Residents of the Providence at Baytown apartment complex are speaking out about the deteriorating living conditions they say they’ve endured for years.
From raw sewage and overflowing trash bins to pest infestations and a lack of hot water, tenants say their concerns have been largely ignored.
KPRC 2’s Deven Clarke visited the complex to highlight these issues and share what legal experts suggest tenants can do to advocate for change.
“This is the Providence at Baytown. A lot of issues here. Lots of issues,” a tenant named Amy Magby noted.
Magby, who has lived in the complex for two and a half years, expressed frustration over ongoing maintenance problems.
“The dishwasher has never worked. I was without a stove for two weeks at one point,” she said.
The presence of pests is a significant concern for many tenants.
“There are roaches just crawling around. Do you see them? They’re everywhere,” Magby added, pointing out the extent of the infestation.
She also described alarming water issues.
“I will come into the hallway from my bedroom, and the water will be here, coming all the way out from underneath the toilet,” she explained. “Sometimes sewage, always a leak.” She also mentioned the presence of mold, which has become a health hazard.
Residents are also frustrated by overflowing trash bins.
“We really don’t know the last time the trash was picked up. The last I heard was that the bill wasn’t paid,” Magby said, highlighting the lack of communication from management.
The conditions extend beyond just trash and plumbing.
“This apartment’s been vacant for over a year, as you can see it’s all damaged. Mold everywhere, and we’ve all just been living in these conditions for years,” said John Rodriguez, another resident.
He pointed out that the trash attracts pests, making the situation even more unbearable.
The amenities advertised by the complex have also fallen short.
“This is one of our sparkling pools that they advertise. It’s been this way since I moved here,” Magby said pointing to stagnating green water that has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Residents have attempted to reach out to the leasing office for help, but their calls often go unanswered.
“If we have a maintenance request, we have to do it on the portal. They’ll mark it done, but most of the time it doesn’t get done,” Magby said, expressing frustration over the lack of responsiveness.
In light of these ongoing issues, Magby said the mayor of Baytown has agreed to meet with some residents to discuss potential solutions.
Legal experts from Lone Star Legal Aid suggest that tenants can take action by contacting the city’s Building Code Enforcement Division to file a complaint.
If residents wish to pursue legal action against their landlord, they should ensure their rent is up to date and send a certified letter requesting repairs to enforce their rights in court.
As the situation develops, residents hope for improvements that will enhance their living conditions at the Providence at Baytown.
This is a developing story which will be updated when new information becomes available.
