Housing (Renters · Emergency Management)

This resolution declares an emergency to prevent a legal gap in DC's rental assistance program. It amends two laws: (1) requiring specific tenant documentation for Emergency Rental Assistance eligibility under the Homeless Services Reform Act, and (2) allowing courts to stay evictions (instead of requiring it) when tenants show pending ERA applications under the Rental Housing Act. It also mandates housing providers to reschedule evictions for approved ERA applicants and creates a defense for tenants if landlords ignore ERA application rules. This directly affects DC tenants applying for rental aid, landlords, and courts handling eviction cases.