HOUSTON – A Houston apartment complex is facing a lawsuit from tenants who claim the property management has neglected security issues following a series of car thefts and vandalism incidents.
What we know
The latest theft occurred Wednesday night, when thieves were caught on video stealing the tires off Jordan Rampersad’s car in the complex’s parking lot.
The footage shows three men removing the wheels from the car in a matter of minutes, adding to a growing list of thefts at The Standard over the past six months.
Residents say the lack of effective security measures has left them feeling unsafe and frustrated.

Tenants at The Standard Apartments tell Fox 26 several cars have been stolen or burglarized over several months.
Rampersad, a local private chef who also feeds the homeless each week, said her vehicle has been targeted twice in just one month. The first theft happened on December 21, and she noted that the property’s gates are often broken.
“I saw my car once again sitting on concrete,” said Rampersad. “I didn’t understand. They (property managers) told me they’re not adding any cameras and that the staff monitors the buildings,” Rampersad said. “But I thought that was crazy. They’re not police officers.”
Rampersad isn’t the only resident speaking out. Cello Robinson’s 2022 Cadillac Escalade was stolen from the lot in November. Personal belongings, including a firearm, were inside the vehicle at the time. Robinson said the property manager’s response after asking them about helping with the financial loss was dismissive and disrespectful. He’s suing The Standard and its property managers, ResProp Management, for negligence and breach of contract.
“He said, ‘Well, with a truck like that, why don’t you have a garage?’ That was a slap in the face,” Robinson said. “And at the end of the conversation, he said, ‘You know what, Mr. Robinson, I can offer you to leave for free.’”
Since the lawsuit was filed, Robinson noted that the gates at the complex have been repaired, but incidents like the recent theft, continue to occur. The tenants are demanding more proactive measures from management to ensure their safety.

Fox 26 received photos from different dates showing the gates being broken, despite recent repairs. This photo is from January 4.
What rights do tenants have?
Under Texas property codes, landlords are responsible for addressing issues that impact tenants’ health and safety. Tenants are required to provide reasonable notice of the problem and allow time for the landlord to address it. If the landlord fails to act, tenants may pursue further actions, such as terminating their lease, fixing the issue and deducting the cost from rent, or seeking legal remedies.
Robinson emphasized the importance of tenants knowing their rights. “You have to use your voice. Research and find out. I researched and found out that negligence is a word we have to use. I feel that people at the apartment complex were neglected,” he said.
What we’re waiting to find out
The Houston Police Department is investigating the thefts. Representatives from The Standard and the property management team named in the lawsuit have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Source: Tenants of The Standard at the River Apartments in EaDo, and Texas State Property Codes
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