Arba, san-marcos-tx

WARNING: DO NOT LEASE HERE. ABSOLUTELY THE WORST PLACE IN SAN MARCOS. If I could give this place zero stars, I would. Do not let their fake, glossy marketing fool you. They charge premium, luxury prices, but living here has been an absolute nightmare. The management is completely incompetent, negligent, and they are running this property straight into the ground. First of all, the security is a complete joke. The main gates have been left wide open since August of last year. I literally haven’t had to use my gate code a single time since the day I moved in because anyone can just drive right onto the property. Thanks to their total laziness, my roommate’s car was stolen and my own vehicle has been broken into TWICE. When I demanded answers, they told me they don't even have security cameras on the property. Are you kidding me? Your packages aren't safe either—they literally gave my mail to a random person and it got stolen because nobody monitors anything. The actual building is falling apart. The elevator is constantly broken. I live on the 4th floor, and having to lug heavy groceries up flights of stairs because they refuse to fix the elevator is infuriating. The bedrooms are tiny, and I’ve had nothing but issues with the AC, the internal doors, and the locks. On top of that, ever since new management took over and switched internet providers, the WiFi is garbage. It cuts out at least once a week, usually from midnight until the next morning. If you try to call the front office to get them to do their jobs, they just ignore the phone and refuse to answer. They have the nerve to charge a monthly maintenance fee, but the amenities are completely neglected. They advertise a hot tub, but it’s a total lie. It is never heated—it’s the exact same freezing temperature as the pool. And the valet trash that we are forced to pay for? They leave the garbage sitting in the hallways for days. It's disgusting. I am finally about to finish my contract and leave this dump, and I am fully expecting them to try and slap me with ridiculous, shady move-out fees next. Save yourself the massive financial regret and do not sign a lease here. You are paying top dollar for zero security, broken amenities, terrible internet, and a management team that completely checks out. Look somewhere else in San Marcos!

There have been several issues with communication on behalf of arba’s side. There has been hardly any communication on the topics of management coming by, cleaners, or notification of roommates being added to the apartment. Another issue I’ve had is management or cleaners leaving the lights on after being in the unit, while this doesn’t seem like the biggest issue, it is an issue when I’m the one paying for the utilities. While my experience hasn’t been horrible, it could definitely be better. I do recommend this as the perfect place for someone looking for their first off campus apartment, though to stay long term, possibly look into other options.

I have never had such an unprofessional experience with an apartment complex. For months, I was charged double my rent, causing unnecessary financial stress. While I was still living in my apartment and before my move-out date, maintenance entered to replace the flooring and moved my personal belongings without my permission. They threw my belongings into my bathtub and bathroom, leaving my room in complete disarray. When I called the office to express my concerns, I was simply told that they had given notice. Giving notice does not make it acceptable to handle a tenant’s personal property this way. I expected my home and belongings to be treated with basic respect, but that was not the case. Based on my experience, I would not recommend living here. The lack of professionalism, poor communication, and disregard for tenants’ property made what should have been a simple move-out process unnecessarily stressful.

My experience with ARBA Apartments ended on a very sour note due to unfair and suspicious move-out charges. First, they claimed I owed $220 for carpet replacement due to stains. This made no sense, as I had thoroughly shampooed the carpet myself and took clear photos showing it was in great condition. When I asked for proof, they changed their story—now saying the carpet needed to be replaced due to an “unpleasant odor.” They attached a cropped, unprofessional “invoice” for $293 from an unnamed company, with no date or real details—just a price and the apartment number. Different amount, different service, different excuse. It felt completely made up. To make matters worse, they turned my account over to an aggressive collection agency without giving me a real opportunity to dispute the charges or receive a proper explanation. I’ve always paid rent on time and left the apartment clean and in good shape. This treatment is unacceptable and unprofessional. If you’re thinking about renting here, be prepared to fight for your security deposit and deal with shady practices when you move out. Document everything. I would not recommend ARBA apartments to anyone.

PLEASEEE DO NOTT SIGNN HEREEE Genuinely some of the most unprofessional people I have met in my life. I don't even write negative reviews but the management at Arba has recently become so money hungry for no reason?? During move-out they randomly decided to replace the carpet with hardwood floors while residents were in the process of moving out then threatened to charge residents fees if they didn't vacate all of their belongings. Afterwards, the proceeded to charge residents crazy amounts for non-existent damage. They personally charged me 150 dollars for damage that occurred IN MY ROOMMATES PERSONAL BEDROOM. After going back and forth with management about it they kept going back into my unit and taking pictures of minor details in my unit and regarded it as "damage" so that they could justify the price. Despite me showing proof that I received the unit as shown in the images they provided they still charged me 150 for damage in my roommates room thinking I wouldn't notice. If you are still looking for a place to live please look elsewhere. If you are planning to live here take a picture/video of EVERYTHING. Even then, they will still try to charge you crazy amounts during move-out. Also everything gets better when you see how dirty the unit was when I initially moved in 😊