tenant rights

“Seeking advice on how to deal with a difficult resident situation in my apartment complex.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Seeking advice on how to deal with a difficult resident situation in my apartment complex. There is a resident in this complex that is experiencing a severe mental health crisis and it is seriously impacting other residents’ ability to live safely in our own apartments.

First, I do want to say that I am incredibly sympathetic to this resident’s current situation. I don’t want them to end up experiencing homelessness, and I don’t want to escalate this to the police if I can help it. From what I have gathered from dealing with management for months, they are not in a city program and their family is unwilling to help, so I am at a loss as to what our options are. Management’s only option at this time is a suggestion to move. (more…)

“Property management company has without warning implemented a $100 fee to use the bike storage room”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Is this legal? The property management company for our building (we rent someone’s condo) has without warning implemented a $100 fee to use the bike storage room. The room is now controlled by fob access, and fobs won’t work until you pay the $100/bike. What’s the legality of the company just imposing a charge like this without warning? Anyone else had to deal with this?”

“they are refusing to turn on the A/C prior to the May 15th date that’s mandated by DC law”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Erin

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve recently moved to a building that controls the switch between A/C and heat and they are refusing to turn on the A/C prior to the May 15th date that’s mandated by DC law. My apartment has been above 80 degrees for over two days despite fans running, blinds closed, and every other measure I could take to mitigate the heat inside my unit. In addition, DC Public Schools are also dealing with this and students are expected to learn in classrooms that are also over 80 degrees. (more…)

“it states that marijuana will not be allowed at all in any the building even if the user has a medical prescription”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

On Friday they dropped the attached memo at everyone’s door. To summarize, it states that marijuana will not be allowed at all in any the building even if the user has a medical prescription. I’m wondering if this is happening elsewhere in the city?”

They cite: (more…)

“HOA Absurdity”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

“Explore other options”

Are they suggesting a forced adoption of my toddler? Pretty sure even Canada stopped doing that too….

My toddler comes from daycare at 530 and is in bed by 730/8 pm”

Notice OP received: (more…)

“I’m in constant pain from my paper thin apartment walls”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

I’m in constant pain from my paper thin apartment walls, which lack soundproofing to the point where I can hear the conversations my neighbors are having and various noises from normal day-to-day activities, including the ones that should remain private. I am stressed out knowing that my neighbors can also hear everything coming out from my apartment. (more…)

“Should I report it as an illegal rental and if so where?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I have a major issue with my Property Manager who is also a real estate agent in DC. For the past 1.5 my upstairs neighbors (4 College kids) have thrown parties loud music 20 plus people at a time inside 1-2 days a week till 4am.

I have spoken to them in person and via text numerous times. I have notified the property manager. Nothing Changes. (more…)

“I’ve been without running water or a bathroom…I’m wondering what my rights are?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live in an older building in DC and I had a leak come through my bathroom. I’ve been without running water or a bathroom since 8:30 PM (Saturday.) The plumber is here and has torn out the ceiling.

I’m wondering what my rights are? I don’t feel comfortable staying here. Just without running water, bathroom .. and who knows what’s in the ceiling.”

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