Brook Pines Apartments

jtkeller61

Resident • 2013 - 2015

I lived in that complex for a year and a half. while there there were two shootings. One a homicide the other a car jacking gone wrong. Both in from of my building. I saw drug deals and the smell of marijuana constantly. They had three manager changes in the time I spent there and when I left they were "renovating" to bring in better clientel. Understand when I got the unit it was moderate at best I got it for cheap living. when I left the renovation costs where passed on to me. Also the attitude of the management was like you should be thankful we allow you to live here. Over all my rating 1 and that is generous. apartments are cheap in price and in quality. Currently they are trying to put lipstick on a pig. I is a pig trust me. the tenants are users and abusers. they stand behind the fact that if you have a record you cant live their. Dont believe. they just live with other residents who dont have a record. Sheriffs where there all the time. Plus if you do live there dont wash your clothes in the machines. They are managed by a company in Ohio and are broken, dirty and unkept.

undetermineduse

Resident • 2013

I lived here in 2013 in the one bedroom on the "second" floor and ended up terminating my lease within six months. There was suspicious activity at all hours. The other residents knew when the police patrol were coming through and worked around that. I worked 8-12 hour days randomly. I was awoken several nights to loud neighbors who would scream and yell at each other and others in different buildings within the complex in the early hours of the morning. While other times I was awoken by gunfire.The ants were severely bad when we first moved in, and I always seemed to find them else-where throughout the apartment. I never had much trouble with maintenance I would not recommend to anyone. I do apologize to the staff, they were very nice and friendly to me.

Current Resident 236674

Resident • 2014

The review from 05/07/14 was very good. I'm not going to repeat everything he said. I agree with it all. However, I will add to it. As the reviewer stated the apartment was in bad shape, but, getting maintenance to show was always a hassle. The complex has an online maintenance request service, but actually getting maintenance to come to your apartment takes submitting a request, and then complaining to the office managers when they don't show up for a couple weeks. Below is a list of the reasons I had to contact maintenance: -Broken Refrigerator x2 -Broken Door (ajar and lock was broken) -Occasional Water leaking from ceiling -Bathroom shower tiles coming loose from wall (also providing breeding ground for mold and mildew) -Roaches x3 It took over two weeks for maintenance to show up regarding the shower tiles and by then the mold and mildew was so bad that it was making me sick. I had to walk around my apartment with a mask. It took maintenance 28 hours to fix my front door that was literally ajar. In a complex riddled with crime, they really don't care if their resident's front doors are secure. It took maintenance 2 weeks to fix my refrigerator, by then all of my food had spoiled. The occasionally leaking? I was told, "Well I'll have to check that out next time I go upstairs." I don't believe it ever got fixed. However, even with all of this, I would've put up with Brook Pines, but it was the murders that convinced me to leave. Yesterday there was a shoot out between the police and a carjacker, and about a month ago there was a double homicide in which the police were out in force to catch the criminal. As the previous reviewer said, flashing lights are a common thing to see out your window and often times cops just sit in the parking lot waiting to be called. This place is not a place for you and your children. Oh, and one last thing... the 'laundry' facilities. I don't believe anyone actually uses them. The laundry room had about an inch of water in it with dirty and trash littered everywhere on the floor. And the dryer didn't dry your clothes all the way. So I had to run the dryer several times which cost money every time.

