The Lifesaving Intervention Empowering Neighborhoods (LIEN) Act of 2026 aims to enhance the authority of the Department of Buildings (DOB) in the District of Columbia to address serious housing code violations that have long been ignored by negligent landlords. The bill allows the DOB to record a lien against a property when certain conditions are met, such as failure to correct hazardous violations or unpaid civil penalties. This new authority is intended to create real consequences for property owners who neglect their responsibilities, thereby incentivizing them to make necessary repairs and ensure safe living conditions for tenants.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for special assessments against properties when the DOB performs abatement after an owner fails to correct violations. These assessments will be billed and collected similarly to real property taxes, establishing a lien with the same priority. The legislation also includes conforming amendments to existing laws to facilitate the collection of these liens and special assessments. Overall, the LIEN Act seeks to empower the DOB to take more decisive action against chronic violators, ultimately improving housing conditions for residents in the District.