Dear PoP – More Neighbor Problems

“Dear PoP,

We live in a row house as many DCers do and the people in the row house next door are, as I understand, Section 8 tenants. Not to pass judgment on these individuals but I’ve certainly had cleaner, more courteous neighbors. The biggest problem is that they have not bothered to get (or perhaps keep) a trashcan and instead just throw their trash out in bags into the alley behind our house which immediately get torn into by rats. The back of our house has thus developed a pretty nasty rat and garbage problem. Anyways I guess my question is, first and foremost, is there anything we can do about this? Is there some sort of venue to file a complaint? Are there certain requirements that they must meet (besides income) to maintain residence in their subsidized house, such as not turning it and the adjacent properties into complete filth-holes?”

This is a very uncool situation. Ed. Note: I’m sure Section 8, “regular” renters and owners could all be guilty of this unhealthy behavior. Let’s try not to focus on that though and rather address the question itself. What should the reader do? Contact DCRA? Council Member? Call 311? Can they request a trashcan for the neighbor?

And I know it can be awkward an conversation but have you asked the neighbor if they are getting a trashcan or if they want your help in getting them a trashcan?