Current Resident 130468

Resident • 2013 - 2014

The review from 05/07/2014 is pretty spot on so be sure to read that one first. Bad musky smell when they first showed me the apartment: Check Little space to report damages that I had to try and cram everything in: Check Paper thin walls: Check Guy pounding on car: Check, literally 30 minutes ago Woman screaming: Check, literally 30 minutes ago Blinds constantly closed: Check Strapped for cash and needed to get out of parents quick: Check Maintenance issues that you have to be on their asses about to get anything done: Check Check When they showed me my apartment about a month before I moved in it smelt terrible and there were so many things that were broken it was ridiculous. I made a list of stuff I wanted fixed before moving in and they told me they'd be right on it. About a week before moving in I made a phone call to see if they had finished everything and if I could come look at it myself. They assured me everything was taken care of and the day before I moved in I came and to a look and absolutely NOTHING had been fixed. The "new" carpet that they were putting in was sitting in the dirt outside of the complex. I had a major issue with the front door not closing/locking completely and that was not taken care of either. Moving day they still weren't finished with my damn carpet and lo and behold my door was still not fixed. They told me they'd order me a new door and install it. The first few months I made multiple calls about it and they kept telling me it was ordered and would be taken care of. A year later, still no door. Luckily, my Dad's not a lazy and he came over and fixed it right up for me. I gave them my security deposit two or three months prior to moving in; the security deposit here is equal to your monthly rent. Apparently though, if they install new carpet because the carpet that was in your apartment was so damaged you have an additional $25 dollars added to your monthly rent. Which makes sense how? Oh and forget about the carpet cleaning fee that I already paid so when I move out the carpet can be cleaned. Too many maintenance issues to talk about. Anything that can leak will leak at some point and they're far too busy to fix it. I'm terrified of some of the electrical outlets. My refrigerator has gone out twice and their solution was to get another crappy refrigerator from another apartment that was not in use. If you have bugs in your apartment and your "seasonal bug spray" already came and went and the bug guy never showed up, you're screwed cause they're not going to get him to come back even though they say they are. I tried really hard to like this place and I started to for a while. My building (which is in the front) seemed pretty quiet probably due to Richland County hanging out in the parking lot every night. It made me feel safe walking into my apartment late and seeing them out there. http://www.wltx.com/story/news/crime/2014/07/02/brook-pines-apartments-shooting/12011877/ Until about a month ago when I was lying in bed and six armed officers in swat uniforms came into my apartment looking for an armed suspect. This is not the apartment's fault but you should not plan on moving in to Brook Pines because a majority of the residents are idiots. A few days after this incident my room mate and I are getting out of the car and a man that apparently had just been released from prison corned my roommate between the car door and the car next to us trying to get money and a ride. When my roommate told him no he would not leave him alone and started threatening him. I gave him some change to make him go away but he kept saying he was going to come back and repay us. That was not the first time something like that had happened. My roommate was leaving one night and I had a friend over and we were hanging out on the "porch" (if that's what you want to call it) and we could see some random guy bugging him for money and a ride. He tells him no of course and about 30 minutes later he comes knocking at my door trying to get money, a ride, and cigarettes out of us. Tonight I heard a man and woman yelling in the parking lot, a car being pounded on, and a loud pop. Do yourself a favor and do not move into Brook Pines. You get exactly what you pay for and safety is not included.

