A house in Foggy Bottom, where four George Washington University students and two former students lived, was shut down Tuesday after an inspection that was requested by a neighbor. It is the latest house to be shut down after inspections began in response to Georgetown University senior Daniel Rigby's death two weeks ago.
Rigby was killed in a fire in a row house. Since then, city inspectors closed down six Georgetown rental homes near the row house, The Washington Post reported. So far, 44 Georgetown students have been forced to leave their homes.
The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is in charge of the inspections. Plans for outreach, education and inspections of student rental properties will be implemented because of Rigby's death, according to a department press release.
All the houses were closed because of various housing code violations, including blocked fire exits, faulty wiring and insufficient smoke alarms. All problems existed in the house where Rigby died, The Eagle previously reported.
Students are not responsible for repairs or purchases to bring the homes up to code. It is the landlords' responsibility.
The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs can provide information on housing codes and enforcement. Students can request an inspection through the department, as can neighbors who suspect housing violations.
Both Georgetown and George Washington have offered campus housing to the displaced students. If the universities cannot provide temporary housing for the students, the city will, The Post reported.
