Sewage overflowing in NE Houston apartments

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- You've heard about renter's nightmares -- electricity turned off, leaking roofs and tenants who complain the problems aren't fixed quickly.

For 10 years, Angela Benjamin said she has lived at the Kashmere Apartments in northeast Houston.

"I work six days a week, I pay my rent on time, and this is what happens. It's horrible," Benjamin said.

Last week, a sewer line collapsed and sent sewage spilling into several units. Inside Benjamin's bathroom today, the commode sits in the tub, placed there by a plumber who tried to determine what the problem was.

"The sewage is still coming in from other units," Benjamin said.

Tuesday a man with a wet vac was at work trying to contain the spill.

"It's awful," Benjamin said. "Every day we have poop coming in."

Now she said the affected tenants substitute buckets for a working toilet.

"They told us to go to a unit they're using for storage, but sometimes we can't get them to open it in the middle of the night," Benjamin said.

Because of the major repair job involved, Benjamin and those in the other three units were told they have to move until repairs are completed.

"Where are we supposed to go?" she asked. Benjamin believes other apartments are available in the 15 unit building, but the manager on site said they're full.

"We're doing everything we can," said manager Donna Corley. "We offered to return their April rents and trying to relocate them into another complex."

Benjamin said that offer came only after Eyewitness News asked questions. She said she plans to take it, and may not return.

"It's been degrading," Benjamin said.

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