ULake Apartments, Tampa: A Detailed Review for 2026/2027
Who This Residence Suits
ULake Apartments, located at Tampa, FL 33613, USA, is a student-oriented housing option that works best for specific types of tenants. Based on resident feedback and the property’s features, this residence suits:
- Students seeking an all-inclusive experience: The property includes bills in the rent, which removes the hassle of separate utility payments. For a student moving to Tampa for the first time, this simplifies budgeting.
- Residents who want on-site fitness facilities: The apartment has a gym, which is a practical amenity for those who prefer to work out without leaving the building.
- Pet owners: ULake is marked as pet-friendly, a significant plus for students who plan to bring their animal companions.
- Those who can accept some trade-offs in furnishings: Multiple reviews mention that while the visual appearance is modern, the actual storage space and furniture functionality may fall short. If you value aesthetics over utility, this property may still appeal to you.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
Given the reported issues, ULake may not be ideal for:
- Students who rely on perfect climate control: One reviewer (Paris Lover) noted the heater was not working on move-in night, making the apartment very cold. If you are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, this could be a dealbreaker.
- Budget-conscious renters looking for the city’s cheapest option: Tampa’s from-price for student housing is USD 509 per month. ULake starts at USD 920, which is nearly double the lowest available option. Price-sensitive tenants should explore other properties first.
- Those needing extensive storage space: Elize 295 reported that the furniture change was a downgrade in storage — the under-bed space was insufficient, the dining table set is poor, and the coffee table is oversized and doesn’t fit the room arrangement. If you have a lot of belongings, this property might feel cramped.
- Tenants who expect consistent renewal offers: Michele M’s experience suggests that renewal rent agreements may not be honored as promised. If you plan to stay for multiple years, this inconsistency is a risk.
What Residents Actually Say
Paris Lover (Rating: 4/5)
“I had a good move in process yesterday at Ulake apartments. Very pleased with my room and all the furnished items, I’d say the only problem I had yesterday night was with the heater, the heater wasn’t working and the apartment was really cold. Other than that everything else is ran smoothly and as a college student sta”
This review highlights a smooth move-in and satisfaction with the furnished condition, offset by a specific maintenance issue — the heater malfunction. For a 4-star rating, the problem appears to be an inconvenience rather than a systemic flaw, but it does indicate that maintenance responsiveness may be variable.
Michele M (Rating: 1/5)
“The maintenance staff is wonderful. That and the view are two of the few reasons I still live here. I was promised a lower amount on my rent when renewing and found out later that I got a smaller when others got the full $150 that was promised. Concessions were also increased for having own furniture after I signed my ”
This is a serious complaint about rent commitment integrity. While maintenance staff and the view are praised, the core issue is a breach of trust during the renewal process. For a long-term tenant, this kind of experience undermines the value proposition entirely. Potential renewing residents should ask for written, specific renewal terms.
Elize 295 (Rating: 4/5)
“The maintenance team is great and very efficient. I just think the furniture change they did was a bit of a downgrade, visually it looks great, but in terms of storage was awful. I couldn’t fit a lot of the stuff I had under my bed, the dining table set is horrible, and somehow the coffee table is bigger and doesn’t ma”
Again, maintenance is praised, but the furniture upgrade is seen as a downgrade in utility. The visual appeal does not compensate for poor storage and poor dining setup. If you need to store seasonal items or kitchenware, you may need to purchase additional storage solutions.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From-Price
Tampa has a from-price of USD 509 per month for student housing. ULake Apartments starts at USD 920 and goes up to USD 1,375 per month — these are indicative prices — confirm with the operator. That is a premium of 81% over the city baseline.
For context, the city has 14 student properties in total, so options are limited. ULake sits in the mid-to-upper tier of pricing. Given the reported furniture and climate control issues, the value proposition is questionable compared to lower-priced alternatives. However, bills being included does add a layer of predictability that may justify the premium for some.
Room-Type Guidance
ULake offers two unit types:
- 1-bedroom (1b)
- 2-bedroom (2b)
Room type choice depends on your need for privacy vs. cost sharing. A 1-bedroom will be at the higher end of the price range (closer to USD 1,375), while a 2-bedroom can be split, bringing per-person costs down toward the lower end (USD 920). This makes the 2-bedroom a more budget-friendly option if you have a roommate.
No individual room sizes or floor plans are provided, so it is advisable to request a virtual tour or specific dimensions from the operator.
Booking Timing
The property is available from 20-08-2026, which aligns with the typical Fall 2026 intake for universities such as the University of South Florida. Booking timing should be considered carefully:
- Early booking (e.g., April to June 2026): You may secure lower rates or better unit selection. However, given the renewal issues flagged in reviews, ensure any early-bird discounts are clearly documented in writing.
- Late booking (July to August 2026): Availability may be limited, especially for 1-bedroom units. The risk is reduced choice, but you may negotiate terms based on last-minute vacancies.
Given the potential for rent commitment problems, a documented lease with clear renewal clauses is essential regardless of timing.
FAQ
How does the rent at ULake compare to other student housing near the University of South Florida?
ULake starts at USD 920 per month — indicative only — confirm with the operator. The city’s from-price for student housing is USD 509 per month. ULake is therefore significantly above the minimum, but bills are included. You may find cheaper options by expanding your search to other Tampa properties, but ULake offers a gym and pet-friendly policy that some lower-priced options may not have.
Is ULake Apartments a safe and well-maintained property?
The property has a Google rating of 3.5 from 397 reviews. Reviews consistently praise the maintenance staff as “wonderful” and “great.” However, there are specific complaints about the heater not working and furniture being a downgrade in storage. Overall, maintenance responsiveness seems high, but infrastructure issues (heating) can occur. The 3.5 rating suggests a mixed experience.
Can I bring my pet to ULake Apartments?
Yes, ULake is listed as pet-friendly. This is a clear advantage over many student housing options that restrict pets. Ensure you confirm any pet deposits or weight limits with the operator, as this information is not in the provided data.
Sources & Data Date
This article is based on data collected in July 2026, including pricing, unit types, and reviews. All prices are indicative and must be confirmed with the operator.
For live availability, unit-specific pricing, and to schedule a viewing, use the on-site assistant on the property page.
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