HOUSTON — West Houston residents said they finally feel like their pleas for help are being heard after they were able to voice their concerns directly to city leaders.
On Friday, they met with Houston Police Chief Troy Finner in a closed meeting to talk about the short-term rental properties they said have made their lives a living hell.
The neighbors said their lives have been turned upside down by the constant flow of short-term rental guests. They said they've emailed the city and called the police hundreds of times in the past two years.
They said they've dealt with renters walking around with guns and snakes and partaking in sex parties.
Shortly after KHOU 11 News initially reported on the issues, Airbnb permanently delisted the properties from its platform.
Residents said they were happy to meet with Finner, who told them he would work to end the lawlessness in their neighborhood.
"The chief and the commanders seemed very dedicated. They’re as sick of it, or nearly as sick of it, as we are," neighbor Nancy Rutherford said.
"It seems like they are really determined that they want to move forward and go after these bad actors," neighbor Kathy Yang said.
Residents said Finner told them there would be increased patrols in the neighborhood. He also told them that he's putting a plan together and hopes it's ready in the next month or so.
Neighbors said they gave Finner the contact information for the owners of the properties and expected him to contact them directly.