Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-07-11
REPAIRS HELD OFF
UNTIL COMMISSION
DECIDES ON RENT
D. C. Landlords Adopt Sin
quIar Method of RetaIia-
ton for Tenants.

A new problem, said to involve the
health and welfare of large number
of tenants in Washington, has been
mission with the refusal OF many
property owners to make necessary
repairs on premises until the determf-
nation Of the commission in rental
disputes has been handed down.
It was stated yesterday by a mem
Der of the commission that this prac-
tice has become 50 common that some
imm ediate remedy must be round Tor
the situation. Tenants who have filed
complaints against alleged excessive
rentals have in many instances
brought on themselves the enmity of
the landlords and this singular method
Of retaliation, 1t was pointed out, has
been adopted by the latter.
Several cases were cited where COM
plants filed two or three weeks ago
are still in the hands of the commits
sion, pending proper hearing. The
tenants fling the complaints have
been firmly told by their landlords
that no repairs or alterations, how
ever necessary will be made until
fair rental is decided.
The conditions resulting from this
procedure we're said to be Startling
in a number of homes and apartments.
The health and virtually the lives of
some occupants are seriously endan-
improvements Denied.
Where repairs to plumbing and
sanitation equipment are absolutely
essential to the welfare of tenants
the improvements have deliberately
been denied. it Is said, with conse-
quent damage not only to the tenants,
but to the walls, ceilings and paper
ing of the property itself.
Apparently the owners do not take
into consideration the fact that
dilapidated premises do not Justify
high rental charges. it was pointed
out The members of the rent COM
mission personally have visited an
average Of three or four homes each
afternoon. following the regular hear
ings,. and conditions often revealed
on these inspection trips were char
acterfzed as unbelievable" Taking
into consideration. not the value of
the home or apartment If it were in
normal shape, but the actual condi-
ton present at the time of the in
spection. the commission has reached
determination based on their find
ings, frequently to the dismay of the
landlord concerned. Had the premises
oeen kept in even a sanitary condi-
ton the decision might have been
more favorable. it was explained.
Premises "Run Down.,
Where heavy cuts in rental have
been ordered by the commission, it is
usually the case that the premises in
question are In rundown condition.
A 30 per cent decrease was ordered
In one instance, after personal inspec-
ton corroborated a narrowing story
OF a housewife, at first believed to be
greatly exaggerated. Even the gas
range In this case was unserviceable,
II the dilatory tactics of some of
these owners continues many tenants
would be justified in reporting condi-
tions to the health officer. in the opin-
lon Of members Of the commission.
This is especially true, it was assert
ed, when the conditions had been re-
peatedly brought to the attention of
the landlord without result.
Cases for Tomorrow.
Three rental cases are set for hear
ing before the commission tomorrow
morning. beginning at 10 o'clock. Five
petitions for possession of premises
will be heard.
The docket fo1lows-Albert w. Gros-.
kopf agt. Louis Bennett, rental for
storeroom, 81 9Th street northwest;
David Butler and Juanita Butler agt.
Frank p. Manning. possession of 1913
Lamont street northwest; Harry A.
Seay agt. Mrs. Dorothea Thompson,
ct at, rental for apartment in the
Chesterfield. BAL Mount Pleasant
street northwest: I. Goldberg agt
Mrs. Gurken Hall, possession Of sos
New Hampshire avenue northwest:
Morris A. Undelavitch agt. Harry S.
Burwell, possession Of 305 7th street
northwest: Mrs. Hazel X. Curran aet.
Mrs. Emma L. Duffy, possession sec
ond floor. 2511 18th street northwest:
Mrs. NJ. Scribner agt. Thomas j. Nc
Nance, rental for 1916 Columbia road
northwest; Ferdinand T. Schneider.
trustee. agt. Mrs. r. r. Spencer ct al,
rental Tor apartments. The Carlton,
2103 " street northwest