Rodents, Mold Spur D.C. AG Action at Two Ward 7 Properties

March 11, 2026

The D.C. Attorney General has announced legally binding settlements with two Ward 7 apartment complexes that were found to have severe habitability problems including rodent infestations, mold, water damage, and broken security features. Inspections at Benning Courts and Azeeze Bates Apartments revealed widespread violations, with rodents present in approximately 70 percent of examined units at one property and dozens of rodent burrows discovered at the other. The settlements require property owners to conduct annual inspections, make necessary repairs, provide quarterly pest control treatments, and address emergency conditions within 24 hours or provide alternative housing.

Who is affected

Tenants living at Benning Courts (1701–1713 Benning Road NE)
Tenants living at Azeeze Bates Apartments (1515–1525 F Street NE)
Horning Management Company LLC (property management company)
Property owners of both complexes
D.C. Attorney General's Office
D.C. Department of Health
D.C. Department of Buildings

What action is being taken

Management must conduct annual inspections and preventative maintenance in all units and common areas
Owners must perform regular inspections and repairs of major systems
Both properties must provide quarterly pest control treatments by a licensed company
Owners must correct all outstanding Department of Buildings infractions at Azeeze Bates within 35 days
The District may inspect up to 10% of units each year through January 1, 2028

Why it matters

This settlement establishes enforceable standards for tenant housing conditions in the District and demonstrates that property owners can be held legally accountable for failing to maintain safe, habitable living environments. The agreements protect vulnerable tenants from dangerous conditions like rodent infestations affecting 70 percent of units, mold growth, and broken security features that violate basic safety standards and the Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The court-enforceable oversight through 2028 ensures ongoing compliance and provides a model for addressing similar housing violations across D.C., reinforcing the principle that all tenants have a legal right to safe and healthy homes.

What's next

Emergency conditions must be addressed within 24 hours, with alternative accommodations provided if repairs cannot be completed in that timeframe
Tenants can request additional pest control service between quarterly treatments
The District will conduct annual inspections of up to 10% of units through January 1, 2028
Property owners must maintain compliance with the settlement terms to avoid litigation over habitability issues

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer