The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) has accumulated more than $2.2 million in fines for over 2,500 unresolved housing violations, according to the Department of Buildings (DOB).
Some violations have remained unaddressed since 2019, contributing to a significant backlog across DCHA's more than 8,500 public housing units.
Keith Parsons, DOB's director of strategic enforcement, said the housing authority effectively polices itself, as DOB's legal powers are limited to issuing fines without further enforcement.
"If someone calls us up, we'll go out, we'll inspect, we will see what's broken, we'll create a [notice of infraction], and we will provide it to DCHA," Parsons said.
"They are supposed to then fix it and tell us."
He added that "there is really no 'stick,' by law," highlighting the challenges DOB faces in compelling timely repairs.
Megan Browder, director for systemic advocacy and law reform at Legal Aid DC, attributed the issue partly to the size of the housing portfolio and a lack of commitment to the agency's mission.
"I think it is partially the size of the portfolio and also a systematic disregard for their mission," Browder said.
She referenced past federal and local investigations that found DCHA out of compliance with inspection requirements and accused of endangering tenants.
Alison Burdo, a spokesperson for DCHA, stated that the agency takes steps to resolve infractions within required timeframes and provides proof to DOB, though delays in updating the public database may occur.
Burdo also explained that some listed violations are tied to vacant units undergoing modernization or properties under long-term lease agreements for redevelopment.
DCHA is currently implementing a three-year recovery plan aimed at improving housing quality and work order management, and the agency meets monthly with DOB to review infractions.
Parsons noted that DOB faces a large backlog of over 84,500 unresolved violations citywide, with $83 million in fines, many tied up in litigation or waiting for evidence of repairs.
He described the department's adjudication process as lengthy, complicated by frequent errors in sending infraction notices and a backlog in the city's Office of Administrative Hearings.
"A landlord is entitled to due process," Browder said, adding that this creates delays because of the backlog at OAH.
Despite these challenges, DOB is adjusting its strategy to prioritize fixing violations over collecting fines, aiming to resolve most emergency violations within 30 days and non-emergency ones within 90 days.
"Success is making sure the problems are fixed, and the fines are a way to motivate the landlord to do it," Parsons said.
He reported a 10% increase in fine collection from fiscal years 2024 to 2025 and highlighted efforts to resolve violations without fines when repairs happen promptly.
Browder expressed concern that relaxing financial penalties might reduce landlord accountability.
"For me it's really concerning," she said.
"I think it just lessens the accountability for landlords to say 'Hey, you can kind of just limp along.'"
