City inspectors are scheduled to examine this Houston complex after a dramatic incident at a tenant meeting.
HOUSTON — A community meeting at Wesley Square apartment complex in Houston was dramatically interrupted Tuesday night when a rat scurried across the room, highlighting the ongoing problems residents face at the property owned by Marquis Asset Management, Inc.
Houston Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz organized the meeting to address resident concerns about living conditions at Wesley Square, which reportedly shares the same issues and ownership as the troubled Cullen Park Apartments in Sunnyside. The meeting included the president of Marquis Management, the company that owns the complex.
The rodent’s unexpected appearance triggered chaos among attendees, with screaming and reactions filling the room. However, the management representative used the incident to acknowledge the severity of the problem.
“Now let’s be clear, we seen that rat now, oh yeah, we did, and guess what, we’re gonna correct that problem. Because that’s letting us know that it’s a bigger issue that we got to stay on top of,” the Marquis Management president said during the meeting.
Councilmember Evans-Shabazz, who first alerted media to the problems at Wesley Square, made it clear that property owners would be held accountable for substandard conditions.
“We also want to say that we don’t want any slumlord to get comfortable. It’s this company today and if you are guilty of treating your tenants in this manner, it will be you tomorrow,” she stated.
City inspectors are scheduled to begin examining individual units Wednesday, focusing on issues like mold and non-working appliances. The inspections come as part of ongoing efforts to address living conditions at Houston area apartment complexes dealing with similar problems.
Resident Barbara expressed cautious optimism about the promised improvement.
“It’s gonna take some work, but they gonna get it hopefully and pray that they get it right and get it cleaned up the way it’s supposed to be properly.”
Evans-Shabazz emphasized that while management must address these issues, residents also have a responsibility to dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting rodents.
The problems at Wesley Square mirror those previously reported at Cullen Park Apartments in Sunnyside, both properties owned by Marquis Asset Management. The ongoing issues have sparked a broader conversation about living conditions and property management standards in Houston area apartment complexes.
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Editor’s note: We’ve updated the spelling of the management company to Marquis Asset Management.