Current Resident 941091

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Well, it wasn't as bad as some of the horror stories I read, but I wouldn't recommend it either. When I first got there the place had a bad, musky smell. The interior construction is obviously very old, and worn, which lets a lot of bugs in. I literally had to spend $100 in pest control because even though they sprayed several times, the German cockroaches, the smaller ones, seem to be immune to it. They even had an outside company treat it and it didn't work. The most effective treatment I found was leaving paper sticky traps all around the corners and walls, especially in the kitchen. German cockroaches love the place, and literally leave trails of crap and even dismembered limbs everywhere they walk, which is why I spent so much money on the traps. No spray would do it. No spray worked at all. When I was required to take note of any imperfections or damages in the apartment so I wouldn't be blamed for them when I moved out, I had to cram as much as possible into the report. The spaces it gave didn't even make room for all the problems, so I had to write all over it. That's how poor of condition it was in. The worst part was the cabinets. I've been there almost a year and tried to clean them more than once but still find them completely unusable for dishes without putting down coverings, and even then you have to be careful because roaches can still get to them. I keep all my dishes tightly locked and covered to keep them from being soiled by the army of roaches. There have been several leaks, three in only a month. And they were bad leaks to. I guess I got the brunt of them since I'm on the first floor. The walls are very thin so if anyone plays loud music or has a wild party in an adjacent apartment it might as well be in your own. I had to call the police once because at three in the morning the apartment above me was having a wild party where people were literally screaming for no reason and keeping me awake and I just wasn't having it. I also had to call the police another time because there was a guy outside pounding on a car and screaming bloody murder like he was about to kill someone. I could even swear I hear a woman scream twice while that was going on. When the police showed up he and his friends ran. A similar situation happened in the next parking lot over. At least the police are close by so they can get there quickly. I see them there a lot. Some times apparently just sitting there in their cars all night, apparently hoping to deter crime with their presence before it starts. But like I said, stuff can still slip by and you may have to call them yourself. If you decide to move here keep a gun in your home and take it to and from your car, and don't keep your blinds open. People might see what you have and steal it. It's worth noting, however, that Brook Pines has better reviews than Willow Creek. I was considering moving to Willow Creek but after reading about it decided it would be better to get a nicer apartment in Brook Pines, hopefully one on the second or third floor, probably less vulnerable to roaches and the brunt of leaks. If you're heavily strapped for cash or you absolutely have to get away from your parents I understand. But make sure you very thoroughly inspect the specific apartment you're considering moving into before you sign the lease (I was in such a hurry to move out of my parents' house that I didn't) and if you can help it, don't move in until all problems are addressed. Shannon is nice and will work with you but maintenance is spread really thin. There are a lot of problems and they don't always get addressed when you report them the first time. I don't even bother anymore unless it's urgent.

Current Resident 466053

Resident • 2013

I am greatful to be moving out because the apartment I'm in is not mine. Roaches are the rightful owners. I try and keep thd house considerably clean but everytime I come home from work I find myself killing AT LEAST ten roaches. If you're a bug lover then this is the place for you. The bugs would love a new visitor in their domain.

Current Resident 547430

Resident • 2013

Brook Pines is a sorry excuse for an apartment complex. I have lived here for my first four months, and I am fed up to the point that I am breaking my lease agreement. I have had three mopeds stolen, every time I walk into/out of my apartment at dusk or night time, I do not feel safe. It has gotten to a point that I carry a firearm with me (legally) every time I walk outside my apartment. if you are thinking about moving into an apartment, SKIP THIS ONE. THE LOW RENT IS NOT WORTH IT!! In addition to stolen items and lack of safety, there is Blood territory in this complex. This information is apparently not pertinent to tell you before you move in! DO NOT MOVE HERE!!

papichulo4423

Resident • 2013

In all my years I've never dealt with the most dysfunctional set of property managers ever the head one is real mean ride and nasty Courtney is better certified for the position anyways . Alot of crime happens out there and for that reason everyone is stereotyped as a criminal it's hard raising a family when property managers give you hell. Don't care if your baby starving and needs some food they don't care how you expect to live like that in fear at your house . Don't believe me don't take my word call up there to get pricing as soon as they get you to sign that contract the party begins the head manager is still a unfit ------ manager that's so disrespectful

Current Resident 310976

Resident • 2012

I ABSOLUTELY HATE THIS PLACE!!! I just moved to Columbia 3 weeks ago and I'm ready to break my lease already! My A/C has gone out 7 times, I constantly have bugs in my walkway outside as well as inside of my apartment. I had to spray my own house for spiders (brown recluse included), roaches, and whatever these other little bugs are. I was told that I could pay an extra $25 a month for "basic" cable, when truth is I'm paying for "basic, basic" cable. I don't smoke but I mightaswell because when the people above me smoke, my bathroom smells just like a cheap pack of cigarettes. I have gone out on my patio to find beer cans, trash, cigarettes, and even a condom wrapper!!! I have even woken up to no hot water once. The laundry room in our building is a nightmare. I take my laundry way across Columbia to a family member's house and pay them. I wouldn't recommend this place to a homeless person. This is a sorry excuse of an apartment community and I'm leaving the first chance I get!!!

Overestimatedpprty

Resident • 2012

Sign the lease, your signing your death certificate. Look up how many deaths happened around here. Heard the one of how the mother and her baby daughter were shot in her apartment ? Yep this is murderville, moving to a gated area PRONTO! ---- im even paying the high cost to break the lease early!

