Families at Glenwood Village Condominiums in southeast Houston say they are paying hundreds each month in rent or HOA fees, but their homes are unsafe and falling apart.
“We keep paying, but nothing gets fixed”
The community is divided — half of the units are owned, tied to HOA fees of about $280 a month. The other half are rented for $1,000 or more. Renters don’t pay HOA fees, but they say repairs take months or never happen.
“I pay $280 a month, plus an extra $10 for paying online, and nothing gets fixed,” one owner told KPRC 2.
Another renter added, “I pay $1,140 a month for rent, and they take forever to repair.”
One woman said she lived without hot water for more than a year. “We were boiling water just to take a shower. A year and a half, no hot water.”
Citations date back to 2023
City records show the property has been cited three times since 2023. But residents say the problems continue.
“This place looks like it hasn’t been touched in years,” said one condo owner. “We live in Houston, not in a third-world country.”
“This is a death trap”
Beyond broken mailboxes, leaning fences, and abandoned buildings, residents pointed KPRC 2 to three massive holes dug in front of one building.
Neighbors say they were told the holes were for structural repairs. Months later, they’re still open — now filled with dirty water, tree branches, and debris.
“This is a hazard. This is a death trap,” one resident said, standing feet from the openings.
Another resident said children play near the area. “They cut down trees and told workers to dump the branches in the holes. It’s dangerous for all of us.”
City responds after KPRC 2 calls
After KPRC 2 began making calls, the City of Houston sent inspectors to the property Thursday. Officials say this was the first time they were made aware of the holes.
“We’re getting involved as quickly as we can,” said Juan Pablo Cabello, Director of Constituent Services for Council Member Joaquin Martinez. “We’re talking to the neighbors, talking to the residents, and working with the management to see where the next step is.”
City staff say more inspections and follow-ups are planned. Martinez’s office confirmed the councilman is considering visiting the property himself.
Management stays silent
KPRC 2 also tried speaking with Andrea, the property manager residents deal with directly. She declined to answer questions, telling us only to “visit the website.”
Residents fear losing everything
Some owners told KPRC 2 they’ve invested their life savings into their condos, fixing the inside with their own money — but they’re scared the property’s management could still push them out.
“I paid fifty thousand dollars for my unit. I remodeled everything myself. If they kick me out, I lose everything,” one owner said.
Another father with a child with autism said he’s asked for repairs to his fence to keep his daughter safe. “I can fix it myself, but what if they remove us after I spend the money? Everything I worked for would be gone.”
What’s next
Residents say they want answers — and repairs — before conditions get worse.
“People pay good money, people have families that live here,” one renter said. “We deserve to go home to a safe place.”