In a better world, tenants’ associations wouldn’t have to exist because landlords would provide decent living conditions at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, the $33 billion corporation that manages 3003 Van Ness Street, Equity Residential, systematically has worsened living conditions in what once was a very nice building.
Residents move to 3003 Van Ness because of the large apartments, hardwood floors, great location near the Metro, proximity to Rock Creek Park, and the large swimming pool. However, they soon learn that they face a landlord that is squeezing all it can out of the building and its tenants.
Among other things, Equity Residential:
Overcharged residents for more than a decade, ignoring Washington rent control laws.
Has extremely poor security despite a sharp rise in crime in the building and the neighborhood.
Fails to adequately maintain heating and cooling systems, leading to frequent breakdowns in air conditioning, heat and hot water.
Fails to make critical repairs, leaving extensive water leaks, gaping holes in garage ceilings, and possible structural damage to the building.
Ignores obvious safety hazards like buckling sidewalks and unstable patio tiles.
Does not adequately control rodents and insects.
Frequently violates the housing code and when caught, fails to pay fines.
Files lawsuits against tenants who challenge Equity’s violations of housing law.
AND SO WE FIGHT FOR TENANTS’ RIGHTS
There are many good things about 3003 Van Ness — the location, the pool, the large apartments — that’s why we moved here. However, Equity Residential has mismanaged the property, taken advantage of its tenants, and repeatedly broken the law.
That’s why we work together as a tenant association — to pressure Equity Residential into living up to the image it tries to project as a provider of luxury apartments. We just want the rights guaranteed to tenants under DC law, and a nice place to call home. That’s why we fight.