimidating and controlling thing to do, and having just escaped from an apartment complex with a management that enjoyed its fair share of power trips, I was completely turned off by that. —nutmeg

• We actually take the ID for our own safety. It may seem crazy, but there have been incidents in the past in the Property Management industry where someone touring attacked a staff member. So for our own safety, we hold something in the office that identifies the person/people we are taking on tour.

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2011-09-24 16:20:51   I lived in this terrible apartment complex for a year, and I had a horrible experience. First of all, the complex is close to train tracks, and my building trembelled every night. Genrally, this apartment was too noisy. Second, Alot of bugs. Third, the fitness room equipment are all broken. Fourth, the hot water always has a problem. The hot water is down at least once a week, and usually it takes the managment 2-3 days to fix it. Fifith, the managment sucks! It takes awhile for them to fix the problems. Sixth, they charge you whatever they want while you are moving out. Simply, they will give you ~ 30 percent of your 500 dollars diposit. I personally cleaned thoroughly my apartment, but they charged me for "heavily cleaning." They look nice at the beginning, but they are bunch of liers and thieves. In short, if you wanna have a terrible time, go ahead and rent this place. —EMGDavis

• I'm sorry you were so unhappy with your experience here. I know during your lease term we did have a number of issues with our hot water systems, and luckily they seem to have improved since last fall. We did a number of major repairs between 2010-2011. As for your move out charges, did you have a pre-move out inspection done? We offer them to all residents moving out, and this would have allowed you to maximize the amount of your deposit refund. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that certain items are billed on a wear & tear allowance based on length of residency. Typically, the longer you live in one place, the less you will pay when you move out.
  

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2011-12-29 22:47:00   I live in pinecrest apartment for one and half year,that was really a pleasant experience. I knew the manager Shirley, and Jeanette since the first day I move in, they helped me so much. for example, once I went out and forgot to turn off the oven, Jeanette went inside with the spare key and turn the oven off for me. And another time we lost our key in the ocean, they tried their best to help us out. I also know the mantainance guy, Norman, nice, friendly, funny, and always ready to help. once our toilet was clucked, they came in night, right after I called. I do not have many friends in this city, but they are the people who I can trust and turn to when I need help. thank you! —xuena

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2012-02-08 15:15:36   I've always wondered at why this place never sets a firm price on their apartments. They're sending out a message that if interested tenants want to live here, they should wait until the last minute to sign a lease in order to get a lower rate. I hate when prices fluctuate so much. —jenb

• The prices change daily, but once an apartment is reserved the price is reserved as well. The pricing is based on availability, so the sooner you rent the lower (typically) the rent you get. Prices generally increase as the number of available apartments decrease. Hope this helps! You're also welcome to call the office to ask for more information. It seems crazy at first but really it makes a lot of sense once you learn more about the pricing system. —ShirleyD
  

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2012-02-17 12:14:45   I have been living here for awhile and enjoy the place and just renewed my lease. I am really tired of moving around. After reading the previous post about rent pricing, I would like to know why my rent has increased 50 dollars a month (600 dollars for the whole year) for wanting to stay another year when new renters have the opportunity for lower price. I feel like you are punishing your loyal renters, can you explain this? —SKbear

• The pricing for incoming residents does change, and (again, typically) the rent is lower the sooner they reserve the apartment. However, for the most part the pricing that is offered to our current residents is in line with what we are offering to new residents for the same apartment type (location and lease term impact the pricing)....Actually, it is often lower than what we would offer to new residents. There are a lot of factors that go into determining what renewal price you are offered. Depending on how far below "new rent" your apartment was can impact what kind of pricing increase you will see. If this doesn't make sense, or you want more details on comparable pricing for what we would be renting your specific apartment at to someone new moving in, just give me a call or stop by. I'd be more than happy to help ease your concerns! —ShirleyD