UPDATE: The Houston City Council is poised to take a bold step in combatting unsafe living conditions for renters. On October 25, 2023, council members will vote on a groundbreaking ordinance that could create a public “naughty list” targeting substandard apartment complexes. This initiative aims to pressure landlords into improving conditions across the city.
Council Member Letitia Plummer, who has championed this reform for nearly five years, revealed that out of approximately 5,000 apartment complexes in Houston, nearly 2,500 fail to meet the state’s habitability standards. “We need to take action,” Plummer stated. “These complexes must be held accountable.”
If approved, the ordinance will establish the Apartment Standards Enforcement Committee (ASEC), a collaborative body uniting various departments, including health, fire, and solid waste, to tackle health and safety violations. “This unification of stakeholders has never happened before,” Plummer explained. “Typically, everyone operates in silos, making it hard to track issues.”
The newly formed ASEC will be responsible for publishing a list of the “top five worst complexes” every six months. Properties that land on this notorious list will have six months to rectify complaints or face further action. In cases of urgent issues, such as lack of running water, the deadline will be significantly shortened.
Residents are already voicing their support for this initiative. Shemekia Brooks, a tenant experiencing severe issues like rats and mold in her Sunnyside apartment, expressed her hope for swift action. “That needs to happen. They need to pass that bill as soon as possible,” Brooks stated emphatically.
Plummer’s plan aims not only to improve living conditions but also to raise public awareness. “You’re going on the naughty list, and everyone in Houston will know!” she said with a laugh, underscoring the initiative’s intent to shame non-compliant landlords into action.
As the vote approaches, Houston residents are urged to stay informed about the potential changes that could significantly impact the city’s rental landscape. The outcome of this vote could set a precedent for other cities grappling with similar issues.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. Follow Shannon Ryan on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest news.
