The Russell - The Apartment Collection at Bay Meadows - San Mateo, California

JULIA M.

Es lindo

Marco F.

Muy bonito pero mucha burocracia

Aboudi K.

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with The Russell, specifically Stefanie and the incredible leasing team. From the very first day I toured the property, it was clear that this team genuinely cares about their residents and goes above and beyond to make the entire process seamless and stress-free.

The tour was informative, well-paced, and tailored to my needs. Stefanie and her team made the application process straightforward and stress-free, answering every question with patience and professionalism. Once my application was approved, the move-in process was just as smooth, with the team ensuring every detail was taken care of so I could focus on settling in.

What truly sets Stefanie and her team apart is their continued support even after move-in. They’ve made my transition to San Mateo so much easier by being responsive, helpful, and always available when I need them. Whether it’s a quick question or a more involved issue, they handle everything promptly and with a smile.

The Russell itself is a fantastic place to live—well-maintained, beautiful amenities, and a welcoming community—but the leasing team is the heart of it all. If you're looking for a place to call home in San Mateo, I can’t recommend The Russell and Stefanie’s team highly enough! They’ve truly gone above and beyond, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to live here.

Arjun N.

My wife and I lived at The Russell for about 1.5 years and really enjoyed the experience, from the building, to the location, to the staff, and everything else! The Russell as a building has great amenities with a clean gym that we used multiple times a week, as well as a clubhouse and heated pool + hot tub that were great for entertaining friends and family. Our unit itself was very clean and modern when we got the keys, and it remained in good condition throughout our entire stay. There was ample space in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms for the two of us to manage working from home, having friends and family over, and just going through everyday life.

The Russell is in an excellent location, within a 10 minute walk of the Hillsdale Shopping Center for retail and dining, a 15 minute walk of the Park Place shopping center with Whole Foods and a few food options, and a 10 minute walk to the San Mateo County Events center for fun carnivals and other fairs throughout the year. The surrounding neighborhoods were also safe and beautiful for walks or runs at any time of day or night.

Finally, the staff at The Russell really took the apartment experience to the next level. The maintenance crew was always on top of every repair request and resolved our issues quickly. And the team at the front desk was ready to help with any questions we had, and they knew how to throw some great community events – including a sip & paint night! Special shout-out to Justin who helped me secretly book the clubhouse and surprise my wife (fiancee at the time) right after we got engaged. Justin remembered us by name throughout our stay and always went the extra mile to make sure we had everything we needed during our time at The Russell!

Marjaana S.

The Russell has been great. We are happy with the apartment, office people have been very helpfull and maintenance came to fix few small things fast. The common areas are clean and we have enjoyed using them. Great place to have a dog. Many parks and walking paths near by.

Daniel R.

Update: Hi leasing office, thank you for your reply with lie. For everyone’s reference, I have attached the mail reply from the leasing office about the delay.

[Ongoing Dispute] My partner and I recently ended my tenancy at The Russell and have faced significant challenges in getting my security deposit back. It has been 38 days since my move-out, and despite my efforts in sending 8 detailed emails seeking clarity and resolution, the responses from the leasing office have been inconsistent and unhelpful.

Each reply brought a different excuse for the delay, demonstrating a concerning lack of organization and disregard for tenant rights. My attempts to resolve this through standard communication proved futile, prompting me to file a complaint with the BBB and send a formal demand letter. Only then did I receive a call, where they presented me with a refund amount lacking any detailed itemized deductions, contrary to what California Civil Code §1950.5 requires — which states landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 days of the tenant’s departure. They said, “You can choose to receive it online or we will mail you a check, that’s all you can choose,” then abruptly ended the call.

The approach taken by The Russell not only violates this specific legal stipulation but also reflects poorly on Greystar’s management practices, undermining trust and respect. I am committed to pursuing all necessary actions to ensure I receive what is legally owed to me. To potential renters: be wary of how this establishment handles tenant rights and deposit returns.

[この問題は現在進行中] 私達は最近The Russellから引越しましたが、敷金の返還に大きな困難に直面しています。退去してから38日が経過しましたが、明確さと解決を求めて送った8通の詳細なメールに対するLeasing Officeからの返信は一貫性がなく、役に立ちませんでした。
各返信は遅延の異なる言い訳をもたらし、組織の欠如とテナントの権利に対する無視を示しています。通常のコミュニケーションを通じてこの問題を解決しようとしましたが、効果はありませんでした。仕方がなくBBBに苦情を申し立て、正式なDemand Letterを送付しました。それによって初めて彼らからの電話があり、カリフォルニア州民法1950.5条が要求するような詳細な控除の明細がない返金額が提示されました。そして控除額を確認すると、「これがあなたがもらえる金額なのでオンラインで受け取るか小切手で送るかそれしか選択がない」と一方的な対応でした。
The Russellのこのアプローチは、法律を違反するだけでなく、Greystarの管理慣行についても悪い印象を与え、信頼を損ないます。法的に私に帰属するものを確実に受け取るために必要な全ての措置を講じることに最後まで頑張ります。もしご入居を検討する方がいましたら：入居者の権利と敷金の扱いのトラブルに注意してください。特に赴任者の方、退居してすぐに帰国するつもりなら、敷金をもらえない覚悟した方がいいかもしれません。

