About
SFM VISTA DEL MAR is owned and operated by valerie sweatt, an 8th generation santa barbara native.
After working with other management companies and speaking with hundreds of students, she learned what the students really want (and need) in order to live successfully on their own. Providing a local office, many students stop by on their way to and from class, to ask questions about their apartment, talk sports, school, relationships and life. We believe in an open door office, we answer the phone personally and check our email 4-5 times a day. Communication between landlord and tenant is our most important goal.
SFM VISTA DEL MAR has been around since March 1988, and we recently celebrated 30 years in Isla Vista! Supporting local businesses, attending UCSB Men's Basketball games and other events, and walking through Isla Vista, keeps SFM involved with student life.
Frequently Asked Questions
ATTENTION: OUR LIST OF AVAILABLE APARTMENTS WILL BE ONLINE BY JAN. 12, 2024. PLEASE READ THE FAQS FIRST!!!
PLEASE NOTE: ALL APARTMENTS FOR 2024-2025 HAVE BEEN RENTED!
lease signing for 2024-2025 instructions and dates:
MOST LEASE dates WILL BE From JULY 3, 2024 TO jUNE 17, 2025.
CURRENT SFM TENANTS: PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE AND SIGN A NEW LEASE FOR 2024-2025 DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2023. IF YOU DO NOT NOTIFY US THAT YOU WANT TO SIGN ANOTHER LEASE, YOUR APARTMENT COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO OTHERS.
CURRENT SFM TENANTS: THIS IS ALSO YOUR TIME TO MOVE TO ANOTHER SFM PROPERTY WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS AGAIN. THIS LIST IS BASED ON FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED REQUESTS AT ANY GIVEN PROPERTY. THE CURRENT TENANT(S) WILL ALWAYS HAVE FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL.
NEW, POTENTIAL RENTERS: WE WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING RENTAL APPLICATIONS FOR 2024-2025 ON JANUARY 12, 2024. MAKE SURE ALL APPLICANTS AND ALL GUARANTORS HAVE FILLED OUT THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION. IF YOUR GROUP DOES NOT HAVE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS FOR ALL TENANTS AND CO-SIGNER/GUARANTORS FOR THE ENITRE APARTMENT, WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT GROUP. ALL SFM VISTA DEL MAR TENANTS ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO MOVE TO ANOTHER SFM VISTA DEL MAR PROPERTY. SO IF YOU CHECK WITH THE CURRENT TENANTS WHO WILL BE LEAVING IN JUNE, THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THE APARTMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE. ANOTHER SFM TENANT MAY HAVE REQUESTED THAT APARTMENT BEFORE THE DEADLINE. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL JANUARY 12, 2024, FOR 24-25 PRICING AND AVAILABILITY..
ONLY COMPLETED SETS OF APPLICATIONS WITH COMPLETED CO-SIGNER/GUARANTOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU EMAIL YOUR ENTIRE SET OF APPLICATIONS TO THE OFFICE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ANY APARTMENT.
WE DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO HELP YOU RENT AN APARTMENT. PLEASE REMEMBER, IT IS A ONE YEAR LEASE, NOT A 30 YEAR MORTGAGE. SO EVEN IF IT’S NOT YOUR FIRST CHOICE, YOU WILL NOT DIE! AND YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO MOVE INTO YOUR FIRST CHOICE NEXT YEAR!
How do I pick an apartment? First of all, choose how many people you want to live with ~ 2 in a one bedroom, 3 or 4 in a two bedroom, 5-7 in a 3 bedroom, etc. Then figure ouT the maximum amount each person can afford for rent (don't forget to factor in utilities, food, entertainment, etc.). Check out the UCSB Survival Guide for additional information about setting up a budget. Then choose streets in Isla Vista that would work for your group (or not). Not everyone wants to live on Del Playa and all of Isla Vista is one square mile. NOW ~ start checking the list for apartments that fit your budget criteria.
Can I see the apartment(s)? Do not rent an apartment, sight unseen.+ Check the pictures on the web site carefully. We recommend you visit the apartment and ask the current tenants to allow you inside. Ask them questions about the apartment, maintenance, the landlord, etc. Then check with the landlord about the same subjects. Try and narrow down your list to no more than 10 apartment buildings. Any more and it will be very confusing. + Please be careful due to covid-19. personal viewing could put you at risk.
How do I apply for the apartment(s)? Check the web site FIRST. ALL APPLICATIONS AND PARENTAL GUANTORS MUST BE FILLED OUT THROUGH THE WEB SITE.
