x
Breaking News
More () »

'Who wants to live like that?' | West Houston residents say problems with short-term rentals are back

We've reported multiple times on short-term rentals in west Houston and the issues that come with them. Residents say the problem went away, but now it's back.

HOUSTON — We're continuing to follow a story that we first brought you earlier this year. Neighbors in west Houston say their subdivision has been plagued by the unruly behavior of short-term renters.

Neighbors said things calmed down since we were last here several months ago, but now they say the problems have returned and they need help.

Long after we first reported the problems neighbors living on Potomac Street were having with the unruly behavior of short-term rental guests, they tell us they're back.

“I'm here again six months later saying the same thing," said resident Kathy Yang.

This time, she says it’s more serious.

"They said, ‘Kathy, don't come home. It's dangerous because we heard gunshots,’" she said.

Late Friday afternoon, Yang says she got a call from her neighbors when she was running errands. They told her they heard gunshots coming from the short-term rental next door.

RELATED: Here's what city leaders are planning to do to control short-term rental properties in Houston

Yang said when she got home, she spoke with the neighbors who'd gathered along the street and drivers who'd pulled over after hearing the shots.

Then she said she went inside her townhome.

“After I talked to them, I came in and I heard two more, 'pop pop,'" she said.

Neighbors said they started calling 911 Thursday night when they heard the first gunshots.

They said police didn't respond until after 5 p.m. Friday.

They said officers spoke with the guests staying at the property and were told the sounds were from firecrackers.

Susan Sijadi took video with her cell phone Friday outside of the property.

“It's a nightclub, at 5:40 in the pm,” she said. “You can hear the music out here on Potomac. Who wants to live like that?"

Earlier this year, neighbors packed Houston City Hall, sharing the horror stories they'd caught on security cameras.

Short-term rental guests were having sex on the balcony, women were carried from the property , and there were snakes.

Some people were seen urinating on the building.

And although neighbors said Mayor John Whitmire and elected officials seemed receptive to their concerns months ago, nothing has happened.

They're worried if something happens this weekend, 911 dispatch will tell them what they were told today.

“Her response to me was they didn't have any units available at this time,” Sijadi said.

We called Houston police Friday night, but weren't able to get in touch with anyone after hours.

Neighbors said they will be returning to city hall next week, hoping their fears will be heard.

Before You Leave, Check This Out