HOUSTON – Families at Cullen Park Apartments say they’ve spent years living with unsafe and unlivable conditions.
After weeks of KPRC 2 reports exposing mold, broken air conditioning, and mounting health concerns, city leaders are now stepping in with a promise of full inspections and accountability.
EN ESPANOL: Ciudad ordena inspección completa en Cullen Park Apartments tras investigación de KPRC 2
Inspections underway at all 240 units
On Wednesday, Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz joined inspectors at Cullen Park Apartments as the city began walking through every single unit.
The order covers all 240 apartments, with leaders pledging that families will no longer be forced to wait in dangerous conditions.
“I want to say if they get to an apartment where it is not safe for someone to live there, I want them moved,” Evans-Shabazz told KPRC 2.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Residents confront Cullen Park Apartments management over living conditions
City officials say families could be relocated to hotels if inspections find units too dangerous to remain occupied.
Families told us they felt ignored
For weeks, KPRC 2 has interviewed tenants who described daily struggles inside the complex. Children sleeping next to mold, parents filing dozens of work orders that go unanswered, and residents left without air conditioning during Houston’s hottest months.
“It’s been years of asking for repairs and nothing changes,” one resident said. “We feel like nobody cared until now.”
KPRC 2’s earlier reporting showed parents pleading for help while living with broken doors, pest infestations, and leaks that spread mold across bedrooms.
City says owners covered up problems
Evans-Shabazz accused management of cleaning up conditions temporarily to pass federal inspections.
“These people have lived in these conditions for months, maybe years,” she said. “Then the complex gets a notice that HUD is coming to inspect, and they clean up the face of the apartment so that when they come, it appears to be in compliance.”
She added: “No slumlord is safe. Do not think that because we’re dealing with this company today that we’re not looking to deal with you tomorrow.”
Accountability for both owners and tenants
The councilmember also delivered a pointed message to residents, saying she expects them to take responsibility for maintaining clean spaces.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” Evans-Shabazz said. “If you have a responsibility to keep your environment clean, that is what you are expected to do.”
She emphasized that while the city will hold property owners accountable for repairs, tenants must also do their part.
What happens next
City officials say this week’s inspections are only the beginning. Repairs will be mandated where needed, and the city has promised ongoing oversight. Leaders also say property owners could face legal action if they fail to comply.
Evans-Shabazz, who toured several units with inspectors, said what she witnessed inside cannot be ignored.
“I love people and I’m not just here to sit in a seat and take pictures,” she said. “I’m here to do the work.”
Families at Cullen Park Apartments told KPRC 2 they are waiting to see if the city’s promises finally lead to safe homes.
