Section 17-157. Payment to department; effect

The receipt of the department
  for any sum so paid,  in  all  suits  and  proceedings,  and  for  every
  purpose,  shall  be as effectual in favor of any person holding the same
  as actual payment of the amount thereof to the proper landlord,  lessor,
  owner,  or  other person or persons who would, except for the provisions
  of section 17-155 of this title, and of such demand, have been  entitled
  to  receive  the sum so paid. No tenant or occupant of any lot, building
  or premises, shall be dispossessed or disturbed, nor shall any lease  or
  contract,  or  rights,  be  forfeited or impaired, nor any forfeiture or
  liability be incurred by reason of any omission to pay to any  landlord,
  owner,  lessor,  contractor,  party, or other person, the sum so paid to
  the department, or any part thereof.