OTA Legislative Update

Monday, August 8 - Monday, August 15, 2022

Online

Contact: Joel Cohn   joel.cohn@dc.gov   202-719-6568  

Sponsored by: DC Office of the Tenant Advocate

https://ota.dc.gov/

Greetings from the Office of the Tenant Advocate. Below are updates regarding the Council's legislative meeting on Tuesday, July 12th:

Council approves emergency and temporary legislation updating notice requirements for non-payment of rent cases

The Council approved Bill 24-918, "Notice Requirements for Evictions for Nonpayment of Rent Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2022." Bill 24-919, the corresponding temporary bill, was also approved on first reading. The emergency measure now awaits Mayoral action; the temporary measure awaits a second vote following the Council's summer recess (July 15th through September 15th).

This legislation changes the name of the 30-day "Notice of Intent to File a Claim" (NOIF) -- which is already required by law -- to "Notice of Past Due Rent" (NPDR). The required language for this 30-day notice is otherwise unchanged.

Please note: under previous temporary legislation (Law 24-75), in order to give the tenant time to apply for rental assistance, a 60-day "Notice of Past Due Rent" (NPDR) is also currently required. This requirement will no longer apply after October 7, 2022, when Law 24-75 expires.

Council approves emergency and temporary legislation that updates eligibility considerations for the Local Rent Supplement Program

The Council approved Bill 24-906, "Local Rent Supplement Program Eligibility Emergency Amendment Act of 2022." Bill 24-907, the corresponding temporary bill, was also approved on first reading. Here also, the emergency measure now awaits Mayoral action, and the temporary measure awaits a second vote following the Council's summer recess.

This legislation allows Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) applicants to self-certify eligibility factors and prohibits the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) from inquiring into an applicant’s immigration status or prior criminal arrests, convictions, or pending criminal matters.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Joel Cohn, Legislative Director, at 202-719-6568 or joel.cohn@dc.gov.