HOUSTON — City officials met with residents Thursday to discuss concerns about problem apartment properties and proposed changes to the city’s apartment code.
During the meeting, City Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas highlighted a reporting tool called CPTED, which allows residents to request city audits of properties for issues such as lighting, gates, overgrown shrubs, and boarded units.
A Houston Police Department sergeant said the department plans to inform landlords of audit findings and give them time to address problems before issuing citations.
Tenants raised concerns that the city does not test for mold, instead requiring landlords to correct the conditions that cause it. Residents said this creates a loophole, allowing landlords to conceal mold by painting over affected areas.
The meeting included residents from districts A, F, G, J, and K. Another session for districts C, B, H, I, D, and E is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at the Harris County Department of Education.