Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering
“Dear PoPville,
I live in an apartment on Corcoran St. NW and have been having repeated issues with moisture in walls and floor and now mold. Over the past two years, when I reported it, the landlord came and cleaned the affected areas and repainted them. The underlying sources of the moisture is still there (the apartment is partially underground), and I am now having respiratory issues (asthma basically).
DC passed a law last summer called the Air Quality Amendment Act of 2014. Although DCRA housing inspectors still do not inspect for mold (just moisture), the law now requires landlords to inspect for mold within 7 days of written notification and to remediate within 30 days if it is determined that the mold meets the threshold as defined by the law. Failure to meet these requirements allows the tenant to file a complaint in housing court and enables them to be awarded certain damages.
In my situation, I am still waiting to hear back from the landlord, but my concern is that they will “inspect” within the 7 day threshold and then claim that the mold doesn’t meet the requirements in the law for a professional remediation, proceed to clean it, and repaint the affected areas again, and then be off the hook.
So my questions are:
1) Does anyone have any experience with mold/resolving mold issues since this law took effect?
2) Should I have a professional inspection done to have definitive proof of the mold? The court can require the landlord to reimburse me if I take the landlord to court. The law also states that if I provide a written report of a professional inspection, this creates a rebuttable presumption that the landlord must have it professionally remediated, thus forcing action more quickly.
3) Should I file the complaint in housing court NOW given the time it will take to serve the landlord and to get a hearing date? Or do I need to have proof that they have failed to act in accordance with the law first?”
Recent Stories
7175 12th Street, NW photos courtesy nailsaloon From a press release: “nailsaloon, D.C.’s leading purveyor of premium nail and beauty care service, is thrilled to announce the opening of its…
Thanks to E for sending this super sweet 1954 Chevrolet Coupe. Sweet City Ride is made possible by readers like you!
“Dear PoPville, Spotted in Shaw on N St. Are we doing sharpie signs now? Was not aware.”
If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and…
Unlike our competitors, Well-Paid Maids doesn’t clean your home with harsh chemicals. Instead, we handpick cleaning products rated “safest” by the Environmental Working Group, the leading rating organization regarding product safety.
The reason is threefold.
First, using safe cleaning products ensures toxic chemicals won’t leak into waterways or harm wildlife if disposed of improperly.
Looking for something campy, ridiculous and totally fun!? Then pitch your tents and grab your pokers and come to DC’s ONLY Drag Brunch Bingo hosted by Tara Hoot at Whitlow’s! Tickets are only $10 and you can add bottomless drinks and tasty entrees. This month we’re featuring performances by the amazing Venus Valhalla and Mari Con Carne!
Get your tickets and come celebrate the fact that the rapture didn’t happen during the eclipse, darlings! We can’t wait to see you on Sunday, April 21 at 12:30!
DC Labor History Walking Tour
Come explore DC’s rich labor history with the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America and the Labor Heritage Foundation. The free DC Labor History Walking Tour tour will visit several landmarks and pay tribute to the past and ongoing struggle
Frank’s Favorites
Come celebrate and bid farewell to Frank Albinder in his final concert as Music Director of the Washington Men’s Camerata featuring a special program of his most cherished pieces for men’s chorus with works by Ron Jeffers, Peter Schickele, Amy
