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Some Austin Apartment Complexes Not Following The Law


The City of Austin requires older apartment complexes to be energy efficient or face a fine -- but hundreds are not complying.

KEYE TV went out with Go Green Squads who has been doing multi-family property audits since the ordinance passed last year.

The auditor, Jason Bilodeau, says some of complexes are so bad they could be producing mold or dust. “In the 70's there was a lot of bad flex duck that was put up in the attic,” he said.

The law says apartment complexes 10 years or older should have gotten the audit 18 months ago. But KEYE TV uncovered that out of the 1,000 properties this would apply to, hundreds have not done it.

“About 700 have done their ECAD audits,” said Austin Energy Spokesperson Ed Clark.

The ordinance states non-compliant properties could face up to $2,000 in fines. Yet, no fines have been levied.

“We are not actively enforcing with a hammer, but we are in contact and working with the Austin Apartment Association to emphasis the fact that this is a requirement,” said Clark.

Property supervisor Tiffany Parten says Regency Park in South Austin just turned 10 and is getting their first audit.

“As far as insulation, not feeling like we have enough, we don't have that problem,” said Parten.

Bilodeau says Regency Park is a good example.

After the audit, Austin Energy offers up to $200,000 in rebates so complex can become more energy efficient.

However, the Austin City Council says if taxpayer dollars are given to them, the complexes should not be able to raise rent. The council passed a resolution Thursday to stop this from happening.

By Christie Post