Committee refers apartment inspection ordinance to full council after broad debate; vote 10-0

Houston’s Proposition A Committee voted 10-0 on May 27 to recommend for full‑council consideration an ordinance aimed at addressing substandard conditions in multifamily housing through a high‑risk apartment inspection program, a reconstituted Apartment Standards Enforcement Committee and new tenant and landlord support measures.

The ordinance would amend Chapter 10 of the Houston Code of Ordinances to create a High Risk Rental Building (HRRB) registration triggered when a property receives 10 or more habitability citations within a 12‑month period. Registered properties would receive initial and follow‑up inspections by city departments, mandatory landlord training for HRRB owners or agents and expanded enforcement powers, including misdemeanor fines and potential revocation of a certificate of occupancy. Committee members moved the measure to the full council with favorable consideration; the referral passed 10‑0 in roll call.

Council Member Plummer, who presented the ordinance, said the measure is “to protect our residents from substandard and dangerous housing conditions” and described the approach as shifting the city from reactive enforcement to prevention. Plummer also emphasized tenant supports: “This ordinance isn’t about enforcement against bad actors. It’s fundamentally about empowering our tenants so that they can advocate for themselves.”

Key provisions described in the committee discussion and the ordinance text: - HRRB registration trigger: 10 or…