Residents Demand Action Over Severe Conditions at Houston Apartment Complex

Drysdale Village Apartments plagued by rodents, mold, and raw sewage issues, residents say

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Residents of the Drysdale Village Apartments in Houston's Northeast side are reporting severe infestations of rats and roaches, as well as persistent issues with mold and raw sewage leaks. Civil rights activist Dr. Candice Matthews is intervening on behalf of families, many of whom are HUD-assisted, claiming these unsanitary conditions have plagued the complex for years. Property management says they are working with pest control, but long-term repairs remain unclear.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing struggle many low-income residents face in accessing safe and sanitary housing, even in major metropolitan areas like Houston. The Drysdale Village Apartments situation raises broader questions about the enforcement of housing regulations and the responsibilities of property owners to maintain livable conditions.

The details

Residents report severe infestations of rats and roaches, as well as persistent issues with mold and raw sewage leaks at the Drysdale Village Apartments complex. Civil rights activist Dr. Candice Matthews held a press conference at the property, documenting the unsanitary conditions and speaking with affected families. The property manager claims they are working with pest control, but it remains unclear when long-term repairs for structural and sewage problems will be completed.

  • In March 2024, a complaint was filed regarding mold concerns, a ceiling fan not working, and ventilation issues at the complex.
  • In March 2025, a complaint was filed about roof deterioration caused by a leak, which was later resolved.
  • In April 2025, a complaint was filed but could not be investigated because the individual was not the leaseholder.

The players

Drysdale Village Apartments

A residential apartment complex located in Northeast Houston.

Dr. Candice Matthews

A civil and human rights activist who is intervening on behalf of families living at the Drysdale Village Apartments.

Takoira Kelly

A resident of the Drysdale Village Apartments who lives with her mother and siblings and struggles with roach and mouse infestations.

Joeann Arbor

A resident of the Drysdale Village Apartments who has lived there since August 2025 and pays around $900 per month in rent, dealing with constant rat and roach issues.

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What they’re saying

“What I've seen is rats. Huge, Stuart Little, Ratatouille-type rats. I've seen roaches, and right now we are smelling raw sewage. This is unacceptable for people to be living like this.”

— Dr. Candice Matthews, Civil and Human Rights Activist (FOX 26 Houston)

“We're mostly dealing with roaches and mice. I'm afraid of them creatures. I can't even go into the kitchen without seeing a cockroach.”

— Takoira Kelly, Resident (FOX 26 Houston)

“Rats are real, real bad. I got a lot of rats.”

— Joeann Arbor, Resident (FOX 26 Houston)

What’s next

The Houston Health Department says property owners can be issued a Notice of Violation and given a deadline to correct issues. Failure to comply may result in citations and continued follow-up inspections.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing struggle many low-income residents face in accessing safe and sanitary housing, even in major metropolitan areas. It raises broader questions about the enforcement of housing regulations and the responsibilities of property owners to maintain livable conditions for their tenants.