Harris Co. files injunction against north Harris County apartment complex already facing lawsuits

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A north Harris County apartment complex already facing legal action over alleged fire safety and sewage problems is now under a court injunction requiring management to address a series of health and safety concerns.

The Palms at Rolling Creek, a 180-unit complex, has been the subject of resident complaints about deteriorating living conditions for years. Residents say they have dealt with leaking and damaged roofs, broken air conditioning, plumbing failures, insect infestations and other problems inside their apartments.

Harris County sued the complex's owners in 2024 after reports that plumbing problems had become so severe that residents had to navigate around raw sewage on the property. The county has now filed an injunction directing the owners to comply with the Texas Health and Safety Code and Harris County fire code.

Several residents who spoke with ABC13 declined to be identified, saying they feared retaliation from apartment management. They described persistent water leaks, problems with appliances and roach infestations.

"When you guys have had these issues, has management done anything to fix them?" ABC13 asked one resident.

"No," the resident responded.

Management at The Palms at Rolling Creek said it is already working to resolve the concerns listed in the injunction. Residents, however, said they have not seen repairs being made.

According to the injunction, in May, a fire started near an electrical panel and caused damage to 4 units. Earlier this week, a Harris County Sheriff's deputy was shocked while messing with a breaker at the apartment complex after residents reported concerns of the complex being without power.

Under the judge's order, management must arrange for a licensed engineer or architect to conduct a structural-integrity assessment. The complex also must hire an electrician to inspect the property and identify electrical hazards. Management is required to provide Harris County with weekly updates on its progress.

In addition, the injunction requires the complex to provide smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for every apartment unit. The injunction says many units do not have them.

The Harris County Attorney's Office said cases requiring this type of injunction are uncommon, arising only a few times each year.