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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 14. HOUSING |
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Chapter 14-1. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT |
Section 14-101. CIVIL ENFORCEMENT POLICY
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101.1The maintenance of leased or rental habitations in violation of the provisions of this subtitle, where those violations constitute a danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the occupants, is declared to be a public nuisance.
101.2The abatement of the public nuisances referred to in subsection 101.1 by criminal prosecution or by compulsory repair, condemnation, and demolition alone has been and continues to be inadequate.
101.3The public nuisances referred to in subsection 101.1 additionally cause specific, immediate, irreparable and continuing harm to the occupants of these habitations.
101.4The public nuisances referred to in subsection 101.1 damage the quality of life and the mental development and well-being of the occupants, as well as their physical health and personal property, and this harm cannot be fully compensated for by an action for damages, rescission or equitable set-off for the reduction in rental value of the premises.
101.5It is the purpose of this section to declare expressly a public policy in favor of speedy abatement of the public nuisances referred to in subsection 101.1, if necessary, by preliminary and permanent injunction issued by Courts of competent jurisdiction.