Brookdale Apartments

My father, now 84, has been living in a single room Brookdale efficiency apartment for well over 15 years now. He has watched his rent steadily increase every year from $550 to $750 without any change to the amenities he's received. My dad is on a fixed income from social security, which helps pay for his prescription meds and frequent doctor visits related to his COPD, severe anxiety, balance issues, and neuropathy. Brookdale Apartments has repeatedly told him the rent increase pays for renovations and improvements to the units in his neighborhood. But, unless something was broken, his tiny studio has not been updated once since he moved in over a decade ago. However, most of the apartments around him have been fixed up with new interiors, appliances, roofs, etc... So, my dad must simply be helping to pay for other tenant's renovations? Brookdale has stated they will not update my dad's apartment until he moves out. They also will not decrease his rent, despite the fact that his living space is so much less adequate compared to those around him. This is no way to treat anyone, let alone a senior citizen and a veteran with serious health issues on a fixed income.

My apartment community is clean and the maintenance does a good job of addressing issues. The manager of the complex is also a very sweet laid back, but attentive person. She responds to emails and phone calls very quickly. The location is great for a person with a vehicle or without. We are on the border of Henrico,VA and Richmond, VA. Plenty of interstate access within 5 minutes. One grocery store right next door, another across the street and another one less than a mile down the road. Plenty of shopping and anything you need. It's really a perfect location. I only have two issues. One I've had is some of the most resistant ants I have ever encountered. I noticed them the day I moved in and they have done everything to rid me of the problem, but nothing is working. The second is the a/c. It is the kind you find in hotels. Part of it sits outside and the other inside. I think it's called ductless. It's loud and has my electric bill for a 250sq ft unit upwards of $50/month. As soon as I turn it off, it's warm almost immediately which may have something to do with insulation or lack thereof. So, those are the issues. My apartment is a studio and it is furnished.