On Thursday, the City of San Antonio approved new regulations aimed at ensuring that residents in apartment complexes will not lose water service due to landlords’ failure to pay utility bills.

Key Measures Implemented

The City Council has amended local legislation to allow the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to file legal claims on properties with outstanding water or sewer bills. This ensures that the utility can recover any dues owed, even if the property changes ownership.

Council Member’s Statement

“Today, City Council took a stand in support of renters and against an injustice,” remarked Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez (D2). He emphasized the emotional toll on tenants facing potential water shutoffs due to circumstances beyond their control. McKee-Rodriguez continues to advocate for accountability among landlords to protect tenant welfare.

Background of the Decision

This resolution follows intense discussions regarding how SAWS can tackle unpaid bills. In June, four apartment complexes faced temporary water shutdowns, affecting around 600 residential units. Many tenants reported having paid their bills, only to be impacted by the property managers’ negligence.

One manager, Gloria Farias of the nonprofit Pico Union Housing Corporation, attributed ongoing financial difficulties to the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she claims has left tenants in arrears and her organization operating at a loss.

City’s Legal Action Against Noncompliance

In August, the city filed a lawsuit against Pico Union Housing Corporation and Farias, citing 95 code violations across multiple properties, which included serious issues like electrical hazards and sewage leaks. Farias subsequently pleaded guilty to several charges, resulting in an $8,000 fine against her organization.

Measures to Mitigate Future Issues

Following these incidents, McKee-Rodriguez, along with Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito (D7), proposed a Council Consideration Request aimed at preventing renters from experiencing service interruptions due to nonpayment from landlords. The proposal includes enhancing the Proactive Apartment Inspections Program with penalties for negligent landlords and improving communication between SAWS and property owners.

SAWS Statistics and Current Issues

As of March, SAWS reported approximately 83,000 delinquent accounts, which is about 14% of all accounts. Notably, around 700 of these belong to apartment complexes, amounting to a total debt of approximately $18.8 million, with $2.8 million specifically from these complexes. The average outstanding bill per delinquent apartment complex is about $3,922.