Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new pilot program to ensure all multi-family rental properties are safe and healthy. Great Spaces, Healthy Places, a partnership between the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), will improve housing conditions in the District by offering renovation loans for eligible owners to improve living conditions and eliminate safety and environmental hazards on their property.

“Producing, preserving, and protecting affordable housing in the District is a top priority,” said Mayor Bowser. “The Great Spaces, Healthy Places program will support our residents by helping property owners maintain and improve housing units. Working together, we will ensure that every single Washingtonian has access to an affordable, dignified, and safe place to call home.”

The first stage of the Great Spaces, Healthy Places pilot program will kick off in Ward 8 and will run through September 30, 2016. DCRA has already begun proactive, building-wide inspections as a part of this pilot program.

DHCD will begin accepting applications this summer for Great Spaces, Health Places loans, which will be supported by the Housing Production Trust Fund. Low-interest loans will be available for up to $25,000 per unit, with a  maximum of ten units per building. Interested property owners must meet a certain set of requirements including:

• Multi-family rental building with fewer than 50 units
• Possess a DCRA Inspection Report less than 10 business days old
• No defaulted or delinquent loans with DHCD
• No pending litigation in the District of Columbia
• Current on all DC taxes

Tenants who would like to report unsafe or unhealthy conditions should contact DCRA by calling (202) 442-9557 or by visiting the website.