Housing (Renters)

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 26, 2026

B 26-0105: Improving Tenant Access to Water Bills Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires DC Water to provide residential tenants with copies of their water bills and allows them to apply directly for utility assistance programs. It primarily affects low-income renters - especially Black households who disproportionately rent - who often face water disconnections because landlords, not tenants, are responsible for payments. Key provisions let tenants pay their share directly to DC Water, with those payments counted as rent reduction (reducing the amount tenants owe landlords). This aims to prevent service interruptions by making assistance programs more accessible to eligible tenants who previously couldn't enroll without paying overdue bills.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects tenants by enabling direct water bill access and rent reduction payments, directly strengthening tenant rights for low-income renters facing disconnection risks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 23, 2026

B 26-0377: LIHTC Rent Stabilization Exemption Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This temporary D.C. bill clarifies that rental units participating in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program are exempt from the District’s rent stabilization rules. It amends the 1985 Rental Housing Act to explicitly include LIHTC units in the exemption, removing ambiguity about their status. The change directly affects housing providers who receive LIHTC tax credits, ensuring they are not subject to rent stabilization requirements. The law expires 225 days after enactment and does not create new policy - it only clarifies an existing exemption.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingExempts LIHTC units from rent stabilization, weakening tenant protections for affordable housing units.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Renters

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 28, 2025

B 26-0076: Certificate of Assurance Moratorium Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill extends a moratorium on certificates of assurance for rent-stabilized properties in Washington D.C. It prohibits landlords from requesting these certificates and blocks the Mayor from issuing them, beginning November 2, 2020. The moratorium directly affects property owners in rent-stabilized housing who would otherwise seek these certificates to adjust rents. The law is structured as a temporary 90-day emergency measure under D.C. Home Rule Act provisions. It does not change existing rent stabilization rules but halts a specific administrative process for affected properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits rent adjustments for stabilized housing by blocking certificates of assurance, directly strengthening tenant protections against rent hikes in rent-stabilized properties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature May 28, 2025

B 26-0141: Eviction Reform Amendment Act of 2025

This bill, the Eviction Reform Amendment Act of 2025 (B 26-0141), changes District of Columbia eviction procedures to better protect tenants and clarify landlord rights. It gives courts discretion to dismiss eviction cases lacking sufficient facts or documentation, and requires landlords seeking eviction for nonpayment to request a "protective order" at the first hearing, forcing tenants to pay rent directly into court registry until the case concludes. The bill also creates an expedited process for landlords to evict tenants involved in violent criminal activity on the premises (with a 10-day notice and 20-day court hearing), while allowing tenants who are victims of domestic violence to use police reports or protection orders as a defense. These changes directly affect tenants facing eviction and landlords seeking to regain possession of rental units.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects tenants via court dismissal of weak cases, requires landlord documentation, and forces rent payments into court registry to prevent unjust evictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 25, 2025

B 26-0196: Tenant Payment Plan Phasing Emergency Act of 2025

This bill requires landlords and property owners (referred to as "providers") to maintain any rent payment plans agreed upon with eligible tenants between March 11, 2020, and July 25, 2022, due to pandemic-related financial hardship. It prohibits providers from charging fees, interest, or penalties for these plans, reporting rent as delinquent to credit bureaus, or evicting tenants who comply with the plan during the covered period. The law directly affects residential tenants and small commercial tenants (occupying less than 6,500 sq. ft.) who entered payment agreements during the pandemic, ensuring they retain lease rights and access to online/phone application processes. Landlords must approve applications demonstrating pandemic hardship and cannot deny plans based on pre-pandemic payment issues.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits fees/penalties on pandemic-era rent plans, protects tenants from eviction for compliant payment plans during crisis, directly strengthening tenant protections in housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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

B 26-0416: Displacement Prevention Amendment Act of 2025

The Displacement Prevention Amendment Act of 2025 increases the maximum amount of the District's Schedule H tax credit for renters and homeowners in four specific census tracts (73.04, 74.04, 98.04, and 104) that have high poverty rates and housing cost burdens. It allows eligible residents in these areas to claim a tax credit up to twice the current maximum, helping them offset housing costs. This targeted relief primarily affects low-income households in Ward 8 - where nearly 58% of residents are rent-burdened - and other high-risk neighborhoods. The bill aims to prevent displacement by providing immediate financial stability for residents most vulnerable to eviction.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credit max for low-income renters/homeowners in high-poverty areas, providing direct tax relief to offset housing costs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases Schedule H tax credit up to double for low-income residents in high-poverty census tracts to offset housing costs, directly advancing affordable housing access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 4, 2025

B 26-0267: Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reform Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill updates Washington, D.C.'s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) by requiring tenants to provide specific documentation (such as proof of job loss or medical costs) to qualify for rental assistance, with an option for an unsworn statement under penalty of perjury if documentation isn't available. It changes eviction procedures to allow courts to delay evictions for tenants with pending ERAP applications (rather than mandating a stay) and requires landlords to reschedule evictions if a tenant has an approved ERAP application covering the rent. The bill also creates a defense for tenants in eviction cases if landlords fail to follow ERAP application rules during the process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by delaying evictions for ERAP applicants and requires documentation for assistance (with alternative option), advancing affordable housing access through updated rental aid program.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 11, 2025

PR 26-0237: Multiyear Contract Number 2025-LRSP-05A with 10Q NW LLC Approval Resolution of 2025

This resolution approves a 20-year housing subsidy contract ($187,308 annually) for five affordable units at 10 Q Street, NW, under the District's Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP). It directly provides housing for extremely low-income residents (earning 30% or less of area median income), including homeless individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. The contract, between DCHA and 10Q NW LLC, enables the property owner to lease these units at subsidized rates while ensuring long-term affordability.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingApproves 20-year subsidy for 5 affordable units targeting homeless/seniors/disabled at 30% AMI, directly funding housing for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Housing Finance Renters

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 31, 2025

PR 26-0329: Local Rent Supplement Program Contract Number 2025-LRSP-04A with PBS Property Holdings, LLC Approval Resolution of 2025

This resolution approves a 20-year contract (2025-LRSP-04A) between the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) and PBS Property Holdings, LLC to provide annual subsidies of $255,522 for eight affordable housing units at Kennedy Gardens Apartments (145 Kennedy Avenue, NW). The subsidy supports extremely low-income households (earning 30% or less of the area median income) by covering rental costs for these units under the District's Local Rent Supplement Program. The resolution authorizes the housing subsidy agreement but does not create new policy or alter existing law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingApproves 20-year subsidy for 8 affordable units targeting 30% AMI households, directly funding housing assistance via Local Rent Supplement Program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Renters

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 28, 2025

PR 26-0067: Multiyear Contract No. DHCD-2025-50 with Jubilee Housing, Inc. Approval Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This bill approves a 20-year contract with Jubilee Housing, Inc. to provide 18 permanently affordable re-entry supportive housing units at 1721-1725 Kalorama Road NW (Ward 1) for returning citizens with incomes at 30% of the median family income. The contract, totaling $33.6 million over 20 years ($1.4 million in FY 2025), includes rent subsidies and supportive services for these units. The emergency resolution allows expedited approval to fast-track housing availability for this vulnerable population. It directly affects 18 households and aligns with the Reentry Housing and Services Program Act of 2021.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds 18 re-entry housing units with supportive services for returning citizens, directly reducing recidivism through rehabilitation - a core criminal justice reform priority.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingApproves $33.6M contract for 18 permanently affordable housing units with rent subsidies for low-income returning citizens, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Homelessness Renters