WASHINGTON — Imagine coming home to broken doors, walls teeming with rats, toxic mold, and windows that won’t close, only to be told your apartment is "up to code." For tenants in two D.C. housing complexes, this nightmare is their daily reality.
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced two lawsuits Monday against Ali “Sam” Razjooyan, citing extreme housing code violations and fraudulent practices. The lawsuits involve two housing complexes, one in Ward 7 and another in Ward 8, where tenants have been subjected to deplorable living conditions, ignored stop-work orders, and fraudulent activity related to D.C.’s Rapid Re-Housing program.
"The defendants in this lawsuit are slumlords in the truest sense of the word," Schwalb said. "They are taking advantage of their tenants, fellow investors and taking advantage of our city.”
Dangerous Living Conditions in Wards 7 and 8
The lawsuits highlight shocking conditions at the 32-unit complex at 1644-1656 W Street SE (Ward 8) and the 83-unit Minnesota Commons complex (Ward 7). Tenants have been forced to live in properties plagued by severe pest infestations, piled-up trash, broken windows and doors, and dangerous, illegal construction.
At the W Street SE complex, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) alleges that tenants are subjected to rat, mouse and roach infestations so severe that parts of the building have been declared “unfit for human occupancy.” Tenants also face chronic water leaks, toxic mold, and non-functioning fire safety systems, putting them at severe risk.
Minnesota Commons, consisting of 11 buildings, is in similarly dire condition. With broken windows, unsecured doors, and piles of trash, most residents have vacated the premises. However, 15 senior citizens, some who have lived there for years, remain trapped in this deteriorating complex. Their units suffer from rodent infestations, lack of air conditioning, and dangerous, illegal construction that has worsened the situation.
Ernest Wilkerson has lived at Minnesota Commons for the last five years. He's a construction worker by day and by night, he does what he can to make repairs in his apartment complex, which has issues with rats, trash, and debris, and is missing windows and walls. Conditions are so bad, inspectors said the building is a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the community.
“They[slumlords] don’t care about the people," Wilkerson said. "They care about the money. It’s sad, but it’s reality.”
The lawsuit is demanding repairs be made. Restitution for tenants and penalties for violating DC law.
“I hope someone will see this story and not rescue us, but just give us a helping hand,” Wilkerson said.
Illegal Construction and Defrauding the District
Schwalb’s lawsuits also allege that Razjooyan ignored repeated stop-work orders from the Department of Buildings (DOB) while conducting illegal and unsafe construction at both properties. The hazardous construction includes unpermitted electrical installations and dangerous excavation work.
In addition to endangering tenants, Razjooyan is accused of defrauding D.C.’s Rapid Re-Housing program, which is intended to assist residents transitioning from homelessness. Razjooyan falsely certified that his properties met safety standards to collect up to $19,000 per month in government-subsidized rent. He knowingly misled authorities by submitting false claims about the condition of these properties while pocketing taxpayer money intended to support the city’s most vulnerable residents.
OAG’s Legal Action and Tenant Support
Attorney General Schwalb is seeking immediate intervention to halt illegal construction, force repairs, and obtain restitution for tenants. The AG is also pushing for financial penalties and damages for Razjooyan’s violation of housing codes and fraudulent claims.
“No District resident should have to endure the horrific conditions these tenants are facing,” said Schwalb. “Our office will not allow slumlords like Razjooyan to exploit housing programs while preying on disadvantaged families. We are committed to holding these property owners accountable and ensuring every resident has access to safe, habitable housing.”
Resources for Tenants
Schwalb's office offers a range of resources for D.C. tenants facing unsafe conditions or disputes with landlords. For more information on tenant rights and how to report unsafe housing, visit the OAG’s website.
Tenants in similar situations across the District are encouraged to speak up and hold landlords accountable for maintaining safe and lawful housing.
WUSA9 has reached out to the accused landlord for a statement, but as of publication had not heard back.