Open data and transparency regarding vacant and abandoned properties can result in unintended circumstances.
However when discussing rental properties the benefits far outweigh the risks.
As discussed in a recent Washington Post article, often renters have to agree to a background check but it’s pretty rare for the reverse to happen.
Now renters in D.C. can access information directly from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs through its “Landlord Violations Tool” allowing lookups for violations either by landlord name or a particular property address
For more information, please click here.