Houston tenants fight years of mould, pests and neglect in crumbling apartments

Residents of Drysdale Village Apartments in Houston have spent years battling unsafe living conditions. Problems like mould, leaks, and pest infestations have plagued the complex since at least 2021, with little lasting improvement. Now, with the help of activist Dr. Candice Matthews, tenants are speaking out in hopes of forcing real change.

The troubles at the Mesa Road complex worsened after Hurricane Beryl struck in July 2024. Flooding and structural damage made existing issues even more severe. By August that year, Houston authorities inspected the property and issued citations. They ordered repairs to be completed by October 2024, but residents say many problems remained long after the deadline.

The owner, Drysdale Village LLC, carried out some remediation work, including mould removal and closing off certain units. Yet by early 2026, tenants like Takoira Kelly still faced roach and mouse infestations despite keeping their homes clean. Joeann Arbor, who moved in during August 2025, pays around £900 a month in rent but deals with constant rat and roach problems.

Many residents have stayed quiet for years, fearing retaliation from management. Some only agreed to speak after Dr. Candice Matthews held a press conference at the complex, documenting the hazardous conditions. The Houston Health Department has since stepped in, requiring licensed pest control for rodent issues and warning of possible violations if standards aren't met.

Tenants now hope that public pressure will push for lasting fixes. The health department's involvement means stricter oversight, but residents are waiting to see if real improvements follow. For now, they continue living with the same problems that have persisted for over four years.