Housing

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 6, 2026

B 26-0591: Lifesaving Intervention Empowering Neighborhoods (LIEN) Act of 2026

The LIEN Act of 2026 allows DC's Department of Buildings (DOB) to place liens on properties when landlords fail to fix serious, documented housing violations after city orders. It directly affects property owners with chronic uncorrected violations (like pest infestations, mold, or unsafe wiring) that result in unpaid fines or unresolved health/safety hazards. Key provisions include DOB recording liens for uncured Class 1 violations, unpaid civil penalties after final orders, or unaddressed emergency notices - attaching these liens to the property like a tax lien to prevent sales or refinancing until repairs are made. The bill also enables DOB to bill owners for costs of emergency repairs (special assessments) if they ignore violation notices.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnforces landlord compliance for health/safety violations (e.g., mold, unsafe wiring), directly protecting tenants through lien mechanisms for unresolved hazards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Mortgages

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 13, 2026

PR 26-0515: Residential Building Permit Classification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

This resolution extends temporary rules allowing developers to change a property's classification from commercial to residential after a building permit is issued, rather than waiting until construction is fully complete. It directly affects developers converting commercial properties to residential use in Washington, D.C., by streamlining the classification process. The key provision maintains the existing policy from prior emergency legislation (effective since 2025) that permits classification changes following permit issuance, with appeal rights if denied and a clawback if residential use isn't started on time. The resolution prevents a legal gap by ensuring the rule remains active starting January 28, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends streamlined classification for commercial-to-residential conversions, directly advancing housing development by reducing bureaucratic delays in property use changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tags Emergency Management

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 6, 2026

B 26-0581: Rhode Island Avenue Corridor Long-Term Lease Adjustment Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill amends a 2012 law to reduce the minimum long-term lease period for projects under the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development's authority from 10 years to 5 years. It specifically requires that applicants must have at least 3 years remaining on an existing lease as of the application period's closing date. The change directly affects developers or property owners seeking long-term leases for projects in the District of Columbia. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, effective for up to 90 days, and does not alter the overall lease application process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces minimum lease term from 10 to 5 years for development projects, facilitating housing development in Rhode Island Avenue Corridor per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 3, 2026

PR 26-0544: Transfer of Jurisdiction over a Portion of Lot 1008 in Square 1299, being a Portion of Reservation 357, S.O. 25-01882, Approval Resolution of 2026

This bill approves transferring jurisdiction over a 709-square-foot parcel of federally owned land (part of Reservation 357, Lot 1008 in Square 1299) from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia. It directly affects the District’s ability to manage a small public right-of-way area needed for a private redevelopment project - a vacant office building being converted to multifamily housing with ground-floor educational space. The transfer enables necessary building permits by providing access (ingress/egress) to the development, with the developer responsible for maintaining the land as public greenspace. This is a procedural administrative transfer with no new policy or cost to the District.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables multifamily housing redevelopment by transferring land for building permits, directly advancing housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 6, 2026

B 26-0577: Residential Building Permit Classification Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill creates a streamlined process for property owners to change commercial buildings to residential use (Class 1A) in Washington D.C. Owners must apply with documentation before the change takes effect, and tax rates adjust based on when the application is submitted (full year for Oct-Mar applications, second installment for Apr-Sep). If properties aren't used for residential purposes within 3 years or by permit expiration, the tax classification is reversed ("clawed back") with penalties. It directly affects owners converting commercial properties to residential use, particularly those with new building permits or substantial rehab permits. The bill takes effect January 28, 2026, as an emergency measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts tax classifications based on building use with clawback for non-compliance, promoting fiscal responsibility in tax management and revenue protection.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines commercial-to-residential conversions, increasing housing supply potential. Tax incentives and clawback clause encourage timely residential use, advancing development without direct affordability focus.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature May 21, 2026

