“Dear PoPville,
After installing Pride decorations outside their 3-unit row house, residents of 2014 13th Street NW (at 13th and U) received the following notice from EJF Rental Services LLC:
On Thu., May 29, 2025, at 5:15 PM, EJF Rentals wrote:
We hope you’re doing well and enjoying your home!
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our community looking its best and to stay in line with property guidelines, we kindly ask that all flags, banners, and other personal items be removed from the property fence by June 1, 2025.
This request is just about
maintaining the shared outdoor areas—it does not affect how you choose to decorate your private unit or balcony.
Any items still on the fence after the deadline may be removed by our team.
We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping keep our community clean and welcoming for everyone.
Best,
EJF Rentals
Customer Service
Residents responded by contacting EJF to ask on what grounds these demands were made and were directed to the following clause in their leases.
On Monday, June 2, one day after the management company had threatened to remove the decorations, the residents received a second email.
Dear Residents,
We hope you’re doing well and enjoying your home!
Just a quick follow-up on our earlier reminder about items placed on the property fence.
We kindly ask that any decorations or items be removed by Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
If items are still in place after this time, our team will remove them, and please note that a fee may apply for this service.
We appreciate your understanding and for helping us keep our community looking great and welcoming for everyone.
Best,
EJF Rentals
Customer Service
When a resident phoned the management company, he was told that ALL decorations, not just those on the gate needed to be removed. The residents are waiting to receive this demand in writing.
2014 13th Street NW is owned by their next-door neighbor, Walker Memorial Baptist Church, which appears to be objecting to the decorations.
All residents in the 3-unit rowhouse are united in their desire to have the decorations up for World Pride and Pride Month, and they wonder whether the same restrictions would apply for other holidays, like Christmas, Hannukah, or July 4. The residents have never complained about the loud music that emanates from the church building on Thursday evenings, Sunday mornings, and other occasions.”