Watassa Management

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 co…

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. 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. It took repeated complaints and threats for Watassa to finally address the roof and mold issues. The company is also incompetent. I alerted Watassa when the dishwasher had malfunctioned, leaking water throughout my apartment. When we contacted the emergency number, we were brushed off since they considered the leak not an emergency and could wait until the very next day. The leak eventually flooded both apartment floors below me. Along with the constant problem of rodent and cockroach infestations, it's no wonder my experience has been repeated by other Watassa tenants. Their apartments are dirt cheap and that is why I along with many others rented from them. They take advantage of new people moving into DC. Stay away or at least make sure to find good legal housing help before you even think of signing with them.