Stay away

I was called a "whiney bitch" by Dennis. He allowed his family to enter my room without my permission. I came home to a girl sleeping in my bed I didn't know. This is illegal. No apology from anyone until I brought it up. Also he lets potential renters enter your room without your knowledge or permission when you aren't home. He held my deposit hostage until I told him I wouldn't leave a bad review. No apology, just a text saying please don't leave a bad review. He threw house rules in my face about having a guest for no more than 3 nights when I hadn't had a single person over the entire summer. I had my own entrance so how would you know anyway? Are you spying on your tenants with cameras? Talking about house rules when you're breaking state law allowing your family into renters rooms is laughable. Luckily his Philippino family members are amazing people and made my stay tolerable. I guess you were right, I am a whiney bitch.

A Hidden Gem in Santa Cruz

I had the most wonderful stay at Angelisas Retreat, LLC, owned by Mr. Dennis and his family. From the moment I arrived, they treated me like family. Everyone was so warm and kind, it truly felt like home away from home. Mr. Dennis's wife "Jovi" went out of her way to cook for all of us and other of the roommates almost every single day and the food was always amazing. Their son "Kingsley " was equally welcoming and made my stay even more enjoyable. The hospitality here is unmatched. The house itself was spotless, with a neat and well-kept kitchen where everything was in perfect order. I didnt have a single issue during my entire stay. Without a doubt, this is the best place I have ever stayed, and I will always want to come back whenever I am in Santa Cruz. Highly recommended for anyone looking for comfort, kindness, and a truly family-like experience. I truly miss them and will definitely be going to visit anytime I am around Santa Cruz .

Thank you to my Hosts!

I have just completed a very enjoyable 7 week stay at this property (so I am surprised by the review left by someone else whose stay overlapped mine. I had a completely opposite experience from the two most recent reviews posted.) My hosts were very gracious and accommodating, the room was lovely and set up with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. The residential neighborhood is very quiet and still minutes from the beaches, shopping, and downtown. The dedicated off street parking was a dream. There is a communal kitchen available for use, and one expects to see other people there in a communal living situation. The other tenants I met were all very pleasant and never made me feel uncomfortable. I felt very secure and safe, and greatly enjoyed my stay.

Don't put your safety at risk here. If I could give 0 or negative stars, I would. I also have all the texts between Dennis and I where he admitted to knowing the situation, drug use, and hostility of the tenants on the third floor, yet didn't care for anyone's safety and still moved me in due to needing the money. This place should absolutely be shut down on furnished finders end. Upon moving in I was told by Dennis that he is looking for traveling healthcare professionals and due to the bureaucracy associated with starting an assisted living (which was his goal for the home), he decided against assisted living and rented out rooms. Dennis placed me on the third level. He lives on the first, two elderly live on the second floor, with another seperate living space with its own bathroom usually take by someone more long term. The drug use on the third floor is rampant. Previous review from Feb 2025 about Dennis sitting at the kitchen table endlessly really did make the whole thing uncomfortable. I ended up leaving after one week. Physically, was only 4 days, but I was really worried about the erratic behavior of the meth abuse. After someone strung out on meth starts talking about a gun and shooting up the house in the public living space, it's not worth it to me. Dennis failed to tell me what all had happened, multiple times police showed up just prior to me moving in. He tried backtracking once I caught on and tried passing the blame on the tenants saying due to landloed/Tennant laws it's easier to wait them out and they leave, than go through the eviction process... Police reports are public record, do your own research before moving in. I called the police to escort me in to get my remaining things. As a combat vet, I have never felt so unsafe in my personal living space. Cheap living is not worth the constant feeling of uneasiness about your safety. Unfortunately this space is listed on multiple other sites and not exclusively to FF. I truly hope no one physically gets hurt, but by seeing the review before mine, this has been going on for much longer than Dennis will lead you to believe. If you're lucky enough to get a refund, he will ask daily for another day, saying he needs time for the money to clear the bank. Terrible business practices all the way around. Would not wish this living situation on my worst enemy...

Legal and Ethical Issues

I regret to share my negative experience during my two-month stay at this property listed on Furnished Finder. Safety Concerns I faced serious safety issues, including a tenant in Room 1 reportedly involved in illegal drug activities and an elderly resident who passed away in Room 2, causing persistent unpleasant odors. Living Conditions The owner frequently occupied the dining table until late at night, making the kitchen feel uncomfortable for other tenants. Move-out Process At the end of my tenancy, the owner refused my request for a final walk-through. Three weeks later, he deducted from my security deposit without any written explanation or invoices, which seems illegal. He charged me for routine maintenance items I had already paid for and ignored receipts for garden work I completed myself. In my 12 years of renting experience, this has been my worst experience. I advise potential tenants to exercise caution when considering this property.

Great place

I stayed at this property for 4 months while doing a nursing contract. I really liked having a private bathroom and private entrance. The owners, D and J, were very pleasant and quick to respond when I had questions. The other housemates were respectful and quiet. The neighborhood is safe,and about a 5 minute drive to the beach and to the Capitola Mall, Traders Joes, Whole Foods and other stores and restaurants. I definitely would stay here again .

Nice House with good room

Quiet street in good neighborhood. Room is comfortable and private bathroom is nice. Plenty of space to put your stuff. Private entrance offering privacy, and parking on premises. Owners are very nice and helpful. I would stay here again. I recommend this place.