Houston Apartment Complex Overrun by Rats, Fires, and Trash

Widespread Pest Infestation

• 🐀 Residents at the Cullen Park apartment complex in Southeast Houston are experiencing a severe rat infestation, with rodents reportedly inside their units.
• ⚠️ Video footage of numerous rats on the property has gone viral, highlighting the extent of the problem.

Safety Hazards and Structural Issues

• 🔥 One resident reported her apartment catching fire three times due to unspecified issues, with visible smoke damage remaining.
• 🚪 Another resident struggles with a door that frequently gets stuck, requiring a knife to open, raising significant safety concerns.
• 🏚️ Houston Public Works has received multiple complaints, including issues with rats, trash, and a floor caving in at one apartment.

City Response and Resident Rights

• 🏙️ The city has issued citations to the complex for weeds, brush, and trash.
• ⚖️ Legal Aid explains that in Texas, residents have limited rights regarding rent withholding, even with severe issues like rats or mold.
• ✉️ To address problems, residents must send a certified letter to management, giving the landlord a presumed seven days to fix the issues.
• 🧑‍⚖️ If the landlord ignores complaints after proper notification, residents can file a lawsuit.
• ℹ️ Lonestar Legal Aid offers resources and information for residents facing these issues.