Houston city leaders approve upgraded apartment inspections, cracking down on 'high-risk' rentals

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston City Council members approved an ordinance aimed at improving oversight of multifamily rental properties.

The code enforcement change that was approved on Wednesday is meant to improve the apartment oversight system by creating a proactive inspection program.

"High-risk" rental properties will now be subject to mandatory registries and routine compliance checks, according to Houston City Council member Tiffany D. Thomas.

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Councilmember Thomas stated shortly after the ordinance was passed that this is a commitment to Houstonians living in multifamily rental properties.

"We have to reaffirm our commitment to affordable and quality housing, and we can't do that if Houstonians are living in squalid and poor conditions," Thomas said.

Council members discussed the living conditions at some rental properties.

"The issues that we are experiencing. The gates don't work, there's damage to the structure, the elevators are down, there are broken windows," Thomas said.

Landlords who fail to resolve issues could face fines of up to $2,000 per day, according to Thomas. If the problems persist, the city will have the ability to revoke a property's certificate of occupancy.

The city is expected to implement the new inspection rules in the near future.