Beachfront living hasn't been ideal for some Antigua Apartment tenants along Galveston's Seawall. In February 2024, power problems forced some to string cords for weeks.
In July 2024, tenants said Hurricane Beryl put holes in roofs. For others, plumbing problems put what smelled and looked like sewage into their sinks, dishwashers, and tubs.
These were issues that caught the attention of city leaders. In August 2024, inspectors were on site. About a month later, they slapped the owner with hundreds of violations for several issues, including structural problems, rodent infestations, and mold issues.
Nearly a year later, tenants said they received their own letter about a week ago. This time, from an attorney representing the property owner.
"She gave us a 30-day notice," tenant George McCullough recalled. "September the 12th, I have to be out of here."
McCullough has called Antigua home for three years. Now, he's racing to find somewhere new to live.
"I'm not giving up because God brought me this far," McCullough said. "He's going to keep on carrying me until the day he calls on me."
A city spokesperson told ABC13 they've regularly met with the owner. They say improvements have been made, including leak repairs, and say tenants have been moved to new units.
The spokesperson said the city is aware that all tenants have been asked to leave, but isn't involved with helping them find a new place. It's a forced move that legal experts say is different than an eviction.
"Something like that alone doesn't necessarily impact the tenant when they're trying to find alternative or new housing," Amagwula Law owner Richard Amagwula explained.
Legal experts said violations and health concerns allow landlords to give a notice to vacate, even if you have a lease. As for what's coming, the city says no permits have been pulled.
In referral letters from the complex, tenants shared with ABC13 that the property will be sold and torn down.
"It's time for change," McCullough said. "Everybody is facing change now."
It's a change that could change a piece of Galveston's Seawall for nearly 50 years, and one that's been plagued by issues as well.
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