DC wins $41M lawsuit after Marbury Plaza tenants found living in inhumane conditions

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- The tenants of the Marbury Plaza Apartment Complex will receive nearly $30 million after the DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) won a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced Monday that the office won a $41 million judgment against the former owners of Marbury Plaza, now named Langston Views, for neglecting the safety and habitability of the apartment complex.

Court documents revealed that the owners put the lives of more than 2,500 tenants at risk by forcing them to live with chronic water leaks, widespread mold, and the lack of air conditioning, heat and hot water.

This judgment is the largest-ever against a D.C. property owner, and the largest housing condition judgment against a landlord in U.S. history, according to OAG.

“This is a significant and historic victory for thousands of Marbury Plaza tenants, who were subjected to dangerous and unlawful living conditions for years,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “Every Washingtonian deserves a safe, healthy place to call home. When property owners fail to comply with District law, and especially when they defy court orders, my office will hold them accountable to the full extent of the law.”

Marbury Plaza is a large rent-controlled apartment complex in Ward 8 that is home to 2,500 residents. In 2021, the OAG sued Marbury Plaza's former owner, MP PPH LLC, and the now-former property manager, Vantage Management.

The lawsuit alleged that the owners and manager allowed the complex to deteriorate, forcing tenants to live with conditions that endangered their lives and safety. This included mold in 96% of the apartment units and in all of its 98 common areas. The lawsuit also claimed that the complex had insect and rodent infestations.

A year later, Marbury LLC agreed to a consent order requiring it to make repairs, but the company ignored court-ordered deadlines and failed to make improvements.

This forced the District to move, holding the company in contempt, and in April 2023, the court ordered a 50% rent abatement for tenants, returning more than $5 million to residents.

In late 2024, OAG won summary judgment, which established the defendants' liability. The case then moved to a determination of the appropriate remedies. The decision resulted in $29.8 million in restitution to tenants.

According to court documents, the owners are required to return 75% of the rent tenants paid from 2017 to 2024. This benefits more than 1,000 households that were forced to live in dangerous conditions.

The owners were also ordered to pay $11.1 million in civil penalties and attorneys' fees to D.C.

“I commend the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General for its decisive action and successful litigation on behalf of the residents of Marbury Plaza, now known as Langston Views,” said Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tomora Redman (8A07). “This historic judgment underscores the District’s commitment to protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring safe, habitable housing for all residents. Washingtonians deserve action, not neglect—and this outcome shows what accountability looks like. I am proud to serve this community and proud of the residents who courageously spoke out as we all stood together for justice. Our community looks forward to continued oversight and meaningful improvements in living conditions.”