Renting by the hour: Recording studio operating in a gated community frustrates neighbors

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Residents of a Spring Branch subdivision say a home advertised online as a recording studio has brought late-night disturbances, safety concerns, and police visits, even as the people inside insist they are running a legal business.

Neighbors in the Kolbe Farms gated community shared cell phone videos showing shouting, parties, and crowds outside the home on the 2400 block of Hollister Road in Spring Branch. They say it's an issue they have been battling for five years.

Kate Hanley, who lives next door, said the noise happens "almost every night, late into the night."

"It's dangerous, it's loud, it's a nuisance, it's a nuisance on a nightly basis. There are major safety issues," Hanley said.

On Instagram, the home is promoted as an hourly rental recording studio. Neighbors say that has led to ongoing problems.

"You walk outside, and it just reeks of marijuana, loud music, people standing around, hopping the fence, breaking the gate," said Thomas Gates, who lives three doors down.

Property records show the home was owned until recently by Toyin Dada, who is facing unrelated felony insurance fraud charges. Records also show Dada was behind on HOA dues, leading the homeowners association to foreclose on the property. It was sold to a new owner on Aug. 4.

"So right now they're partying in a house they don't even own," Juliet Hanley said.

A woman who identified herself as a longtime friend and business associate of Dada opened the door when Eyewitness News knocked today. Going by her social media name "Pinkk," she defended her operation of the studio. She said she was upset neighbors called police the same night the home was foreclosed and sold.

"The police have been in here arresting people, off false reports because they don't want us here, doing business," Pinkk said.

She also pointed out that, under state law, owners foreclosed by HOAs are allowed a grace period to buy it back.

"So you have 180 days to redeem the property; that's what we're doing right now."

Real estate records show the HOA foreclosed on the property once before, in 2024, and Dada paid the dues and purchased the home within the grace period.

Frustrated homeowners have contacted police and city officials. Council Member Amy Peck said she has been involved in discussions for more than a year.

"This is an ongoing investigation. But what I can say is that HPD is very aware of the situation, and they're working diligently to make sure any criminal activity that is going on here, they can work with that and try to prevent it with the community," Peck said.

Peck said the current owner can file eviction papers against the people running the studio but has not done so.

"There's nothing against running a business out of your home," said Pinkk.

However, HOA rules reviewed by ABC13 prohibit home-run commercial businesses.

For now, the recording studio continues to operate, even though those inside were supposed to leave after the sale. Neighbors say they hope the new homeowner, the HOA or city officials will help resolve the situation.