Northeast D.C. Tenants Demand Action on Apartment Conditions
Residents of the Dahlgreen Court apartment complex in Northeast D.C. are facing a severe housing crisis, reporting widespread issues from rodent infestations to exposed lead paint and sewage problems. Despite numerous documented violations and fines totaling over $35,000, tenants are demanding urgent action and increased oversight from the District.
A Crisis Unfolding at Dahlgreen Court
Since October 2024, the D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) has recorded a staggering 48 violations at the Dahlgreen Court apartments, highlighting critical health and safety concerns. This isn’t a new problem; similar deplorable conditions, including widespread rodent issues, were observed as early as May 2023 under a previous management company. The current state includes:
- Pervasive Rodent Infestation: Residents like Leon Lightfoot Jr. describe hearing rats running through their walls at night, while Donta Waters notes they are “infiltrating the building” through walls and ceilings.
- Structural and Maintenance Failures: A back door that doesn’t fit its frame allows easy access for rodents, and ongoing plumbing problems contribute to unhygienic conditions.
- Hazardous Materials: Exposed lead paint has been a concern, with one resident, Donta Waters, confirming lead dust in his HVAC closet after testing.
- Sewage Leaks: Leon Lightfoot Jr. reported sewage leaking into his apartment in December 2024.
- Other Issues: Broken lights and bed bugs in common areas, such as the laundry room, further compound the residents’ struggles.
Voices from the Community: “We’re Tired”
Residents are expressing deep frustration over the living conditions and the perceived lack of effective action, especially as they face potential rent increases. “We’re living in substandard living conditions but yet they’re continuing trying to raise our rent,” stated Donta Waters, encapsulating the tenants’ dilemma. Leon Lightfoot Jr. passionately called for help: “Do your job and come out here and hold these people liable for the negligence that they are forcing us to live in. We’re tired.”
Management’s Response and Remediation Efforts
Mission First Housing Group, the current management, acknowledges some of the issues. Spokesperson Becky Lang Staffieri stated, “We are proactive to ensure the housing of our residents is properly maintained. Our residents are our first priority.” They outlined several steps taken or planned:
- Pest Control: Increased trash pickup to four times a week, bleaching the trash room three times daily, and implementing pest control outside the building every other day, inside bi-weekly, with bait stations treated twice per week.
- Door Repair: Acknowledging the compromised back door, Staffieri mentioned it had been tampered with numerous times and was beyond repair, but efforts are underway to replace it.
- Lead Remediation: For the reported lead dust in the HVAC closet, a DOEE-approved vendor was contacted for confirmation and a remediation plan provided on September 3rd. Management is awaiting clearance from DOEE and the resident to proceed safely.
A DOEE report from August 8, however, indicated no lead-based paint hazards in common areas based on XRF testing or environmental testing.
District Oversight and Tenant Advocacy
The D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) underscores its role in ensuring landlords provide safe and habitable properties. The situation at Dahlgreen Court is significant, with nearly 192 unabated violations across 26 of its 116 units, with more than half (109) originating in Fiscal Year 2025 alone. Property owners typically have 60 days to address infractions to avoid or reduce fines. If unaddressed, DOB can pursue judgments to collect fines through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), a process that can span months or years. Cases may also be referred to the Office of the Attorney General.
Summary of Issues and Responses
| Key Violation/Issue | Resident Impact/Observation | Management Action/Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Rodent Infestation | Rats in walls/ceilings, infiltrating building | Increased trash pickup (4x/week), trash room bleached (3x/day), bi-weekly indoor pest control, bi-daily outdoor pest control, 2x/week bait station treatment |
| Compromised Back Door | Doesn’t close, allows rodent entry | Acknowledged as “beyond repair,” working to replace it |
| Lead Dust (HVAC) | Tested positive in resident’s HVAC closet | Contacted DOEE-approved vendor, remediation plan in place, awaiting resident/DOEE clearance |
| Sewage Leaks | Leaked into apartment (Dec 2024) | “Proactive to ensure housing… properly maintained” |
| Substandard Conditions | Broken lights, bed bugs, overall poor living standards | “Proactive to ensure housing… properly maintained,” “residents are our first priority” |
What’s Next for Dahlgreen Court Residents?
The focus remains on the timely execution of promised remediations by Mission First Housing Group and rigorous enforcement by District agencies. Residents are urged to continue their advocacy and actively report any unaddressed or new violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the primary issues at Dahlgreen Court apartments?
Residents report severe rodent infestations, exposed lead paint, sewage problems, broken infrastructure like back doors, plumbing issues, and bed bugs, leading to overall substandard living conditions. - How many violations have been documented at the complex?
The D.C. Department of Buildings has documented 48 violations since October 2024, with nearly 192 unabated violations across 26 units, totaling over $35,000 in fines. - What is Mission First Housing Group doing to resolve these problems?
The management company has implemented increased trash services, bleaching schedules for the trash room, regular pest control inside and outside the building, and is working to replace a faulty back door and remediate lead dust issues. - What can D.C. tenants do if they are experiencing similar housing violations?
Tenants are encouraged to report any suspected housing and property maintenance violations directly to the DOB at dob.dc.gov or by calling 202-671-3500. For issues with landlords, the Office of the Tenant Advocate (202-719-6560) is also a resource.
For D.C. residents, this case serves as a critical reminder: proactive reporting and continued advocacy are essential tools in holding landlords accountable and ensuring safe, habitable living conditions across the District.
DC Tenants Demand Action on Housing Crisis
