The Brief
- DC alleges the owners let both buildings fall into severe disrepair.
- A 2024 gas explosion displaced tenants after repeated complaints about stoves and gas lines.
- The District seeks repairs, restitution for tenants and reimbursement of emergency housing costs.
WASHINGTON – Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit against the owners of two apartment buildings, accusing them of allowing the properties to fall into severe disrepair and failing to reimburse the District for emergency housing costs after a gas explosion forced dozens of tenants from their homes.
The lawsuit alleges that John and Herminia Steininger let their buildings at 1433 Columbia Road NW and 1841 Lamont Street NW deteriorate to the point of endangering residents’ health and safety. Since 2018, the owners have received more than 120 housing code citations and over $140,000 in fines but made no repairs, Schwalb said.
The Columbia Road building is a 33‑unit apartment complex and the Lamont Street property has four units. Violations include broken windows, sinks and toilets, rodent infestations, hazardous electrical wiring, water leaks, inoperable smoke and fire alarms, and the use of lead‑based paint. According to the attorney general’s office, none of the violations have been addressed.…