Current Resident 879644

Resident • 2012

Do Not Live Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the worst place I ever live. It is the biggest ------ I have even seen. I had to call the police twice in the one year that I lived there just to get into my apartment because of the drunkards fighting in front of it. I was harassed constantly by another tenant. One morning I went outside to walk my dog and I saw a car that was smashed in and covered with blood in front of the building. I called the office to report this and I over heard a member of the office staff refer to me as the b... that was always complaining. I heard gunshots every night along with loud music and cursing. I was glad when my least was up.

Current Resident 508429

Resident • 2011

Good Experience

Love it. I'm a single mother of two and I live in a two bedroom at Brook Pines. I have only been here for a year, but I love it here. My experience at Brook Pines as been a good experience.

Current Resident 2447

Resident • 2011

F*$#@!* (Ridiculous

This is the most difficult rental process that I have ever had to deal with being a resident of Columbia for more thank seven years. Moving three times, I have NEVER had to deal with a group of staff so unprofessional, disrespectful, and irresponsible in my life. Hedra Bay is the best source but is hardly there. The land keeper RARELY works, And Nicky and Keke fat asses sit around and gossip if not watch movies half their shifts. Its a sign when they hand you the keys to view the apartments by yourself? I have had to deal with squirrels in my ceiling for 7 months of my one year lease. Sleepless nights with gunshots and arguments. Ladies never walk alone out here at nigiht, maintenace are two pervs. And they prolong your lease if your not moved in on the 1st of the month. NEVER in my life have i had a lease for twelve months and twenty-nine days. There are so many signs that they smooth talk you through when living here. Forget the saying you get what you pay for because i want every last penny back. I absolutely HATE this place, Its too much of a hassel dealing with these people. Its F*$#@!* Ridiculous.

Current Resident 55291

Resident • 2008 - 2010

AT YOUR OWN RISK

I lived here for almost two years and i still don't know why. There are times where its quiet but for the most part it is noisy. There are times where you wake up in the middle of the night from fights or gun shots. Overall I never had any major problems with maintenance. The pest problems was crazy. I had 4 to 5 MICE during the winter and during the summer I had big spiders. The atmosphere is no place for kids...thank GOD i didn't have any. I guess they try to make it safe here by having the police ride through here every now and then...but it don't help. Still trying to understand there outdoor lights. When you drive up or walk outside the lights go off thats crazy....If you like drama and noise and mice then this is the place for you.

Current Resident 43672

Resident • 2009 - 2010

horrible

my apt was invaded by ants and the lady in the office told me that it wasn't an emergency and hung up on me! the bathroom ceiling fell through why me and 9 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER was n there, it took them 48 hours to even come look at the bathroom!

Current Resident 58182

Resident • 2009

Judging a Book By Its' Cover

I mooed in this complex in August of 2009. Everything seemed to be alright. I experienced no major problems... There were ants, but they supposedly sprayed for them. I moved out November 2009 because someone broke into my car. I am not blaming the complex or looking for help with repairs, but they simply could not assure me safety. I felt as if no one cared. They told me "it was probably someone you know" and "they haven't had any RECENT" break-ins". I simply went to inform them to try and mke sure that this didn't happen to anyone else. The assistance I recieved was poor and unexceptable. I refuse to pay rent to someone who can't assure or provide me of safety while on their property. Other than that one experience, I did not have any problems.It's a great "first time" apartment, but I wouldn't recommend anyone calling this place home...

Current Resident 341123

Resident • 2002 - 2003

They dont accept Section 8 ... but I cant tell

The crime there is worse than in alot of projects. They might as well accept section 8. Brook Pines is already the ------. It couldnt get any worse. It might actually improve the types of residents youd see there.

