HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Housing Authority is providing an update on the rodent infestation at an apartment complex near downtown Houston after KPRC 2 reported on the issue times.
Last week, KPRC 2 reporter Joy Addison spoke to Marlei Cannedy, and several other residents, who did not want to be identified, about the continuing rat infestation at the Columbia Senior Apartment Complex located at 2100 Memorial.
Cannedy and the other residents said they were afraid to continue speaking up out of fear of retaliation from management. And after the story aired, Cannedy said she was asked by management if she would be “moving properties.”
When KPRC 2 reported on this and reached out to the Houston Housing Authority about the situation, we received a detailed response about what was happening and being done to resolve the issue.
The Houston Housing Authority said they have investigated the rodent concerns at the Columbia Senior Apartments and found the following:
- On-site management identified and confirmed that it is not a property-wide issue. The complaints of rodents had already been addressed and a representative from Columbia flew to Houston specifically to investigate the allegations before any news stories were aired.
- Only 2 adjacent units were affected and once the management was notified, immediate steps were taken to address concerns.
- Management never conveyed that any resident’s tenancy would be in jeopardy if they spoke about having any issues with rodents in their units. Residents regularly contact management as concerns arise and those concerns are addressed properly, without repercussions for the tenant.
- The individual interviewed in the KPRC report on December 4, 2024, was offered alternate accommodations within the property, as well as off-site, after the incident was first reported to management, but declined both alternatives.
