Harris County Attorney Secures Accountability for Residents at Dangerous Apartment Complex
HOUSTON – A judge has ordered the owners of a dangerous apartment complex to provide residents with safety and transparency following action sought by Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin’s Office.
For years, residents at the Palms at Rolling Creek have complained of neglect and mismanagement. The substandard living conditions families have been exposed to include sewage overflowing into storm drains, dangerous electrical equipment like junction boxes and open-wiring splices, and even a lack of basic fire safety items like smoke alarms, fire lanes, and emergency evacuation plans.
An injunction signed on Tuesday, August 11, directs management of apartments to take steps to address the conditions of the 180-unit complex. Specifically, management must have a structural integrity assessment performed by a licensed engineer or architect and notify the residents of the assessment. They also have seven days to hire an electrician to walk the property and identify electrical hazards, and 30 days to furnish Harris County with the results of these assessments. The judge also requires that apartment management provide smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for each unit.
“We’re not going to turn a blind eye to families forced to live in deplorable conditions in these complexes,” said County Attorney Abbie Kamin. “Everyone deserves a safe and clean place to live. We’re grateful to the court for recognizing the dire circumstances these families were subjected to.”
The County Attorney’s Office currently has two active lawsuits focused on this property—one focusing on fire safety concerns, and one addressing sewage overflow concerns.