Bill > B26-0141

This bill introduces several significant changes to eviction procedures in Washington, D.C., focusing on enhancing judicial discretion and addressing specific eviction scenarios. The bill modifies existing laws to give courts more flexibility in dismissing eviction complaints, allowing judges to consider the potential prejudice to all parties. For nonpayment of rent cases, the bill introduces a new provision requiring tenants to deposit the full monthly rent into the court's registry during the legal proceedings, which landlords can request as a protective order. Tenants are allowed to challenge this order based on rent calculation errors or housing code violations, with the court able to refund excess rent if code violations are proven. Additionally, the bill establishes an expedited eviction process for cases involving violent criminal activity, allowing housing providers to seek rapid eviction when a court has determined that a tenant or occupant has engaged in dangerous crimes. The expedited process includes specific protections for victims of intrafamily offenses and tenants who can demonstrate they were unaware of or actively tried to prevent criminal activity. These changes aim to balance the interests of housing providers and tenants while providing more nuanced legal mechanisms for addressing rental disputes and serious criminal behavior.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0141