Residents of the Cullen Park Apartments in Houston have found their homes overrun with rodents, a situation grimly highlighted by multiple viral videos. The infestation is so severe that rats can be seen scurrying among trash, and according to some tenants, the apartments are as much a nest for the rats as they are homes for people. "We have rats. I don't know where the rats coming from. They get rid of them. Rats is bad over here," a resident lamented in a statement obtained by KHOU 11. Problems at this complex, however, extend beyond the rodent issue.
A mother spoke out about the dangerous conditions at the apartment complex, detailing recurrent fires and other hazards that threaten her family's safety. Emphasizing her fear, she said, "My kids—something happen while my kids asleep. Or the fire and stuff." The apartment management, responsible for dealing with these threats, has yet to respond to requests for comments. Houston Public Works has already received complaints about other serious problems at the complex, including trash buildup and dangerous structural issues, and has scheduled repairs, including fixing a floor that was caving in. KHOU 11's report cited the city's confirmation of an active investigation, prompted, in part, by multiple complaints.
The rat infestation was confirmed by the Houston Health Department (HHD), which visited the property and found "significant rodent activities," as per FOX 26. Plans to issue a violation notice were underway, and guidance on rodent control had been provided to the complex's management. Local activist Dr. Candice Matthews, who witnessed the conditions firsthand, called out for accountability and action, reinforcing the immediate need to address these health and safety concerns. Speaking on the direness of the environment, she stated, "When you look at families that have children… rats… mold, roaches," according to an interview with KHOU 11.
Similar testimonies have echoed from residents, some of whom have been persisting in these conditions since 2021. One resident voiced severe concerns to FOX 26, stating that her stove and fridge do not work and her water has been broken since July. She also raised an alarm about potential sickness due to black mold and the immense size of the rats, stating, "the rats around the apartments are as big as cats." Despite their anxieties and repeated complaints, residents claim that their calls for help have gone unheard by management. In the residents' appeals for change, a mother echoed the community sentiment, seeking "safety for everyone and helping," as noted by KHOU 11.
