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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Tenants of Kent Place Residences in Englewood reached out to Contact7 and said the high rent they pay doesn't match up to expectations when it comes to maintenance and safety. They're blaming Avenue5 Residential, the company that manages the complex located off University and Hampden.
One resident, Bradie Allen, has lived at Kent Place Residences for five years. She said the complex wants the luxury standard reputation, but doesn't want to do the work to maintain those standards, which residents were attracted to.
"Avenue5 took over about two years ago," she said. "That's when we've seen the steepest decline in our standards, in our security, in ongoing maintenance and larger maintenance issues.
It's the crime that Allen says has become the biggest concern for her and about 30 other tenants who have joined together to make their voices heard to Avenue5.
Allen told Conctact7 smash and grabs happen often inside the complex's private garage. Vehicles have been stolen too, she said. She shared photos of a ransacked car trunk and a picture of a maintenance vehicle that had recently been stolen.
"At one point in time, we had a written notification that we’d be getting additional security cameras and that they would be installed. They never showed up," Allen said.
It got so bad that one former resident, Bart Barron, picked up and moved.
"I finally said I had had it," he said. "It just kept getting worse and worse. I'm older than your average guy and I was worried for my well-being and safety."
Other recent issues have come up too. Allen says there hasn't been a concierge to man the front desk since the COVID-19 pandemic.
"That would make sense for people's safety, but why would they still have leasing agents in the office and no concierge?" Allen asked.
She said that may sound like a "first-world problem," but it has become a security issue.
"Some of my neighbors aren't getting their critical medications because no one is downstairs to sign off on a delivery," she said.
Contact7 reached out to Kent Place management. The team said in a statement: "The comfort and care of each of our residents is our primary focus, especially during this difficult time, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to serve them. Unfortunately, criminal activities are not confined to any particular geographical area, so we, like many other communities, are engaging with local law enforcement as well as our Neighborhood Watch to ensure that we and our residents stay up-to-date on any relevant developments. We will continue to listen to our residents and work to implement initiatives that will enhance their living experience."
The company's lawyer also sent a letter to disgruntled tenants, including Allen, stating that "reasonable efforts" had been made to address concerns. The letter went on to say, "We therefore demand that you cease the hostile behavior towards the landlord, ownership group and other investors."
Contact7 reached out to the Englewood Police Department, which said there have been extra patrols around the complex and that residents are being asked to lock their vehicles and report suspicious activity.
Meanwhile, Allen says it wouldn't take much to keep her happy and feeling safe.
"We’re happy residents here. We love the property. We love the location. We love the amenities when they’re in working order," she said. "All we want are things to be fixed."
