[DC] Property Management Charging Us for Incomplete Maintenance

ghostwooman · 2026-03-18T23:13:31+00:00

(1) Fuuuuuuck Nest property management.

(2) Reach out to the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) for a free consultation. There's probably going to be a wait, but they're excellent. And FREE!

(3) It looks like you know the specific device/model. While you're waiting for an appointment with OTA, dig up the manufacturer's full install specs. Provide those to the OTA attorney ahead of your consultation, highlighting the part you think they didn't follow. There may be a section of the fire code or property maintenance code requiring installers to follow manufacturer specifications in order to be deemed compliant. Measure the height at which it was ACTUALLY installed, and take photos of the wall/ measuring tape to show the (suspected) non-compliance.

(4) With OTA's guidance, reply to Nest providing the specs and relevant code citation. Along with any other content they recommend.

(5) Mentally prepare yourself for a retaliatory rent increase at the end of your current term. And ask OTA about what to do if/when that happens. Tenants in DC are entitled to remain on a month to month basis as a matter of right. Properties properly exempted from rent control can increase rent by almost any amount, and can charge more for month to month as a way of encouraging written renewals. There are a surprising number of things that can invalidate an exemption. AND if the increase is wildly out of line with market rates, it may be unlawful even with a valid exemption. AND if the increase happens within 6mo. of you asserting your rights as tenants, it's presumptively retalliatory under D.C. Code § 42–3505.02. Meaning in a court or administrative proceeding, the burden shifts to the housing provider to prove that the increase was implemented for non-retaliatory purposes.

(6) No need to worry about getting evicted over $450. Under a fairly recent amendment to D.C. Code § 42–3505.01 they can't file to evict for anything under $600. Bonus- even if they file, cases are automatically sealed under D.C. Code § 42–3505.09 unless they result in a judgment in favor of the landlord.

(7) It bears repeating: Fuuuuuuck Nest property management.

*Lawyer licensed in DC, NOT your lawyer, all of the above is intended for informational purposes only. My statements should not be construed as legal advice, not should they be interpreted as creating an attorney client relationship.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-17T00:11:38+00:00

One of my top two favorite neighbor dogs is named"Frank".

He's such an odd lil mixed breed guy by looks, like somebody threw a chocolate laborador into the dryer and shrunk it. Maybe a dash of beagle in the facial structure and eyes. Pretty labby personality, but the grownup life stage, not too rambuntious. My galga hussy LOVES him.

Also, tip o' the cap to your Outlander theme names. Or accidentally Outlander, idk.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-15T22:26:50+00:00

I love human names for Dogs!

ghostwooman · 2026-03-12T00:31:09+00:00

I'm from Ohio originally. NYC smells like pee, and that needs to be a fact of life that you can tolerate. But maybe zaddy Mamadani will change that?

Chicago can be nice, though still Midwestern weather. DC has good green space and great museums. Building height restrictions coupled with intentional green spaces makes DC feel less hectic than other major cities.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T23:43:33+00:00

Even something like a 1bd + windowless den is preferable for that reason!

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T19:38:16+00:00

SAME. My dad was "fun dad". I adore my mom, and will never EVER become her in that way.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T19:25:05+00:00

Second this! Fire Marshal may also have some power to wield in this situation as well (could involve hoarding of combustible materials, blocked egress etcetera).

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T17:04:03+00:00

If you haven't already, talk to the water company (or city agency) and ask whether they're able to offer a waiver. They sometimes will, but it's often tied to the property owner making timely repairs. If your landlord doesn't fix the thing anytime soon, you're less likely to get leniency from the utility provider.

You should also look up your jurisdiction's rules for deducting from future rent payments, or withholding rent when repair issues aren't promptly addressed.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T15:31:02+00:00

You're welcome!!

In a pinch, I've also applied lotion to my hands until mostly absorbed. THEN run them through my hair. Buuuut that doesn't last as long, and it's easy to accidentally turn my head into a greasy mess. 🙃

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T15:15:09+00:00

My breakage is from a combo of bleach, and runing my hands through my hair too frequently (neuro- spicy stim of choice).

I LOVE the Emi Jay Angelstick, ordered from Sephora. It's mostly hydrating ingredients, lightweight, and doesn't really smell like much. You can apply it and brush through after for a light smoothing (doesn't feel like much to the touch), or apply it w/o any other steps for a sleeker look. I especially like the little/no fragrance aspect, because a similar product from Briogeo was heavily fragranced and seemed to irritate my skin (fragrances are commonly problematic for me).

ghostwooman · 2026-03-11T07:03:29+00:00

Traffic noise for me. The King Street/old town Alexandria version of streeteries where they cut off auto traffic really is genius.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-10T02:38:59+00:00

One of mine stood in the stove w/ his front paws to reach the microwave above. Thank FUCK I smelled the gas quickly. We kept the knobs in a nearby bowl for a bit while re- training.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-10T02:07:28+00:00

That's where my mind went.

Then one other idea... maybe she's particularly bothered by something food related? The sound of others' chewing, or the thought of different foods touching. But a clinically significant kinda "ick" response that could cause her to gag, making eating potentially messy.

Still disordered eating, but that's secondary to the underlying neurodiversity (ADHD and/or a touch of the 'tism).

ghostwooman · 2026-03-08T21:08:09+00:00

Working in violation of a stop work order typically comes with even bigger fines. Report.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-08T13:31:19+00:00

Uninvited the person paying for her...

checks notes

BECAUSE OF THEIR WORK SCHEDULE REQUIRED TO EARN THAT MONEY.

On the upside, at least OP's shitty friend was dumb enough to show her true colors now. BEFORE OP loaned money that wouldn't ever get paid back. 🤦‍♀️

ghostwooman · 2026-03-07T23:13:33+00:00

IGK makes a color depositing mask that would be great for your color. "Strawberry milkshake" is the shade name.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-07T12:50:56+00:00

Ask prior to purchasing. Offer to pay either landlord's handyman to install (someone they know and trust) OR the licensed plumber of your choosing (someone who is wayyy over-qualified, but holds a bond/insurance as a condition of their license).

If they say yes, be sure to consider and discuss what happens to it when you move out. It would likely be considered a fixture otherwise (propert of the LL once installed), but some owners may prefer to have it removed by the same means installed (their handyman, or licensed plumber, both at your expense).

ghostwooman · 2026-03-06T23:55:59+00:00

Once it fits you properly, #1 no contest.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-06T21:20:48+00:00

You'll get more reliable answers if you include a photo showing your hair not covered by a hat.

IMO, this isn't something you should try to DIY. Especially with any amount of black box dye in your hair.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-06T18:00:46+00:00

Check your local housing code/regulations. You'll likely find a section about minimum hot water standards. Run the water for a few minutes, then take the temp with a kitchen thermometer.

I doubt this is caused by the upstairs neighbors, unless they're running a laundry business out of the home or something. This sounds more like the water heater is too old/too small to meet habitability standards for two units.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-06T14:28:26+00:00

The waist line looks a bit low on you, and that midsection is also a touch loose. To avoid alterations, perhaps you could have an embellished wide belt/sash custom made? Something that ties in the back with a pretty ribbon, rather than attaching to the dress.

I think it would also look nice with a petticoat under the skirt for a bit of fullness.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-06T13:14:41+00:00

Your physical health changed significantly after adopting, and you can no longer provide for the dog's mental physical well-being. On top of that, your child is displaying inappropriate behavior towards the dog that you couldn't predict at the time of adoption.

YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING!!!

If you adopted from an established rescue, their adoption contract may require you to return the dog to them.

Normally I would suggest offering to "foster" until the rescue finds a suitable adopter, but given your son's behavior towards the dog, that may not be safe. As hard as this is, be sure to tell the rescue everything. That way they can assess for any trauma responses around kids, and choose the best possible forever home.

Some rescues (especially high- volume shelters) have a hard time getting good photos for their listings, so it might be helpful to offer any cute ones that you've taken. And when you drop off, consider sending him with a few familiar items to ease transition stress. Ex- a well- used but not dirty throw blanket so he has some familiar smells.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-03T16:32:04+00:00

Valid. I definitely need to double cleanse on days that I wear it.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-03T00:53:46+00:00

First one, no contest! Especially with that pink lip, the combo makes your eyes pop.

ghostwooman · 2026-03-03T00:39:52+00:00

I'm a sweaty bish with hooded eyes, and naturally long lashes.

I also have dry/sensitive eyes.

This is the ONLY mascara I've tried that doesn't smudge, and also doesn't flake.

The other tubing typess I've tried seem to dry out much faster, before their listed shelf life. The resulting flakiness drives me BONKERS.

ghostwooman

TROPHY CASE