Current Resident 865922

Resident • 2007 - 2009

Great Value for Your Money, Nice Staff

Lighting is great, shrubs are cut back, everything physically possible is done; however, because of the "Great Value" a good portion of the folks that live here are rather on the questionable side. Frequently the police have to make an apperance. The staff should issue body armor when they give you the keys to the apartment. Baghdad is probably safer! The apartments themselves are nice after you come in and clean them yourself. If you make sure to clean up after yourself, you won't see bugs. Niceley wooded with TALL pine trees; I say this because of the satellite dishes, not too many as they cannot get reception; corporate (Located in MN) will not allow TimeWarner to come in because corporate has their own satellite dishes left over from the 70's!!! The system is being upgraded but still gets spotty reception. You can hear your next door neighbor sneeze, fart and carry on normal conversations. The tenants do not take care of the grounds, maintenance has to go around and pick up a ton of garbage every morning; no pride what-so-ever. Only reason I'm still here is for financial reasons.

Current Resident 55278

Resident • 2008 - 2009

This place isn't safe.

Like I said, this place isn't safe. The day I moved in here a woman was murdered in the front parking lot. Just a month and a half afterwards we had swat stationed outside of all the buildings because two fugitives escaped from the prison nextdoor and they were hiding in the woods. My wife took my daughter for a walk that day, not knowing what was going on, and was approached by 4 heavily armed swat team members and told to get back insider her appartment immediately and not to exit again until they were gone or she would be apprehended "for her and the childs protection". Just the other night there was a man shot through his sliding glass door two buildings away from mine. Every week there are extremely loud parties outside involving coke and weed, and it's not even discrete. No one but someone who's got no other choice should move into this garbage dump. My sliding glass door has been broken since I moved in and won't even lock and they have yet to address the issue (6 months now). Just stay away from this place all together, avoid it like the plague.

Current Resident 113932

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Infested With Roaches

I had a serious roach infestation. Leslie, the office manager, totally ignored the problem. The maintenance staff was very helpful. They at least acknowledged that the apartment next to mine was filthy. I was only offered the option to move in to another apartment at the end of my six month lease. The offer was contingent upon signing a year lease. This was my first apartment in Columbia and I would never recommend it to anyone. I never had any problems with the residents, but that may be due to the fact I only spent two weeks in the apartment. German and palmetto cockroaches were everywhere.

Current Resident 541023

Resident • 2004 - 2008

Please Stay Away if you want to be safe...Really..I mean it!!

OMG...I used to love this place because of the affordable rent and my old neighbors were awesome! Well, Well, Well....about a few days ago, I had the pleasure of having my back window blown out with 8 bullets! I was a victim of mistaken identity according to the police ( This Sucks) The manager ( Leslie) made me feel as if it was my fault! This situation had absolutely nothing to do with me! The only thing Leslie (the manager) could say was .My grandson live in the corridor next too you and I really fear for his safety.....(FYI..Her son and daughter-in-law are staying in the apartment that she is supposed to be staying in "on site manager "..Yea right! I also had the pleasure of hearing fighting all the time and on one particular night; my ------ --- neighbor was stabbed in the parking lot and ran over by her ------ --- so-called friends. If I were you all, I would not rent from these people! The maintenance staff and grounds keeping staff are really awesome! If you want to be awaken by gunfire, people arguing, loud music, a bright --- police search lights in your window, this is the place to live. This is not a place to properly raise you kids! I would never ever do that! A wide majority of the "good citizens" have moved out or in the process of moving out! I would not suggest anyone with class to move out to Brookpines!! I'm just waiting to my lease is up and praying that I or someone else does not get hurt! Keep in mind.....Cheap rent comes with a lot of consequences! I hate this place and TRUST ME>>>>> It s ONLY GOING TO GET WORST FROM HERE..the economy is bad!

