Webster landlord blamed for mold, vermin infestation

Tenants are suing over claims landlords failed to take action when their apartment in Webster became overrun with vermin and mold.

The Yates family filed a lawsuit on May 24 in the Harris County District Court against Baybrook Associates and Baybrook Gardens, citing breach of contract, fraud, premises liability and negligence.

The Yates family says on May 17, 2010, they entered into a lease agreement with the defendant to rent an apartment at 2802 W. Bay Area Blvd. in Webster but experienced substantial problems shortly after renewing their lease.

According to the brief, the Yates' neighbors moved, which caused an infestation of mice, lice and roaches followed by a mold infestation.

The suit alleges the defendant failed to remedy the numerous problems with the apartment, so the Yates spent large sums of money on cleaning bills and moving expenses.

The Yates are seeking attorney's fees, damages and court costs. They are being represented in the case by Houston attorney Norman Straub.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2012-30777.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.