Video of dozens of rats running amok at the Cullen Park apartment complex in the Sunnyside area has gone viral. Residents say the rodents are inside their units.
HOUSTON — Tenants at an apartment complex in southeast Houston say they’re sick and tired of living with rats, piles of trash and even fire hazards.
A video showing rats on the property recently went viral, prompting renewed scrutiny from both the city and community organizations.
One mother, who asked not to be identified due to fear of retaliation, told KHOU 11 her apartment has caught fire three times. Smoke damage is still visible inside her unit. She said the complex replaced her stove after one fire, but now another issue has her worried.
The woman said the front door gets stuck, so sometimes she has to pry it open with a knife.
“If there’s another fire, I’d have to get my kids out through the second-floor window,” she told KHOU 11. “My biggest fear is that something happens while they’re asleep.”
City officials with Houston Public Works confirm they’ve received several complaints about the Cullen Park complex about these issues, along with a floor that collapsed in one apartment.
So far, the city has cited the complex for code violations, including overgrown brush, garbage accumulation, and unsanitary conditions.
City inspectors say they plan to revisit Cullen Park Apartments later this month to assess whether any improvements have been made.
A city councilwoman who represents the Sunnyside area was at the complex on Thursday to hear from residents first-hand.
Apartment management has not responded to KHOU 11’s repeated requests for comment.
Renters’ rights in Texas
In the meantime, housing advocates say renters in Texas do have some protections, though the legal process to get repairs can be slow.
“In Texas, it’s almost impossible to legally withhold rent—even if you have rats or mold,” Erik Kwartler, an attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid, said. “Keep paying rent. That’s how the law works here.”
According to Kwartler, tenants must send a certified letter to the landlord detailing the issue and requesting repairs. That starts a legal timeline. The landlord then has seven days to address the problems.
If the landlord fails to act, tenants may be able to file a lawsuit under the Texas Property Code.
Residents dealing with unresolved issues are encouraged to contact Lone Star Legal Aid at 713-652-0077 for free legal assistance.