When it comes to finding a place to call home in Downtown Houston, Houston House Apartments seems to catch a lot of attention — but not always for the right reasons. With an overall Google rating of 2.7 stars, this property at 1617 Fannin St has earned mixed reviews from renters, both past and present. To help potential tenants make an informed decision, we’ve gathered insights directly from recent Google reviews, highlighting both the positive and negative experiences shared by those who have actually lived at Houston House Apartments.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available Google reviews as of the time of writing. These are personal opinions and experiences of residents and do not reflect the official stance of Houston House Apartments or its management.
The Good: What Residents Appreciate About Houston House Apartments
Despite its low rating, not every review is negative. In fact, a handful of residents have found aspects of Houston House Apartments worth praising. Here’s a breakdown of the positives:
1. Prime Downtown Location
One of the most frequently mentioned perks is the convenient location. Situated in the heart of downtown Houston, the property is just a block away from the Metro Rail station. This makes commuting to the Medical Center or other parts of the city a breeze — a major selling point for renters who rely on public transportation.
“The property is one block away from a Metro Rail station so it is great for those that work in Med Center.” – 3 stars
2. Impressive Views
Another standout feature is the skyline views from the apartments. Several reviewers noted that the views from their terraces are genuinely beautiful, offering sweeping cityscapes that feel quintessentially Houston.
“I like having central air/heat, a dishwasher and a great terrace view.” – 4 stars
3. Spacious Living Rooms
Some residents noted that the floorplans, especially the living rooms, were larger than expected for a downtown apartment. This was particularly appreciated by those who like to entertain or need extra space for work-from-home setups.
“The Floorplan I looked at had a large living room.” – 3 stars
4. Friendly Leasing and Maintenance Staff (Sometimes)
In some cases, renters had positive experiences with the front desk and maintenance team, describing them as friendly and responsive. Maintenance requests were sometimes handled promptly, which was a pleasant surprise for a few residents.
“The people that work in the office and the front desk are friendly and do their best to get things done.” – 4 stars
The Bad Reviews: Major Complaints and Red Flags of Houston House Apartments
Unfortunately, the negative experiences far outweigh the positive, based on recent reviews. Many of the complaints are consistent across multiple tenants, highlighting recurring problems that management has yet to fully address.
1. Roach Infestations
The single most common complaint? Roaches — and lots of them. Multiple reviewers reported severe infestations that made daily life uncomfortable, if not unbearable.
“The ROACHES!!!!!! I cannot express enough how absolutely disgusting and miserable my partner and I are because of the roaches.” – 1 star
“This place is just straight up nasty from the infestation of roaches all the way down to the nasty conditions of the elevator hallways and parking garage.” – 1 star
Despite pest control charges showing up on monthly bills, residents say that roaches seem immune to treatment.
2. Poor Maintenance and Filthy Common Areas
Cleanliness across the property was another recurring grievance. From the elevators to the parking garage to the hallways, reviewers described the building as filthy and poorly maintained. Several mentioned urine, vomit, and trash being left behind without prompt cleaning.
“The common areas are extremely dirty! The parking garage and elevator areas look as if they never had been cleaned before.” – 2 stars
“I’ve walked into pee and vomit-filled elevators.” – 1 star
3. Noise, Parties, and Unruly Neighbors
For residents seeking peace and quiet, Houston House Apartments seems to fall short. Several reviews mentioned ongoing issues with loud neighbors, hallway skateboarding, fights, and even frat-party-style gatherings happening regularly, especially on the 19th floor.
“It feels like frat parties every other day in there.” – 1 star
“Young punks running up and down the hallway banging doors and riding skateboards screaming and yelling.” – 2 stars
4. Security Concerns and Car Break-Ins
Living downtown comes with its risks, but residents expected better security from their building. Many reported frequent car break-ins in the parking garage, along with non-residents sneaking into amenities like the pool and basketball court.
“There were so many strangers that didn’t live in the actual apartment building coming in and out using the pool and basketball court.” – 1 star
“My car was broken into recently along with many others.” – 2 stars
The fact that a Houston Police Department officer lives onsite, rent-free, hasn’t provided much comfort to residents.
5. Broken Amenities and Inconveniences
Several reviewers expressed frustration over outdated amenities and broken elevators, which made everyday tasks — like laundry or moving in/out — unnecessarily stressful. The laundry room was described as tiny, with limited machines for such a large building.
“There is no washer and dryer in any unit except for one floorplan, and the laundromat they have on-site is very small.” – 3 stars
“There were so many times where I had to literally take the stairs from the 17th floor all the way down to the first floor due to the elevators not working!” – 1 star
6. Disorganized and Rude Management
Poor communication from the leasing office was another common theme. Reviewers complained about missed appointments, ignored maintenance requests, and confusing move-out policies that left tenants stuck with unexpected charges.
“Management here should be Q&A and audited!! By far the worst apartment experience I’ve ever had!” – 1 star
“They NEVER answer the phone.” – 1 star
Final Verdict: Should You Move Into Houston House Apartments?
Based on these reviews, Houston House Apartments presents itself as a budget-friendly option in downtown Houston — but it seems to come at the cost of cleanliness, safety, and peace of mind. If you prioritize location, views, and spacious living rooms above all else, you may find some value here. However, if you want a well-maintained, secure, and quiet home, you may want to keep searching.
Before signing a lease, prospective renters should:
- Tour the property in person and inspect for cleanliness.
- Ask directly about pest control history in the unit you’re considering.
- Read your lease thoroughly, especially around move-out policies and additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Houston House Apartments
Houston House Apartments are located at 1617 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002, right in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas.
As of the time of writing, Houston House Apartments holds an average rating of 2.7 stars on Google, based on numerous tenant reviews.
The most common complaints include:
– Severe roach infestations
– Filthy common areas (elevators, hallways, parking garage)
– Frequent car break-ins and security concerns
– Loud neighbors and disruptive hallway behavior
– Unresponsive or rude management team
Some residents appreciate the central downtown location, skyline views, spacious living rooms, and the proximity to the Metro Rail station.
No — the vast majority of units at Houston House Apartments do not have in-unit washers or dryers. There is a small laundry room onsite, but reviewers mention it is limited in size and often crowded.
Final Rating: ⭐ 2.7 / 5
Disclaimer: This summary is based on Houston House Apartments Google reviews available at the time of writing and reflects the personal experiences of past and current residents. Future conditions may change as management responds to feedback.
