The City of Houston is preparing to take a firmer stance against landlords who fail to maintain livable conditions in apartment complexes. A new ordinance, set to be discussed by the city council in June, would enable city departments to act against properties with repeated violations. With complaints ranging from mould to rodents and a lack of basic utilities, city officials say this measure aims to hold landlords accountable and improve the quality of life for tenants.

A Push for Accountability

Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer has been drafting the Apartment Inspection Ordinance since 2021. Her goal is to create a legal framework that compels landlords to act when tenants report serious living condition issues. The ordinance would formalize collaboration between multiple city departments to respond more effectively to tenant complaints.

High-Risk Properties Under the Microscope

The proposed ordinance outlines that apartment complexes with 10 or more verified complaints—either through 311 reports or police calls within one year would be labelled as high-risk properties. These properties would be subject to increased scrutiny, including mandatory inspections and follow-ups.

A Coordinated City Effort

If passed, the ordinance would bring together the Houston Mayor’s Office, Police Department, and Health Department to enforce compliance. This collaboration would streamline enforcement and ensure that landlords who repeatedly ignore tenant concerns are identified and addressed more quickly.

What Tenants Are Enduring

Councilmember Plummer highlighted common problems reported by tenants: rodents, mould, lack of air conditioning, and no running water. These are not isolated cases. Through initiatives like ABC13’s Renters Rights, these complaints have become familiar, painting a consistent picture of neglect in certain complexes.

Inspection Program in Action

The new ordinance would activate a high-risk apartment inspection program, which mandates initial and follow-up visits by city inspectors. This would allow residents to see tangible improvements, as well as help the city track which landlords are consistently failing to maintain safe conditions.

Transparency for Future Tenants

An important aspect of the ordinance is public awareness. The city would maintain a list of problem properties, making it easier for renters to know which complexes have a history of violations before signing a lease. “People will actually be able to see and know who those bad actors are,” said Taylor Laredo of Texas Housers.

Monitoring Costs and Future Fees

Currently, the ordinance does not include new inspection fees. However, the departments involved will be responsible for monitoring related costs. Discussions about potential inspection fees may arise later, depending on the program’s financial demands.

Next Steps at City Council

The proposed ordinance will be brought up for discussion at a general council meeting in June. Plummer is hopeful the ordinance will pass and bring long-awaited structural change to how the city handles housing violations. This new ordinance aims to give renters more protection and hold landlords to higher standards. By clearly defining what constitutes a high-risk property and ensuring cooperation across departments, Houston is looking to create a safer, more transparent rental market for its residents.