Ex-consulate's home celebrates 14th anniversary of abandonment

The Philippines' Consul General packed up and left town in 1993, but left the home behind. After about fourteen years of tax-free abandonment, KHOU reports that residents of the Braeswood neighborhood are finally getting upset. The home, at 2728 W. Glen Haven, is deteriorating, and nobody can seem to get in touch with the Philippine government. The owner of the house is Mariano Landicho, who was head of the local Philippine consulate beginning in 1986 (and probably its closing in 1993), and his mailing address is the same as the abandoned house.

Unfortunately, there might not be anything anyone can do - KHOU's legal expert Gerald Treece says this situation may fall under diplomatic immunity, although legally we are not quite sure where slumlording falls. Harris county lists the home in good condition, and still values the home at more than $215,000 (even more than the plot of land is worth), so perhaps the county is in on it too.

Photo: Flickr user Mike Tigas