HonestOpinion007

Resident • 2000 - 2002

There was good and bad .... the bad had to do with safety of your property

When I lived there in from 2000- 2002 the grounds were clean, people were nice and the staff and maintenance were on point. But every night somebodys car was broken into or stolen.Every morning there was a police car in one of the parking lots. My boyfriends car was stolen never to be seen again. My car was broken into as well as a coworker of mine who lived there. Some cars had thier gas stolen.The parking lot at night I guess was a free for all as soon as everybody went to sleep. In the back it was worse. I lived toward the front. I had heard that i better not go to the back at night because people got jacked back there. Once someone from a neighboring trailer park spray painted stay out ------- in huge letters on our side of the fence that lined the end of the parking lot.I guess people made a short cut through there by jumpimg the fence.But the sign stayed there for at least a week instead of being removed immediately.The apartment itself was nice though. Other than the fear of being jacked I was fine there...If you didnt have a nice car you didnt have to worry about being jacked. I did have a nice car... so did all my friends and family so.. anyways it seems as though it has gotten worse because there wasnt any straight out drug dealing going on and the pool was always clean

Prospective Resident 696677

Prospect • Visited 2008

A newstory courtesy of WLTX.com on 7/1/08

Four Stabbed at Columbia Apartment Complex Patrick Reed Date last updated: 7/1/2008 2:01:27 PM Smaller Larger Print Article Close Page (WLTX) - Four people are being hospitalized after being stabbed Monday night at Brook Pines apartment complex in Columbia. Columbia Police reported that four women were stabbed, and two of them were run over by a car at the complex at around 9 p.m. Brook Pines complex is near Broad River Road. Two of the women were transported to Lexington Medical Center, where one is in critical condition and another is in stable condition. The other two were transported to Palmetto Health Richland, where one is critical and another is in stable, but guarded condition. The incident is still under investigation by the CPD. Enough said...

X3R0

Resident • 2007 - 2008

New Update So far Still good

Ok So I been getting a few emails here and there about what i wrote before with people still asking me if I like it here. Yes I do I read threw a lot of the reviews and I disagree with them. It's not as bad as people say. Not even close. Maybe I just got a lucky brake but I'm telling you I have had no problem that was not fixed yet. I had a little flood in my bathroom about 6 weeks back but when i called they came out and fixed it that night. THey also cleaned up the mess. I have talked to other people who lived here and they said they have had no big problems here yet. So once again I dont understand where people are coming from on here but hey maybe I got lucky. I like the place and I dont plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Feel Free to email and let me know what you think I open to all emails.... Thanks Here is my brake down rating Parking - Parking in day is good parking at night its a little more packed but you can fine a space not far away if you look Noise - I can hear when people slam doors or stomp down the steps other then that nothing Grounds - Its not like the place is super clean there are a lot of people living here but its not bad. Safety - you can see at night where i stay but i see some parts that are not the best. Also there is a really bad bend that is kinda shady and they tryed to fix it with putting up a stop sign but you cant really see it when you pulling in to the place and i dont think it really help cuz most people drive right thew it Construction - I dont really pay look for things like that the side walks are clear so thats all that matters to me Maintenance - They have fixed any problem i had in great time i cant say anything bad Staff - There are a few really nice people in there there is one person i dont like at all but thats just me. Most are real nice Overall - I have had no problems that where not fixed. I like living here ill be staying

tawana12

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Stay Away from this Complex!

For anyone who is looking for a cheap place to stay then Brook Pines is definitely the place for you. If you are looking for value for money then Brook Pines is not for you. These apartments are over 30 years old and everything breaks down in them. I have lived in these apartments for 8 months now and have made 14 reports to the Management office about stuff breaking down in the apartment. I requested to moved to another apartment because of all the problems and they said that it would cost me $200 to move to another apartment plus I would have to redo all of my paperwork. Now the apartment is full of ants (even though they have come to spray the place twice) and I don't know what to do. We signed up for cable with them and some of the channels don't come through very well and 3 months later they still haven't fixed them. The maintenance guy told us in confidence that the person responsible for fixing the cable lives in another state and so we have to wait till he has the time to come to South Carolina to come an fix the cable. Even the maintenance men complain about the place because apparently the owners are too cheap to buy new stuff or renovate the place. I would never ever ever recommend living at these apartments because they are not worth the stress. STAY AWAY!!! I have pictures to prove how AWFUL this place is.