[坚持不懈中] 我们最近从The Russell根据租约到期搬了出来，但在取回我的押金时遇到了前所未有的阻力。自我搬出已经过去了38天，尽管我发送了8封详细的电子邮件询问我的押金在哪里？以及为什么我还没有收到任何明细？但Leasing Office的回复每次都不一致，一会说已经批准了一会说负责的长期休假了一会说已经发给我了，让我的押金长期处于薛定谔的猫的状态，生死不明,让人不得不怀疑他们只是想拖延时间。既然通过正常的沟通无法解决这个问题，我不得不向BBB投诉，并发送了Demand Letter
。直到那时,我才接到他们的电话，在电话里随便告诉我一个数额，没有任何的明细，没有解释为什么要扣以及扣了什么。我说我我不能也不会接受这个没有由来的金额，电话那端轻蔑的跟我说“你可以选择网上收款或者我们寄支票给你，这就是你能有的选择“ 然后拒绝进行继续的沟通就挂了电话。这已经严重违反加州民法典1950.5条的要求房客搬出21天以内，房东必须提供itemized statement和退还押金，并且他们恶意的通过增加沟通的时间成本而让我知难而退。
The Russell的做法不仅严重的违法，还严重损害了Greystar的管理做法的形象。我不会放弃致力于采取一切必要措施以确保我获得法律赋予我的款项。对潜在的租户的忠告：或许这个事情不会发生在每个人身上，但如果你打算选择这里的话，请小心他们如何处理租户权利和押金退还。

Hiroshige E.

I am Hiroshige Eto.
I use my real name to create content on YouTube and Instagram.

I lived in this apartment until January.

According to California state law, landlords are required to settle the security deposit within 21 days after the tenant moves out. They are also obligated to provide an itemized statement.

However, in our case, we did not receive any communication even after 21 days had passed. There was no apology, and no statement was provided.

Recently, we sent a certified letter to Greystar regarding this issue. Even after that, nothing changed. Today, I spoke with a representative on the phone, but they responded as if it was a hassle and provided no resolution.

Many Japanese expatriates live in this apartment, and I believe some people are considering moving here. I do not recommend this place. It is better not to choose Greystar.

To the representatives at Greystar:
Are we being treated this way because we are Asian?
Why are you treating us so poorly?
Are we making unreasonable demands?
Please follow California state law and act accordingly.

- - - - -
March 12, 12:35 PM Update

There was a reply to this post, but it was a lie.
I have not received a refund within 21 days.

Why are you lying here?

Also, we were two people living together, so there are two separate posts.
We are not the same person. Copy-pasting a reply is also disrespectful.

- - - - -
私はHiroshige Etoと申します。
本名でYouTubeとInstagramで活動をしています。

このアパートに1月まで住んでいました。

カリフォルニア州の法律では、賃借人が退去した後、家主は21日以内にセキュリティデポジット（保証金）の精算を行う義務があります。また明細を提供する義務があります。

しかし、私たちの場合、21日間を過ぎても何も連絡が来ませんでした。そして一切の謝罪もなく、そして明細書の提出もしてくれません。

私たちは先日、グレイスターに対して内容証明郵便を送付しました。
それでも対応は変わりません。
今日、担当者と電話で話をしましたが面倒そうに対応され、何も解決しませんでした。

このアパートには日本人の駐在員も多く住んでおります。
そしてこのアパートを検討されている方もいると思います。
ここはおすすめしません。
グレイスターを選ばない方が良いです。

グレイスターの担当者の方へ
私たちがアジア人だからこのような対応なのでしょうか？
なぜこのような酷い扱いをするのでしょうか？
私たちは難しい要求をしているのでしょうか？
カリフォルニア州の法律に従って、正しく行動してください。

Y X.

Good and bad about it.

Good:
It’s quiet
Good location
Nice parks and amenities
Maintenance team responds quickly
Nice experience with Justin and Charles

Bad:
You don’t want to deal with the community management. They will show you with passive aggression. Good luck with that.