HOUSTON – From broken air conditioning to pest infestations—and even reports of gunfire outside their doors—some Houston apartment tenants say they’ve been living in unsafe and unlivable conditions for years.
Now, city leaders are considering a new ordinance that could crack down on the highest risk apartment complexes across Houston.
At an apartment complex in the Braeburn area, tenants say problems persisted for years before new management stepped in.
Ade Adewinke has lived at the complex near South Gessner and Braeswood for about six years. He says conditions under previous management were difficult to endure.
“No hot water, no AC, roaches, maintenance problems, gang violence, shooting every night,” Adewinke said.
Adewinke said the issues became so severe that he tried to move out—but couldn’t afford to.
“What I’m making is not enough for me to move,” he said.
He says many residents felt stuck, forced to deal with ongoing issues because they had limited housing options.
City data shows there have been more than 130 calls to Houston’s 311 system tied to the complex since May 2024—an average of about one complaint every five days.
According to city leaders, complaints made through 311 can sometimes be misrouted to different departments, causing delays in response and resolution.
That concern is part of what’s driving a proposed ordinance backed by several council members, including Letitia Plummer.
If approved, the ordinance would create a High-Risk Apartment Inspection Program aimed at identifying and improving the city’s most troubled complexes.
Under the proposal:
- Multifamily apartment complexes with three or more units could be flagged as “high-risk”
- Properties would be identified based on high volumes of 3-1-1 complaints and verified safety or health violations
- Once labeled high-risk, complexes would be required to:
- Register with the city
- Undergo an inspection within 30 days
- Fix violations within a set timeframe
Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 per violation, per day.
Supporters say the ordinance would shift Houston away from relying solely on tenant complaints—and toward a more proactive system that forces accountability.
Adewinke says conditions at his complex have improved since new management took over last year, with upgrades and better maintenance.
Still, he believes the ordinance could help protect renters across the city, especially those who may not have the ability to move elsewhere.
“That will really help us as renters. You want to come home and relax and not worry about anything,” he said.
He added that renters who consistently pay their rent deserve safe living conditions.
“If you pay your rent all the time, you have the right to live. You don’t have to worry about it,” said Adewinke.
Houston City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance Wednesday.
According to the city, inspectors receive about 3,300 to 3,600 311 complaints each year.