When a big pipe burst last Friday morning, tenants of the Gables Post Oak apartment complex were hit by an unexpected and catastrophic water leak that caused significant flooding throughout the property. Water poured from elevators and filled the hallways, engulfing residents like Marquis Harris in panic. “Water just poured out of the elevators, giving me the impression that I was in a twilight zone. The water was only beginning to rise. Harris told KHOU 11 News, “It was crazy.” Karla Duenas, another homeowner, said she was afraid of the rising water: “I’m afraid I’m not even capable of swimming.” What if it rises, I ask myself? For example, what should I do? Consequently, I became somewhat afraid.
Residents continue to struggle with the repercussions even a week later. There is still a heavy odor in the air, and worries about mold are intensifying. Flooding has caused many people, including Harris, to lose personal things, including crucial work tools like cameras and drones. The property administration is now failing to provide residents with adequate support. According to Harris, “To be treated like this, it’s inhumane,” during Houston interview with KHOU 11. According to Aaron Brown, who expressed similar annoyance, “You turn our apartment into SeaWorld, you ruined my mattress, and now you don’t have the decency… it’s just mainly very disrespectful.”
Management has informed a number of tenants that their leases will be abruptly ending. In this instance, Duenas was notified by email that the lease had been terminated and that she had seven days to leave the property. “It has been annoying. It’s been depressing. I don’t know what to do at this point,” Duenas stated. Residents are experiencing discomfort as a result of the management’s lack of prompt help and direction during this trying period. KHOU 11’s attempts to contact the property management for feedback were met with silence.
Renter Julie Marin talked toEyewitness Newsabout the damage inflicted on her apartment, which included the removal of portions of the wall, damaged carpet, and the ceaseless hum of multiple fans. Like others, she found temporary accommodation but is still waiting for any sign of aid from the apartment management. “They told us Saturday that they would have a report and answers to us by Monday. It’s now Thursday. I still have not heard anything,” Marine explained. Aaron Brown, another resident, has had to front the cost for a hotel and is actively trying to get out of his lease, highlighting the uncooperativeness of management and the lease’s rigidity, which makes it difficult for residents to seek recompense. “It’s really clear that corporate doesn’t want to be there, and even when you talk to them, they’re really tone-deaf,” Brown told Eyewitness News.
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