In a legal offensive against substandard housing conditions, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has launched two lawsuits against landlord Ali “Sam” Razjooyan and associated property management for an alleged constellation of egregious housing code violations across two apartment complexes. As reported by DC News Now, the properties in question, situated in Wards 7 and 8, have been accused of severe neglect, including rat infestations and structural hazards.
Tenants have recounted their stories of living in distressing conditions. "You’re asking us to pay our rent on time and pay water bill and and pay all these essentials and stuff like that," Kianna Smith, a resident with children, pointed out the paradox of their expectations versus their living situation in a statement obtained by DC News Now. Her next-door neighbor, Jayshaun Gill, feeling the lawsuits might finally vindicate their plight, shared, "We’re going to have something done for our right for once in a while." Despite calls for comment, the management side has maintained silence.
WUSA9 further highlights that, beyond the visible decay, the allegations extend to illegal construction activities and fraud against D.C.’s Rapid Re-Housing program, with Razjooyan accused of falsely certifying the complexes as safe in exchange for significant sums in government subsidies.
Commenting on the depth of the problem, one resident, Ernest Wilkerson, personally engages in an endless battle against the dilapidation of his surroundings, attempting repairs amidst an environment where rats and trash are commonplace. He told WUSA9, "They[slumlords] don’t care about the people. They care about the money. It’s sad, but it’s reality.” His statement reflects a sentiment echoed across affected communities.
Meanwhile, another resident of the W Street SE complex discovered his oven infested with mice, indicating the depth of the infestation problem. Speaking with NBC Washington, Mae Gupton outlined her own experiences with vermin, saying, "Me and my daughters are living with rats. This whole building is infected with rats." With many tenants having spent years in these conditions, the lawsuits filed by Schwalb seek not just repairs, but restitution for the residents and penalties for the defendants.
