HOUSTON – In a recent report, a local resident shared her fears of retaliation after voicing concerns about a rat infestation in her apartment complex. Some residents are too afraid to speak out, fearing eviction or homelessness.
One brave resident, Marlei Cannedy, opened up to KPRC 2 reporter Joy Addison about the challenges she’s facing—and the emotional toll it’s taken on her. Other residents joined her off-camera for fear of retaliation from the apartment complex management at the Columbia Senior at 2100 Memorial.
After the story aired, Cannedy called our reporter in distress. “My caseworker emailed me saying management asked her if I would be moving properties. I never requested that. I never said I wanted to leave this community... I just want the holes filled” Cannedy said.
She said large holes in her utility closet are allowing mice entry to her unit. Despite these issues, she says she never requested to leave her home.
Our reporter reached out to Cannedy’s Harris County Housing Authority caseworker for confirmation, or clarity on who made the initial request for Cannedy to be relocated to a different complex, since she denies making the request, herself. We did not receive a response. Our reporter also visited the apartment management office, but management on site said they had no response or comment to give.
A corporate communications team from Columbia Residential, the management company overseeing the complex, reached out to us, and responded to the claims.
Wanda Brown is the Vice President of Property Management at Columbia Residential. “We, Columbia Residential representatives, did not request Ms. Cannedy to move. As it relates to her relocation request, we cannot advise further as we must respect her privacy” Brown said.
The Harris County Housing Authority sent a letter to the complex citing two deficiencies in Cannedy’s unit, according to their Home Quality Standard Guidelines: evidence of mice and holes in her utility closet. The letter also stated that the complex had until November 26th to address these issues.
Brown says Columbia Residential never received the letter.
“If we did, we would have complied,” Brown said. She said they need a copy of the letter to take further action.
The Harris County Housing Authority’s Home Quality Standards, referenced in the letter, is available on its website and shows that the presence of holes and cracks in floors is a violation. At the bottom of the standards is a line for the property owner’s signature, confirming that these guidelines are clear and legally binding.
