Burdo also explained that some listed violations are tied to vacant units undergoing modernization or properties under long-term lease agreements for redevelopment.
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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.
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"I think it just lessens the accountability for landlords to say 'Hey, you can kind of just limp along.'"
