SAN ANTONIO — A resident looking for relief from the heat is told her window units have to go. This is a rule implemented by management of the Springfield Meadows Yes Communities for mobile homes.
Theresa Walker lives in her home with her two children. She’s resorted to covering her windows with blankets to keep the heat from coming inside her home. She says her neighbors in this northeast side community are frustrated and have health risks that are heightened dealing with the heat.
“Air conditioner I have works," Walker said. "But it doesn’t keep it cool. When I’m cooking, the whole house will heat up.”
She says the reason management does not want these A/C window units is for aesthetic purposes. She says the management team would prefer units that don’t "stick out". With summer merely beginning – Walker whose lived in the Springfield Meadows community for six years - is concerned for the hottest temperatures to come.
“We have to sit in front of the fan,” she said.
According to a "site inspections" email sent by management to residents - it reads "as a reminder we do not allow window units in our community."
Instead of being in Walker's window, she's had to place three units underneath her mobile home.
“They all work, they’re good units.”
If Walker chooses to install the units anyway – she says her rent will go up.
“First it was $75, and then I’ve asked other people they said $100, and then $150, so if I put these in today, they’re gonna start charging me more,” she said.
Walker says she can’t afford buying another unit.
“I've talked to a few people up the street and they can’t afford to go out and buy another one,” Walker said.
She tells us the management team told her they communicated with residents a year ago about the change – but she doesn’t recall that communication.
“I don’t wanna cause any problems, all I want is my window unit so it can be comfortable in our home,” she said.
KENS 5 reached out to the Springfield Meadows Yes Communities management but have not heard back.