structural damage

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VNSTA asks DCRA to issue formal letter to Equity regarding expert analysis of problems at 3003

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On January 20th, the Van Ness South Tenants Association sent a letter to the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, thanking it for its recent tour of glaring maintenance problems at 3003 Van Ness and also asking DCRA to follow-up with clear instructions to Equity Residential about next steps.

With regard to the substantial damage in the garages, the letter specifically requests that DCRA require a full analysis conducted by certified certified, independent experts in three areas: structural engineering, plumbing and waterproofing.

The letter from VNSTA to DCRA concludes:

“We respectfully request that DCRA follow up its inspection with a formal letter to Equity Residential, copying the tenants association, stating its expectations for a full analysis by certified experts, as well as specific instructions for Equity in the interim.”
— VNSTA letter to DCRA
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DCRA orders Equity Residential to start covering up evidence of damage in underground garage

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Equity Residential today started covering over damaged areas of the garage at 3003 Van Ness, concealing areas that require thorough inspection. Equity’s action was taken on the order of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, which had made a quick tour of the area accompanied by Equity Residential management on Friday.

DCRA, which did not have the area inspected by a certified structural engineer, licensed plumber or waterproofing consultant, moved quickly on Friday to tell Equity to cover over the damage. Equity Residential, which had allowed these problems to languish for months, acted with lightening speed to cover the areas after DCRA instructed it to make unspecified repairs.

The Van Ness South Tenants Association sent a letter to DCRA Director Mr. Ernest Chrappah on Saturday immediately after learning of the cover up. The letter states….