D.C. apartment complex owners to pay $2 million for violating housing laws, endangering residents

WASHINGTON (7News) — Owners and managers of two D.C. apartment complexes will pay $2 million for violating D.C.’s housing law and putting the lives of hundreds of residents at risk, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced Thursday.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) began investigating two apartment complexes in the Ward 8 neighborhood after receiving reports that people in the apartments were living in unsafe and dangerous conditions.

The investigation revealed that people in the Atlantic Terrace and Southern Hills apartment complexes in Ward 8 were dealing with rodent and bug infestation, leaks and water damage, broken plumbing fixtures, broken and insecure doors and windows, missing smoke detectors, chipping and peeling lead-based paint, structural issues and other problems.

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“Far too many D.C. residents are living in unstable, substandard, unlawful conditions, an unacceptable reality,” said Schwalb. “Every D.C. tenant has the right to live in safe and healthy conditions, and this right is especially critical as affordable housing in the District becomes increasingly scarce.”

The District said it’s requiring Winn Managed Properties LLC, Southern Hills Limited Partnership and Atlantic Terrace Limited Partnership to compensate their residents with rent credits for living in dangerous conditions. The total compensation will amount to $850,000, according to District officials. The landlords will also pay $1.15 million in penalties to the District.

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The District said the owners and managers have 60 days to repair any remaining housing violations. Since the beginning of the investigation, officials said that Winn Managed Properties made efforts to improve the living conditions of the apartment complexes. Moving forward, the District is required to ensure the maintenance of the complexes, according to OAG.

The OAG also announced it will hold a public information session for Atlantic Terrace and Southern Hills residents on Oct. 12 to help answer questions.