84-Year-Old Faces Eviction from Low-Income Senior Housing

Resident's apartment fell into disrepair after spouse's death, leading to pest infestation and potential lease violation

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Ruben Perez, an 84-year-old resident of Palacio Del Sol Apartments, a low-income senior housing complex in San Antonio, Texas, was unexpectedly given just days to move out of his apartment due to a roach infestation. After the death of his wife last year, Perez struggled to maintain his apartment, leading to the pest problem. Property managers cited the lease violation and gave Perez 30 days to vacate, despite no prior warnings or violations.

Why it matters

The demand for affordable senior housing is rising nationwide as the elderly population grows, making cases like Perez's increasingly common. This story highlights the challenges low-income seniors face in maintaining their homes and the potential loopholes landlords may use to force them out, even in subsidized housing.

The details

Perez's nephew, Daniel Zurita, said the apartment became infested with roaches after Perez's wife passed away and he was unable to properly clean the unit due to his age and limited mobility. Property managers at Palacio Del Sol Apartments then gave Perez just 30 days to vacate, citing the lease violation. Zurita and other family members rushed to clean and treat the apartment, but managers still refused to renew Perez's lease.

  • Perez's wife passed away in January 2026.
  • Property managers gave Perez a 30-day notice to vacate in late October 2026.

The players

Ruben Perez

An 84-year-old resident of Palacio Del Sol Apartments in San Antonio, Texas who was facing eviction due to a roach infestation in his apartment after the death of his wife.

Daniel Zurita

Perez's nephew who has been advocating for him and trying to prevent his eviction from the low-income senior housing complex.

Palacio Del Sol Apartments

The low-income senior housing complex in San Antonio, Texas where Perez resides and is facing potential eviction.

Mexican American Unity Council

The organization that manages the Palacio Del Sol Apartments property.

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What they’re saying

“He's not a problem, he pays his rent, he doesn't drink. He just sits here and watches tv and does his thing.”

— Daniel Zurita, Perez's Nephew (foxsanantonio.com)

“Well, after my sister passed, he was in a lot of grief.”

— Daniel Zurita, Perez's Nephew (foxsanantonio.com)

“They were coming out of the outlets, out of the ceiling. They were everywhere.”

— Daniel Zurita, Perez's Nephew (foxsanantonio.com)

“Well, I think it's unfair.”

— Daniel Zurita, Perez's Nephew (foxsanantonio.com)

What’s next

Perez's deadline to vacate the apartment was initially set for the end of October 2026, but after the news coverage, the property managers have allowed him to remain in the apartment as of the latest check-in.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges low-income seniors face in maintaining their homes and the potential for landlords to exploit loopholes to force them out, even in subsidized housing. It underscores the need for greater protections and support for vulnerable elderly residents to ensure they can age with dignity in their homes.