REPORTING PROBLEMS IN YOUR APARTMENT

If you have a problem in your apartment — e.g., a water leak, mold, appliances not working, etc. — you can submit a service request via Equity Residential’s online system, My Equity Apartments. You will have to set up an account with a username and password. Equity recommends that for emergency service requests you call (202) 244-3100.

It’s possible that your problem will get resolved using this system. The core maintenance team is competent and the senior service technician, Jose, is excellent. However, the Equity management has allowed the building to run down over the years and the maintenance staff has been drastically cut, so you may not get the response you need in a timely manner.

If you don’t get an adequate response, you will have to email the Equity Residential general manage, Dan Burkes (dburkes@eqr.com). You should also cc: the tenants association so there is a record of the communication. Sometimes we can help.

LEAVING A “PAPER” TRAIL

When you need anything from Equity Residential you should always leave a record of your interactions. That’s why email is ideal. Calling the front desk may get a response — but the people there already understaffed and overworked, so you may not get what you need. It’s largely not their fault - they are overwhelmed.

So be sure to make requests in written form, whether through the MyEquityApartments portal or via direct emails to management.

KEEP THE TENANTS ASSOCIATION INVOLVED

If you send an email to Equity Residential management and you cc: the tenants association, their reply likely will remove the tenants association from the distribution list. If you don’t get a satisfactory resolution to your problem, you should cc: the tenants association on your reply to Equity. We don’t always have to get directly involved, but the fact that we’re in the loop provides additional pressure to get your problem resolved.

TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION

If you can’t resolve a problem by contacting management, then asking for help from the tenant association, you may be forced to take additional action — e.g., requesting an apartment inspection from the DC Department of Buildings (which can issue fines), filing a simple complaint (known as a tenant petition), with the DC Office of Administrative Hearings, or filing a housing code complaint with DC Housing Conditions Court.

Found out more under the Housing Code Violations tab on the Practical Advice menu.