Tenant advocates press council to advance apartment inspections ordinance; city says legal review underway

Tenant advocates from Texas Housers asked the City Council on Oct. 14 to bring forward an apartment inspection ordinance that would strengthen code enforcement and protect renters living in substandard housing.

Julia Arduna of Texas Housers said many low‑income renters live in Class C and D apartments with mold, pests, broken elevators and nonworking air conditioning, and she argued that landlords regularly retaliate against tenants who report code violations. Arduna asked the council to “bring this ordinance to a vote” and said residents have waited years for stronger enforcement.

A city staff member responded that the draft ordinance had been submitted to the city legal department for review and noted council members David (last name not specified in the transcript), Shabazz and Pollard had signed on. The staff member said legal review typically takes seven days and said staff would check status and attempt to place the ordinance on a future agenda.

Why it matters: More than half of Houston households are renters; advocates said a large share are cost‑burdened and lack leverage to pursue habitability complaints. Advocates framed the ordinance as a tool to reduce tenant displacement and to improve living conditions.

Next steps: Staff said it would follow up with legal and notify advocates about scheduling if the review completes.