tenant rights

“Dear PoPville,

Before I begin, I do want to say that dealing with someone living with a mental illness is difficult and we all must be sensitive, accommodating, and helpful to them as they battle.

I live in an apartment building in DC. Over the past couple of years, residents have been living with an individual who has had extended periods of mental difficulties. While we all need to be gracious and empathetic, I think you will agree that these periods have included things that have gone too far. For example, the individual: (more…)

“Dear PoPville,

In my handful of years living in The Apollo Apartments in H St NE, I’ve been locked out of my own apartment more than 25 times. It’s because of these horrible keyfobs they use. (more…)

photo by Diane Krauthamer

“Dear PoPville,

I have a question for the community regarding security deposits in DC. Are tenants entitled to their security deposit paid back with interest? However, some leases like my own state that no interest shall be returned. Is this enforceable?”

photo by Diane Krauthamer

“Dear PoPville,

We live in a modern new development. It has recently come to our attention that many of the units are being rented out to short term tenants for anywhere from a weekend to a week. (more…)

“Dear PoPville,

I read an article a few weeks ago about crazy rent increases in Washington DC. Our rent is scheduled to go up from about 2100 to 2700 for a 12 month lease, or 3300 for a 6 month lease. If it matters, that’s just base rent and doesn’t include parking, dog fees, electric, or water… Our building isn’t rent controlled but is that even legal?”