New management bringing on changes at Brittany Village
By Jenna Wilson
Brittany Village Apartments have faced numerous problems over the years, including sewage and utility issues and a rat infestation last year, but new management is looking to turn things around.
The complex recently had a change in ownership as well as a new property manager who wants to change the public’s outlook on the apartments despite its unpleasant history.
“So many of these things were happening due to lack of care,” said Cassie Colley, property manager at Brittany Village Apartments. “It really takes somebody that cares and if you don’t know what you’re doing in this role, then you’re never going to succeed. I think that’s been the biggest issue is people not caring.”
The complex will see upgrades to all its units, including new paint for the walls, new flooring and other appliances.
Upgrades are currently being done to the vacant units and once completed, renovations will take place in units occupied by tenants.
Colley said upgrades to the apartment units aren’t the only changes the complex is focusing on. They are also being vigilant about staff who are hired, as well as avoiding any city violations they have dealt with in the past.
“Making sure we were within guidelines was one of the biggest hurdles I faced when I first started here,” she said. “The fire inspector was here once a week giving me guidelines on everything that still needed to be completed here and it’s a work in progress but it’s getting done because that in itself is a safety issue. I don’t want tenants living in these buildings without fire extinguishers or exit signs or lights or any of that.”
While this apartment complex was known as low income for the longest, that will no longer be the case, which staff is hopeful will play a role in making sure these changes take place.
“We’re no longer a low-income facility,” Colley said. “We have changed the guidelines to apply, which I think is going to make things change drastically out here. We’re requiring a minimum credit score of 600, two and a half times the rent a month, no criminal history, no evictions and no rental history that’s poor. And I know not everyone with those criterias are going to be successful tenants because nobody’s perfect, but it is going to help with changing things for the better.”