B 26-0578: Residential Building Permit Classification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily amends DC property tax classification rules to streamline converting commercial buildings to residential use. It requires owners to apply for a "Class 1A" tax classification change (for residential properties) with documentation before the change takes effect, with tax rates applied based on the conversion timing (full year or second tax installment). If properties aren't used residentially within 3 years (or by certificate of occupancy issuance), the tax authority can claw back improperly paid tax rates plus penalties. The law applies to owners converting commercial properties to residential use and expires 225 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines commercial-to-residential conversions via tax classification changes, directly promoting housing development. This increases housing supply by facilitating repurposing of existing buildings, aligning with housing development goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Taxes

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 30, 2026

B 26-0595: Transparent Rates and Utility Expenses Amendment Act of 2026

The Transparent Rates and Utility Expenses (TRUE) Amendment Act of 2026 requires Washington D.C. housing providers to clearly itemize all utility charges - such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage - before tenants apply for a rental unit and throughout their tenancy. It mandates that providers disclose how charges are calculated (e.g., based on square footage or occupancy), provide contact details for third-party billers, and include these details in lease agreements. If providers fail to disclose these details, utility charges become unenforceable, and tenants gain the right to "redeem" overdue utility payments before facing eviction - mirroring existing rent redemption protections. This bill directly affects renters and landlords in D.C. by reducing hidden costs and increasing transparency around housing expenses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates clear utility charge disclosure, preventing hidden costs and protecting tenant rights in housing agreements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

Track

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 19, 2025

B 26-0543: Housing Permit Streamlining Amendment Act of 2025

This bill (B 26-0543) gives affordable housing developers in high-cost areas discounted access to the Department of Buildings' Accelerated Plan Review program, speeding up permit approvals. It directly affects projects seeking to build or renovate income-restricted housing in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Near Northwest, and Rock Creek West, where affordable units are scarce. The key mechanism is waiving standard fees for these projects to fast-track reviews, addressing delays that hinder construction on "razor-thin margins." This aims to increase affordable housing supply in areas where only 54% of units built since 2015 have been located, helping meet the city's goal of 15% affordability citywide by 2050.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingWaives fees for income-restricted housing projects to accelerate permits, directly advancing affordable housing development in high-cost areas with scarce units.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Building Codes Zoning

Track

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 13, 2026

B 26-0541: Green Housing Coordination Amendment Act of 2025

The Green Housing Coordination Amendment Act of 2025 requires developers receiving Housing Production Trust Fund dollars for new construction to design buildings to Enterprise Green Communities Certification Plus standards, which include net zero energy readiness features. It also mandates adding rooftop solar where feasible for new construction and substantial renovations, while adjusting net zero energy (NZE) requirements to better align with current economic realities for renovation projects. The bill aims to balance future sustainability goals with practical affordability for subsidized housing developers, particularly addressing concerns about costly retrofits. It directly affects affordable housing developers using public funds, ensuring new projects incorporate renewable energy readiness without imposing immediate, unaffordable NZE compliance.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates net zero energy readiness, rooftop solar requirements, and adjusts NZE standards to promote renewable energy adoption in housing projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates net zero energy readiness, rooftop solar, and Enterprise Green Communities Certification for funded housing, directly advancing clean energy and environmental standards.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires green standards for Housing Production Trust Fund projects, advancing sustainable affordable housing development through mandatory certification and solar integration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Climate Change Building Codes Historic Preservation Zoning

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 12, 2025

PR 26-0424: Modification Nos. M0011 and M0012 to Contract No. CW100388 with Friendship Place Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This bill (PR 26-0424) authorizes the District of Columbia to approve two contract modifications ($M0011$ and $M0012$) with Friendship Place for its Permanent Supportive Housing III program. It specifically allows payment for case management services provided under Contract No. CW100388 during the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, totaling up to $1,865,355.10. The modifications exercise the third option year of the contract and cover services already delivered and to be delivered. The bill is procedural, requiring Council approval under District law to authorize payments exceeding $1 million for the contract period, ensuring Friendship Place can continue providing housing support services.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds Permanent Supportive Housing III program with $1.86M for case management services, advancing affordable housing and homelessness support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness