January 2026 Edition

• A Message From The Director
• On the Record: DOB Testifies Before DC Council
• 🔎Case Study: Collaborative Compliance Effort With Major Property Manager Improves Housing Conditions
• New Rules Expand Tax Exemption Eligibility for Most Vacant Property Owners
• DOB Prevails in High-Profile Emergency Enforcement Case
• DOB in the Community
• Mark Your Calendars: Healthy Homes Fair Returns to DC
• ❄️Winter Safety Tips to Remember
• Building Blocks: Things to Remember

A Message From The Director

Dear Customers, As 2026 gets underway, I want to acknowledge the residents, businesses, builders, and community organizations who engage with the Department of Buildings every day. Your feedback, ideas, and collaboration help shape a safer and more resilient built environment for everyone in our city. This year is off to a busy start. Our teams are already out in the community conducting winter safety outreach, supporting Council oversight, and advancing improvements to enforcement and customer service. From strengthening tenant protections during cold-weather months, to testifying on modernization efforts at the Council, to resolving complex compliance cases that improve living conditions across multiple properties — we are focused on results that matter for District residents. In the months ahead, DOB will continue sharpening our tools, embracing transparency, and expanding our field presence. We will help Mayor Bowser run through the tape by improving how we serve customers, launching initiatives that make it easier to complete projects safely and efficiently, and elevating housing and building standards that support the District’s growth. Thank you for your continued engagement and for helping move this mission forward. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026 as we build a safer, stronger, and more accessible District together.  Onward,

Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP^®
Director

On the Record: DOB Testifies Before DC Council

DOB TESTIMONIES AT 2:36:00

🔎Case Study: Collaborative Compliance Effort With Major Property Manager Improves Housing Conditions

DOB recently completed an escalated compliance effort with UIP, a major District property manager, resulting in measurable improvements to building safety and resident quality of life across its portfolio. Following constituent concerns and an initial investigation, DOB facilitated a voluntary compliance agreement with UIP that established a clear, time-bound path to address identified issues.

Under the agreement, DOB conducted regular inspections while UIP implemented a corrective action plan supported by a detailed Post-Investigation Property Compliance Checklist. The checklist required actions such as hiring additional service technicians, securing building entrances, establishing routine pest control, improving tenant communication systems, and documenting repairs through DOB’s evidence portal.

Over a four-month period, UIP increased its abatement performance from 49% to 71%, hired 17 service technicians to cover 2,029 units across 31 buildings, ensured all elevators were operational, and instituted consistent trash removal and pest management services.

This collaborative, field-verified approach demonstrates the value of structured compliance pathways that protect residents while supporting property owners in meeting District standards. DOB will continue to use data-driven and community-responsive strategies to strengthen housing safety and improve building performance across the District. 

New Rules Expand Tax Exemption Eligibility for Most Vacant Property Owners

Are you a vacant property owner in DC? You may have expanded opportunities to qualify for an exemption from higher taxes, thanks to the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act (DC Law 26-41). The updated law makes it easier to reduce the Class 3 vacant property tax rate under several circumstances, including properties that are:

• Under active construction, rehabilitation, renovation, or repair
• Seeking to sell or rent
• Probate proceeding/title is subject to litigation
• Substantial undue economic hardship
• Application is pending for required approvals from certain boards

While the law extends the timeframe for many exemptions, eligibility still requires strong documentation, is reviewed annually, and does not change a property's vacant classification. Blighted properties remain ineligible unless repairs remove the blight.

LEARN MORE

DOB Prevails in High-Profile Emergency Enforcement Case

DOB in the Community

Supporting Residents through Collaboration DOB and the DC Department of Energy and Environment recently conducted a joint site visit for a resident who sought support through constituent services. The visit allowed our teams to address concerns directly, explain housing standards, and guide the resident through the compliance process. This community-focused response highlights our hands-on approach to service and our commitment to meeting residents where they are.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Community Director Hanlon joined DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb and representatives from District agencies and community organizations at the 2026 MLK Holiday Peace Walk and Parade. The event brought residents together in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, reminding us that strong communities are built through compassion, service, and collective action. Photo Credit: DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb

Mark Your Calendars: Healthy Homes Fair Returns to DC

The Healthy Homes Fair returns this March 21, 2026, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., at Catholic University. This free, family-friendly expo helps DC-area residents learn how to make their homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable to power through efficient electric equipment upgrades and access to renewable energy generation and storage.

SEE WHAT’S IN STORE

❄️Winter Safety Tips to Remember

Winter weather is here! DOB's here to help residents stay safe and warm.  ✅ Tenants have the right to heat. DC law requires landlords to maintain at least 68°F in all habitable rooms during cold-weather months.  ✅ Still cold? If your landlord doesn’t fix heating issues promptly, please reach out to us at 202-671-3500 or visit www.tinyurl.com/DOBInspect for further assistance.  ✅ Stay safe! Never use stoves or ovens for heat. Your landlord must provide proper heating and emergency support.

Building Blocks: Things to Remember