Historic $41 Million Judgment Sends Message to D.C. Landlords

A major court ruling just sent shockwaves through the D.C. housing world. The former owners of a Southeast Washington apartment complex, once known as Marbury Plaza and now rebranded as Langston Views, have been ordered to pay an astonishing $41 million for subjecting tenants to unsafe and unlivable conditions.

This isn’t just another lawsuit over landlord negligence - it’s now the largest housing conditions judgment in D.C. history, and one of the biggest of its kind in the country.

What Happened at Langston Views

The case focused on what had become a long-term nightmare for more than 2,500 residents. Court filings show that tenants endured constant water leaks, widespread mold, broken heating and air systems, and long periods without hot water.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s office accused the owners, MP PPH LLC and Dr. Anthony Pilavas, of ignoring repair orders and neglecting the health and safety of residents for years. Even after being ordered by the court to make fixes, the ownership failed to act.

One longtime resident, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tomora Redman, described the situation as “overwhelming,” saying mold covered nearly all the building’s common areas and security had deteriorated to the point where even parking lots became unsafe.

The Legal Outcome

The judgment breaks down into two parts:

• $29.8 million will go directly to tenants as restitution - equal to about 75% of the rent they paid from 2017 through 2024.

• Another $11.1 million represents civil penalties and attorneys’ fees owed to the District.

An additional $1.1 million had already been recovered from a prior settlement with the building’s former property management company, Vantage Management, which will also be distributed to affected residents.

Why This Matters

For residents across D.C., especially in aging or neglected buildings, this case is a landmark. It demonstrates that tenant protection laws have real teeth, and that the city will take action against landlords who disregard basic living standards.

Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White summed it up best: “This shows what happens when tenants stand up and the District stands with them.”

It’s also a reminder to property owners and investors: maintaining habitability isn’t optional. Whether you manage a single rental home in Northern Virginia or a high-rise in D.C., the legal and financial risk of ignoring property conditions has never been clearer.

Realtor Insight: What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Landlords

As a Realtor working in the D.C. and Northern Virginia markets, I see stories like this as powerful reminders of how crucial due diligence is - both when buying investment property and when managing it afterward.

If you’re a buyer or investor, this kind of case highlights why inspections, condo reserve studies, and rental compliance checks are essential before closing. It’s not just about protecting your money - it’s about understanding the condition and reputation of the property you’re stepping into.

For landlords, consistent maintenance and documentation aren’t just best practices - they’re your legal safety net. Tenants deserve a safe, healthy place to live, and being proactive about repairs and communication builds goodwill that protects your investment long-term.

If you’re navigating the D.C. or Northern Virginia rental market, whether you’re purchasing, selling, or managing a property, I’m happy to help guide you through the process and ensure you’re protected from costly pitfalls like this one. 


Christopher Yurko, Real Estate Advisor, PSA, ABR, SRS
Engel & Volkers DC
2216 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
C. (703) 945-4291
E. [email protected]