DC is coming after landlords who create horrific living conditions for tenants

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — D.C.'s Department of Buildings (DOB) is telling 7News it is coming after landlords, who are allowing their tenants to live in rat-infested and dilapidated apartments in the district, in a much different way.

Director Brian Hanlon says the DOB has created a new inspection initiative targeting specific landlords who are not following the DC Housing code, specifically those who have thousands of violations.

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Hanlon's department is ramping up re-inspections and enforcement.

"I have to say, when I walk out of some of these buildings, there have been a couple of cases that you walk out angry. You walk out upset that there is somebody out there willing to provide housing in that condition,” says Hanlon.

Hanlon's says the new inspection initiative starts today, and the department is already zeroing in on some of the worst landlords in the district.