April 21, 2000
"I am committed to revitalizing our neighborhoods. Every District family should have a safe and healthy home." - Mayor Anthony A. Williams
| Mayor Williams has a goal to ensure basic quality of life standards, including safe, decent and sanitary housing for District residents. The Williams Administration will continue to use every available resource to rid communities of substandard properties to build and maintain safe and healthy neighborhoods. |
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PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS. The city remains vigilant in its commitment to notify tenants and take every precaution to protect them against substandard housing conditions.
The city has identified an extensive list of properties with unacceptable living conditions, including pest infestations, broken windows, inadequate kitchen and toilet facilities, exposed wiring, holes in floors and walls, and significant trash accumulation.
ADMINISTRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTION BRINGS RESULTS. Within the last month, Corporation Counsel has issued arrest warrants for several landlords responsible for hundreds of housing code violations. In many cases, these landlords have requested an opportunity to repair these properties to avoid fines and potential prison sentences. On April 25th, city officials rescinded a notice to close a property on W St. because the owner complied with the city's order to make repairs at the building.
FOCUS ON PROTECTING FAMILIES. The Williams Administration shares the concern of District tenants who live in unsafe and unsanitary housing. We will continue to demand that landlords meet their contractual responsibilities and provide decent housing for their residents. If necessary, the Administration will help relocate tenants for their safety if buildings remain in extreme disrepair. In this case, the Administration will:
- Engage relocation specialists to assist families in housing transitions.
- Offer relocation services, including security deposits, utility deposits and transfers, moving, and storage, transportation, and food vouchers.
- Work with the Department of Housing and Community Development, DC Housing Authority and HUD to identify available, affordable and permanent housing.
Additionally, HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo's office plans to offer 250 vouchers to provide funds for families without homes and $1,000 per family to assist with relocation expenses.
MAYOR CALLS FOR INCREASED HOUSING INSPECTORS. The Mayor's new budget includes $800,000 to hire 24 new inspectors, raising the total from 28 to 52. The inspectors will enforce city regulations and work with landlords and tenants to ensure the safety and security of District housing.
For questions and concerns about housing issues and tenants rights, call (202) 442-4610.
