San Antonio Residents Face Hot Water Troubles
When it comes to hot water, most of us consider it a basic necessity. However, for residents of Serenity Residences in San Antonio, a decent hot shower seems like a luxury. This issue was brought to light through the experiences of tenant Devante Brown, who recently moved into the apartment complex off Wurzbach Road in early September.
A Long Wait for Hot Water
Brown works outdoors in the sweltering Texas heat and looks forward to a soothing hot shower after a long day. Unfortunately, he faced cold showers since moving in. Initially, he thought the lack of hot water might be a temporary issue, possibly due to maintenance work on the property. “I was mad at first but I was just like, maybe they cut it off for some reason because they were working on something,” Brown said. After giving it a few days, he decided to put in a work order, hoping for a swift resolution.
Escalating the Issue
When the work order didn’t yield any results, Brown took further action by contacting San Antonio Code Enforcement on September 27. They confirmed the hot water issue, yet despite their presence, Brown found himself still waiting on repairs as the month came to a close. Frustrated, he eventually reached out to local media for help. “I like the apartment but it’s a problem. I need hot water,” he expressed. Feeling the sting of the cold showers after being outside all day made the situation increasingly unbearable.
Investigating the Problem
Upon receiving Brown’s concerns, the local media contacted the apartment management on October 1, only to be met with resistance from the acting manager, who refused to provide their name and asked them to leave the property. However, a breakthrough occurred when they managed to get in touch with the property owner, Patrick Duke, just a few days later. Duke was eager to investigate the problem and informed them that the difficult manager was no longer in charge. He promptly worked with the new property manager to resolve not only the boiler issue but also several other components affecting hot water. Unfortunately, the repairs fell short of addressing Brown’s needs.
Continued Efforts and Further Inspections
After multiple attempts by Duke’s maintenance team, the situation didn’t improve in Brown’s apartment. The local media continued to provide updates, offering proof that the hot water problem persisted. Following this, San Antonio Code Enforcement conducted four inspections of Brown’s apartment since the initial report and found only one instance where the water passed inspection, leading them to fine the complex $300.
A Breakthrough at Last
Despite setbacks, Duke maintained his commitment to resolve the issue. Eventually, maintenance discovered that a clogged water cartridge was the root cause of the problem in Brown’s apartment. On the same day the story aired, Duke announced that the issue had been located, and a new cartridge would be installed the next day. He mentioned that the water was already warmer in Brown’s unit, signaling a positive turn of events.
Improvements on the Horizon
Duke shared that the ownership group invested over a million dollars towards improving the property since its acquisition in 2023. The Serenity Residences had landed in the Proactive Apartment Inspection Program due to past violations, and according to Code Enforcement, the complex had successfully repaired 331 violations while participating in the program. Duke proudly stated they graduated “with flying colors” and expressed his desire to maintain compliance, avoiding any future issues.
Staying Connected
As the situation unravels, residents like Brown can take heart knowing that their concerns are being addressed with persistent efforts. If you find yourself facing similar issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. The community thrives best when we lift each other up, voicing our concerns and seeking resolutions. You’re not alone in this, and together we can tackle the problems that come our way!
