Saying they are scum is an insult to scum.
A strong chemical odor from a leaking dryer vent in the apartment I rented from Watassa caused severe health issues that forced me to vacate against my will. I had sent multiple emails and work orders on Appfolio (Their complaint platform) to Watassa to address this issue. Watassa's responses had continually been unhelpful and even dismissive and had consistently failed to address the repairs needed.
I tried on multiple attempts to resolve it starting on June 25, 2020. I received a dismissive reply from the management company on July 9 to which I responded to and to which I did not receive a reply. I sent a follow-up email on July 23 after constantly calling their office to which I received no response.
The situation had gotten so severe that even absent the use of the dryer, the harsh chemical odor continued to be pumped into the unit. I had serious allergic reactions to the exhaust causing headaches and respiratory issues, which had rendered me unable to breathe and had forced me to leave the unit in order to prevent additional physical health problems. I went to see my physician, who after seeing me strongly urged me not to return given the impact on my health.
I vacated the unit on August 9th with an emailed letter citing housing violations under DC Municipal Regulation Title 14 Chapter 3 Section 302.2. Watassa finally responded with a flippant reply about how sorry they were, but that I was still bound to pay by the lease. I brought in an attorney and fortunately did not have to pay to the end of my lease. Unfortunately, someone else was conned into living in that unit. As an arrogant send-off, the management company charged me a $20 late key return fee after vacating for apartment keys that I paid to make myself.
That was the last straw, but the apartment had multiple issues during my stay there that would make your average slumlord look good. The apartment continually leaked during rainstorms, which would cause black mold to develop on the walls.
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