D.C. Landlord Fined $546K for Hundreds of Housing Violations Across 15 Properties

D.C. Landlord Fined $546K for Hundreds of Housing Violations Across 15 Properties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued $546,606 in fines for 486 housing violations across 15 properties linked to landlord Rashid Salem and Petra Development. The penalties are the result of targeted inspections aimed at chronic housing code offenders.

According to DOB records, these properties have a history of serious code violations. Since 2018, inspectors have documented nearly 575 violations, with about 55% still unresolved — representing $185,000 in fines that remain unpaid.

Proactive Enforcement Strategy

DOB Director Brian Hanlon said the agency is using data-driven methods and community reports to focus on problem landlords.

“Proactive inspections against properties that… are known to have issues with housing code compliance are one of the tools in our enforcement toolbox,” Hanlon explained. “Our increased ability to target these properties helps advance our mission to ensure District residents have safe housing.”

Between July 5 and July 13, DOB conducted inspections of Salem- and Petra-owned buildings, flagging hundreds of violations ranging from safety hazards to habitability concerns. A full list of the inspected addresses has been made public by the department.

Support and Enforcement Options

To encourage compliance, DOB offers its Outreach Abatement and Reconciliation (OAR) Program, which works directly with property owners who have large numbers of outstanding violations. The initiative has shown measurable success, increasing abatement rates by 42%.

However, if property owners fail to address violations through the OAR process, the agency can escalate cases to the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Office of the Attorney General for legal enforcement.

Tenant Resources

DOB officials are urging tenants with unresolved safety or maintenance issues to report them. Complaints can be submitted at dob.dc.gov or by calling 202-671-3500, after which the agency will schedule an inspection promptly.

7News reported that Petra Development has not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest enforcement actions.

The agency’s full efforts to improve housing conditions and enforcement outcomes are detailed in its FY2024 Strategic Enforcement Report.

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