Houston officials are set to advance an ordinance targeting unsafe and unsanitary apartment complexes after repeated delays, with final council action expected by late April.
The proposed rules would establish a registry of “high-risk rental buildings” based on repeated health and safety violations. Properties on the registry would face ongoing inspections and fines for persistent violations.
City Council members Tiffany Thomas and Martha Castex-Tatum will lead two community engagement meetings in Alief and Northside over the coming weeks to gather input from tenants, property owners, and operators before moving the ordinance through the housing and economic development committees. Castex-Tatum emphasized that the sessions aim to hear from residents experiencing problems, as well as successful operators who can share best practices.
The community meetings are scheduled for:
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. at Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd.
- Thursday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. at Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Blvd.
Council member Tiffany Thomas noted that the core proposal—how buildings are added to the high-risk registry—is unlikely to change, with public engagement being the primary remaining step.
The ordinance was delayed twice in 2025 after opposition from the Houston Apartment Association and concerns about insufficient public input. Former council member Letitia Plummer, who championed the measure before stepping down to run for Harris County judge, criticized the ongoing delays.
Mayor John Whitmire called the upcoming engagement sessions “an excellent, deliberative way to reach the best product” and plans to attend the meetings.