The Van Ness South Tenants Association can now confirm that recently the DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) delivered a letter to Equity Residential management warning that it must tighten security or risk a lawsuit via the OAG that could result in it being designated a “nuisance property.” The OAG’s website describes nuisance properties this way:
“D.C. Code § 42-3101 through §42-3111 allows the Office of the Attorney General and community groups to file lawsuits against properties that are being used to sell, store or manufacture illegal drugs; that are being used to unlawfully store or sell guns; or that are being used to facilitate prostitution. These lawsuits must also show that the properties are having an “adverse effect” on the neighborhood as a result of the drug, gun, or prostitution activity. The law empowers judges in these lawsuits to remedy the nuisance through a variety of appropriate means, like ordering the landlord to evict a problem tenant, install security cameras, maintain a list of people who aren’t allowed on the property, or take other steps to prevent the nuisance activity.”
Earlier this week, the Forest Hills Connection reported that the Metropolitan District Police (MPD) recommended to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) that three local buildings, including 3003 Van Ness, be required to improve building security or risk a lawsuit by the OAG.
The Office of the Attorney General and the Metropolitan District Police now will meet with Equity Residential management to discuss what steps Equity must take to improve security at 3003 Van Ness.
Ironically, on the home page of its website, the $33 billion Equity Residential corporation describes its mission this way:
“Our purpose at Equity Residential is creating communities where people thrive. We know that in order to thrive, however, our residents must first feel safe.”
*Note: In a previous iteration of this page, VNSTA had stated that 3003 Van Ness already had been designated a “nuisance property.” However, it later learned that there is a longer process leading to such a designation - a warning or letter from the OAG and then requirements by OAG to improve security procedures. If that is not successful, the OAG may file a lawsuit against Equity Residential. If the company loses the suit, the Superior Court likely would designate it as a “nuisance property.”
Nevertheless, the recent action by the Attorney General, prompted by a request by the Metropolitan District Police, is a very strong rebuke against Equity Residential for failing to provide adequate security for its residents.