How will I know if I get an apartment? We will email all roommates who have applied to confirm approval of your applications anD SEND YOU THE LEASE. YOU, YOUR HOUSEMATES (IF APPLICABLE) AND YOUR GUARANTOR(S) WILL NEED TO SIGN THE LEASE AND PAY YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT WITHIN 3 DAYS OR WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT GROUP! If you don't get an email in a reasonable amount of time, please check back with the office ~ you can change your apartment choices to increase your chances. REMEMBER ~ it's only an 11.5 month lease, you are not PURCHASING the apartment for 30 years, and you will not die if you don't get your first choice! :-)
How much is the security deposit? In most cases, the deposit will be equal to one months' rent. Check the listings carefully to make sure you understand the details. YOU WILL SET UP YOUR PERSONal PORTAL THROUGH THE WEB SITE TO PAY YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT WHICH IS DUE WITHIN 3 DAYS AFTER THE LEASE IS SENT TO YOU VIA EMAIL. All security deposits are refundable in the state of California (less any appropriate costs as allowed by law).
What is Advance Rent? By law in the State of California, landlords can charge up to 3 times the rent for security deposit, first months rent and last months rent. In most cases, your advance (or last months) PREPAID rent will pay for the last 30 days of your lease. As most leases end in mid June, that makes your May rent PRO-RATED (a lessor amount) for your final rent PAYMENT due to the office to complete your lease.
How do I get something repaired? Will I be charged for the work? All WORK ORDERS NEED TO be emailed directly to our office THROUGH YOUR PORTAL. there are ALSO emergency numbers on our voicemail ~ (805) 685-4506. Lots of maintenance is not a tenant charge ~ things break and need repair. Frequently, clogged drains, broken windows, etc., are tenant charges. The office will pay the invoice and then bill the tenants. Any invoice not paid by the end of the lease, will be deducted from the security deposits.
Will I need a co-signer/GUARANTOR? Will all of my roommates need co-signers/GUARNATORS also? Yes, we require a co-signer OR GUARANTOR for all tenants who do not have a full time job (32+ hours per week) during the entire school year. This document will be included with your lease signing paperwork. Your CO-SIGNER/GUARANTOR WILL NEED TO SET UP THEIR OWN PERSONAL PORTAL.
How long is the lease? Are there any 9 month leases? Most leases are approximately 11.5 months. That is a standard in Isla Vista. Summer subleasing is a possibility if you won't be in Isla Vista over the summer. The responsibility for subleasing solely belongs to the tenant(S) on lease. The only requirement is for you to put the subleaser on a sublease form ~ which is available at the office for free! 9 month leases are VERY RARE, however can occur. Check the web site.
Can I bring my dog, cat, rabbit, bird, etc., into the apartment? NO ~ all leases DO NOT ALLOW PETS. There is an exception for medically prescribed animals and emotional support animals. But you MUST HAVE A WRITTEN PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR PRESENTED TO THE OFFICE PRIOR TO MOVING IN OR YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PENALTIES. This applies to visitors, guests and parents too.
Questions and Concerns ~ If you have a question or don't understand something, PLEASE EMAIL (preferred) or CALL/STOP BY the office and ask us. That’s why we are located ON PARDALL in Isla Vista. There are no stupid questions when you are renting for the first time, or the fifth time. We specialize in student rentals and want you to be and feel safe in your apartment.
CONTACT US
SFM VISTA DEL MAR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
6549 Pardall Rd. #C ***NEW*** as of April 1, 2023
Goleta, CA 93117
We are located at 6549 Pardall Rd. C, BEHIND Sweet Jane.
Office Hours:
12:00am - 4:00pm ~ Monday through Thursday
Fridays by appointment only
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
I
Office (805) 685-4506
fax (805) 562-8892
www.sfmvdm.com
sfmvdm@yahoo.com
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
1.800.427.2200 www.socalgas.com The Gas Co. or Southern California Gas Co.
1.800.655.4555 www.sce.com Southern California Edison (electricity)
1.805.683.6651 www.cox.com Cox Communications ~ Internet and cable TV
1.805.964.6761 www.goletawater.com Goleta Water Service
1.805.963.1852 www.marborg.com Marborg Disposal - trash and recycling service
1.805.685.4506 www.sfmvdm.com SFM Vista Del Mar Property Management Office
1.805.886.3867 The Rooter Man ~ drain service, emergency number
1.805.685.4506 Office Emergency Information