Sorento Flats

As I’m currently approaching the end of my second lease, and just recently agreed to another year, my actions show that I’m satisfied with the property and staff. Even despite ownership recently changing, both the previous and new ownership groups clearly care about the property and residents. What few issues that may arise are addressed quickly; the on-site manager is responsive and attentive, common areas are cleaned and maintained weekly, and the building is kept up both inside and out. The staff shows pride in ownership and it generally reflects in the majority of residents by cleaning up after themselves and keeping up appearances. The courtyard and rooftop patio are pleasant places to be, especially during summer.

The vibe is generally pretty chill, with an eclectic mix that includes annual students from Seattle U, medical professionals and disabled veterans, due to our proximity to SU, First Hill and the Seattle VA hospital, respectively.

If you’re not a “local,” you may get sticker shock. These are mostly “pod-type” apartments: small studios with mini, burner-less kitchens and no in-unit W/D. There’s a large community kitchen and lounge, climate controlled bike parking, and a coin-op laundry room in each building. However, expect to pay 1-bedroom prices for an efficiency studio, 1/3 the square footage, and no on-site parking. Wi-Fi internet access is included with each unit and managed by Astound, while package deliveries are secured using an on-site Luxer Locker. Compared to the rest of the neighborhood, the rents are very competitive and local laws prevent unwelcome surprises in your bill.

Despite the lack of parking we have doorstep access to KC Metro bus and the streetcar. The latter provides fast access to Chinatown, Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square/Stadium District, with a minimum of hassle while relieving you of the stress in finding and paying for parking. The streetcar also stops directly along the light rail line if you need to get anywhere between Lynnwood and Federal Way, without the additional hassles associated with Park & Rides.

For anyone who needs to live near downtown, and especially those looking to simplify their lives a little, Sorento Flats is a cozy, relaxing place to come home to.

STAY AWAY – YOU’VE BEEN WARNED

Consider this a public service announcement: I dodged a bullet, and you can too.

I applied here along with two other places. When my dream apartment came through within 24 hours, I politely withdrew my application and requested my $500 mandatory deposit back. Their response? Crickets at first, then a flat “no.”

Let me be clear: they kept $500 of my money for holding an application for ONE DAY. When I explained I’m on a limited income and asked if they could at least return half, they couldn’t even be bothered to respond.

Here’s the plot twist that makes me grateful they showed their true colors early: I finally did what I should’ve done BEFORE applying – I read the reviews. Turns out there are at least 10 other people warning about this exact behavior, particularly regarding security deposits that mysteriously never make it back to tenants.

If a company shows you who they are before you even sign a lease, believe them. They just saved me from a much more expensive mistake down the road.

You’ve been warned. Choose wisely.

My lease is over and I moved out but they are still trying to charge me rent. They won’t return my deposit and they still haven’t credited the last month I paid for to my account. I’ve been asking them for weeks to update my RentCafe account but they just ignore me. Avoid this place.

There’s often rats in the courtyard, people smoke in the building, and the walls are thin. Get ready for your neighbor to blast music all through the night.