An elderly Houston couple said they have been living for months without working air conditioning, relying on fans to get through the summer heat while they wait for their landlord to fix the problem.
Peter Evans said he tried to diagnose the issue himself, but an AC technician told him the unit is about 16 years old. While it still blows air, it no longer cools the home. Thermometers inside the house show the difference, and fans have become their only source of relief.
“They nailed the windows shut so I can’t even put a window (unit) in,” Evans said.
He said the issue has persisted since at least May, when he said the landlord indicated repairs would come after collecting more rent. Those claims have not been independently verified.
“On May the 7th, the landlord lady said, ‘ You’re concerned about your A/C? Soon as we get more money for the rent, we’ll fix it,'” he said.
The situation has been especially difficult, Evans said, as he recovers from cancer treatment and they live on a fixed income.
The couple’s experience reflects a broader issue in the Houston area. According to the nonprofit Texas Housers, census data from 2023 shows about 22,000 households in the region do not have air conditioning.
In Houston, landlords are not currently required to provide air conditioning if there is a screened window or door. That is something city leaders are now looking to change.
“Well, of course, that’s outrageous. I mean, I couldn’t believe it when you mentioned that. I’d like to see one judge turn around and say that’s OK,” Evans said.
A proposal that would require landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday.
KHOU 11 reached out to the landlord for comment by phone and text but has not received a response.
Under Texas law, landlords are required to make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect a tenant’s health and safety.
For the Evanses, options remain limited. They said they hope speaking out will bring attention to the issue and help prevent others from facing similar conditions.
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