New Apartment Inspections Net Positive Results

HOUSTON, TEXAS–In April, the city of Houston completed the first month of proactive apartment inspections in its history. The inspections are a result of bi-partisan legislation passed by State Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) and State Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) which required that the city create minimum habitability standards for all multi-family units in the city limits as well as a regular inspection program.

Bohac and Ellis worked with city officials, local leaders and other stakeholders to pass the legislation during the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature. Subsequently, former City Councilmember Toni Lawrence led the Regulation, Development and Neighborhood Protection Committee for the city in the drafting and passing of the ordinance that implemented the Bohac/Ellis Bill. The new ordinance was unanimously adopted by the city council in the latter part of 2009 and adequate resources were devoted as well.

The ordinance established habitability standards and a regular inspection program for the roughly 4,000 apartment complexes in Houston. The program will inspect for over 45 different items, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other safety and aesthetic conditions. The intent of the legislation is to reduce crime and make communities safer by ensuring habitability standards are met.

“Apartment owners who allow their properties to deteriorate are going to be held accountable for their negligence,” said Bohac. “By the same token this will also give those apartment owners who maintain their properties a chance to showcase their product and use a higher rating to attract new tenants.”

The inspection program began with the oldest apartment complexes first and those who failed to register their property with the city by the January 31st deadline. In April the city inspected approximately 30 properties and plan to increase the number to approximately 50 complexes per month by May and moving forward. These initial inspections found several properties in violation of the new habitability standards. The city worked closely with the property owners to repair the violations.

“These proactive inspections are working, as the first month of inspections revealed,” said Bohac. “We will see more and more properties completely comply with local code as the city scrutinizes multi-unit properties.”

These standards and inspections will ensure that the estimated 1 million Houstonians who live in apartments have a home that is safe and secure. Neighborhoods surrounding apartments will benefit as well as communities becomes safer and more secure for homeowner and renter alike.