From rat and roach infestations, to faulty air conditioning units and no hot water, complaints from renters remain the highest number of requests for our Problem Solver.
Unfortunately for renters, some property managers are slow to respond to maintenance requests.
In tonight’s Problem Solver follow-up report, our Darian Trotter turned to the city to see what’s being done to address non-compliant complexes.
Got a problem, we’ve got a solver.
From sewage leaks, to rodent and roach infestations, the Problem Solver has tackled them all.
But property managers at far too many apartment complexes just can’t seem to get it together.
“We have to boil water in order for us to take a shower, a bath,” said renter Cynthia Olivares.
Cynthia Olivares knows all too well.
She’s gone 6-months at Barcelo Apartments with no hot water.
“When I wash dishes, I have to boil water in order for it, for me to get hot water,” said Olivares.
“The whole floor was flooded,” said Tiela Moses. “Everything.”
Tiela Moses recorded video of repeated flooding inside her apartment, where she says front office managers ignored warning signs.
“I even reached out to the corporate office but they ignored me and pushed me to the side,” Moses said.
Ongoing issues like theirs are why two years ago, the City of San Antonio launched its Proactive Apartment Inspections Program.
It’s when Code Enforcement officers show up at apartment complexes unannounced, searchnig for violations.
Investigative Reporter Darian Trotter asked, “What does management say? First they said it was the boilers and they were working on it,” said Olivares. “Then when i wanted updates, we have no updates.
“Well, we’re waiting on plumbers,” said Olivares. “So then I asked again, well, we’re still waiting on plumbers.”
“In apartments, there’s multiple units and when it goes bad it can be really unsafe for a lot of families, a lot of people,” said Michael Shannon.
When the city launched the Proactive Program, Development Services Director Michael Shannon explained, property managers who fail to timely address code violations could be placed on the city’s worst offenders list for six months.
“For those that don’t take this seriously, we think this will improve the safety standards for the tenants, their living conditions,” said Shannon.
Apartment complexes that rack up three citations or more within the 6-month period are fined $100 for every apartment in the complex.
That means property managers with 200 apartments would be forced to pay $20,000 a year.
Complexes that make the Worst Offenders List are subject to relentless pop-up visits from Code Enforcment officers and potentially fined again for violations that remains unaddressed.
If fines don’t work, property managers are scheduled to appear before a Municipal Court Judge.
“It’s been frustrating. It’s been a frustrating ride,” said Olivares.
Barcelo Apartments was on the city’s list but graduated out of the program last June by addressing all violations.
But now, given recent issues there; including no hot water, no trash pick up and a host of maintenance issues, Barcelo is back on the list.
“We have a minimum property health and safety standards that we expect anyone who’s living in San Antonio to have,” said Shannon.
The city’s thrown every corrective measure they have at Barcelo and other repeat offenders; including escalating cases by scheduling administrative court hearings.
During those hearing judges can slap complexes with fees of $300, $500, or $1,000 per violation.
But in order to be effective, property managers have to show up.
Barcelo has already been a no show for 2 of it’s 39-municiple court hearings.
Frankly, it appears nothing seems to get property managers at Barcelo to do the right thing.
Trotter asked, “Okay, what’s going on with the trash? I have no idea,” replied Olivares. “It’s been like that since February.”
“It makes me feel like I’m taking for granted because I’m still paying my rent , and yet I’m not getting results,” said Olivares.
We asked city leaders what’s being done to further address non-compliant complexes.
They explained, the Proactive Ordinance allows the city to enforce civilly, criminally, and administratively.
In a statement, the city says, “Our goal is to have them make progress. With Barcelo we are getting some progress.”
They went on to explain, because of pressure the city’s place on management at Barcelo, they’ve recently hired a new property maintenance company for repairs.
“Every day I pray that I come home and we’re gonna have hot water,” said Olivares.
We asked the city, about renters like Cynthia, who’re stuck in a lease and bad living conditions.
We wanted to know what recourse do those renters have? The city’s response was, simply continue reporting issues and violations to 311.
“It’s wrong on any level for anybody to have to live in such unsafe conditions,” Moses said.
Alright, here’s the deal. Renters at complexes like Barcelo are still on the hook to pay rent.
Maintenance issues are not enough to justify non-payment of rent.
But all hope isn’t lost. Experts say you can hire an attorney to help break your lease, or you can get help from Legal Aid.
If you’re on housing, case managers at Opportunity Home San Antonio are required to move you to another property.
As for Barcelo… So far the new maintenance company has not restored hot water.
We’ve reached out to property managers for comment and we’re still waiting to hear back.
Follow this link to view the list of apartment complexes on the city’s program and those that have graduated off the program.