Residents at a North Houston apartment complex report serious health concerns stemming from extensive mold growth and pest infestations, all while they say management remains unresponsive to their complaints.
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Multiple tenants at Haverstock Hills Apartments on Aldine Bender Road describe deteriorating living conditions that pose potential health risks to families, including young children.
“We don’t come in here, they don’t sleep in here, and as you can see, you can see why,” said Breana Thompson, pointing to what looks to be widespread mold contamination in her unit.
Thompson, who says she has been waiting three weeks for a response from management, has 5 children, including an 8-month-old baby. Thompson says one of the children has developed a persistent cough and another has dealt with severe allergies because of the mold.
Thompson and other residents also report:
- Roach infestations
- Water damage causing electrical issues
- Faulty appliances
Former residents’ experiences were equally troubling. “There were feces backups from the tub and toilet. The dishwasher and sink connection, you couldn’t wash anything because you couldn’t get it to go down. There were molds so bad,” said Jackleen Searcy, mother of a former tenant who was forced to relocate due to the conditions.
When we went to the leasing office about these issues, the staff claimed no knowledge of mold problems and directed tenants to submit work orders online. However, residents say that the online system has proven ineffective in addressing their concerns.
The Houston Health Department advises residents facing ignored health and safety issues to:
- Call 311 to file a formal complaint
- Wait for the health department investigators to inspect the property
The health department maintains the authority to issue citations that would require management to address these hazardous living conditions.
