Housing (Renters)

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 31, 2026

PR 26-0579: Family Re-Housing and Stabilization Program Rules Approval Resolution of 2026

This bill approves new rules for the District of Columbia's Family Re-Housing and Stabilization Program, which provides temporary rental assistance and support services to families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The key changes include adding an employment requirement for program eligibility, lowering the required contribution toward housing costs from 40-60% to 30% of adjusted annual income, and requiring service providers to assess participants for longer-term housing options within the first 90 days of assistance. The rules also introduce a financial incentive for participants who successfully exit the program into stable housing and update criteria for extending assistance beyond the standard 12-month period. These provisions aim to streamline the program while maintaining support for families working toward housing stability and economic security.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens Family Re-Housing and Stabilization Program by lowering contribution requirements and adding support services for homeless families, advancing housing assistance goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 3, 2026

PR 26-0599: Rent Administrator Lauren Pair Confirmation Resolution of 2026

This bill confirms the reappointment of Lauren Pair as the District of Columbia's Rent Administrator for a term ending June 27, 2029. The resolution formally approves her continued leadership of the Rental Housing Act of 1985, which regulates rent control and protects tenants in the District. Pair, who has served in this role since 2017, will oversee compliance with rent stabilization policies, review housing applications, and manage related administrative processes. The bill requires the Council to transmit a copy of the confirmation resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor upon adoption.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill confirms appointment of Rent Administrator who oversees rent control and tenant protections under the Rental Housing Act of 1985, directly supporting housing stability and tenant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 31, 2025

PR 26-0350: Assignment, Assumption and Amendment of Long term Subsidy Contract for the Mozart Apartments by and among the District of Columbia Housing Authority, Jubilee Housing Limited Partnership, and Jubilee ADMO Apartments LP Approval Resolution of 2025

This bill approves the transfer of a long-term rental subsidy contract for 14 affordable housing units at the Mozart Apartments (1630 Fuller Street, NW) from Jubilee Housing Limited Partnership to its affiliate Jubilee ADMO Apartments LP, extending the contract by 20 years until 2046. The contract subsidizes rents for extremely low-income residents (earning 0-30% of area median income), including the chronically homeless, elderly, and people with disabilities, as part of the District's Local Rent Supplement Program. The extension allows Jubilee ADMO to secure long-term financing for a moderate rehabilitation of the building while maintaining affordability for current residents. The transfer is permitted under District law without new competitive bidding because Jubilee ADMO is an affiliate of the current owner.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends 20-year subsidy for 14 affordable units serving extremely low-income residents, including chronically homeless and disabled, ensuring continued housing stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Renters

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 27, 2026

B 26-0478: Renter Tax Credit Expansion Amendment Act of 2025

The Renter Tax Credit Expansion Amendment Act of 2025 creates a standalone tax credit for District of Columbia renters, separate from the existing homeowner credit. It ties the credit amount to local housing costs using Small Area Fair Market Rents (instead of the Consumer Price Index), expands eligibility to include unhoused individuals and those in temporary housing, and allows renters with credits over $1,200 to receive monthly payments. The bill sets income eligibility at 60% of the Area Median Income, directly benefiting low-income renters - particularly Black and Hispanic renters - who spend over 30% of their income on housing. This policy change aims to increase housing affordability and financial stability for District residents facing severe rent burdens.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates standalone tax credit for renters, expanding eligibility and tying to housing costs, providing tax relief for lower-income renters (60% AMI).95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax credit for renters, including unhoused individuals, tied to local housing costs, increasing affordability and access to housing assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 31, 2025

PR 26-0347: Assignment, Assumption and Amendment of Long term Subsidy Contract for the Euclid Apartments by and among the District of Columbia Housing Authority, Jubilee Housing Limited Partnership II, and Jubilee ADMO Apartments LP Approval Resolution of 2025

This bill would extend a 20-year housing subsidy contract for 35 affordable units at Euclid Apartments (1740 Euclid Street, NW) through 2046. It transfers the existing contract from Jubilee Housing Limited Partnership II to its affiliate Jubilee ADMO Apartments LP. The extension enables Jubilee ADMO to secure long-term financing for rehabilitation work on the building. This change ensures continued funding under D.C.'s Local Rent Supplement Program for extremely low-income residents living in these units.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends 20-year subsidy for 35 affordable units, ensuring continued funding under D.C.'s Local Rent Supplement Program for extremely low-income residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Renters

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 28, 2026

B 26-0126: Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act of 2025

This bill prohibits landlords in Washington, D.C. from separately charging tenants for utilities (electricity, gas, water, or sewage) used in building common areas like hallways, gyms, or conference rooms - fees tenants previously paid on top of base rent regardless of usage. It also requires landlords to provide written notice within 45 days of a tenant moving out about any unpaid fees (e.g., for damages or cleaning), including photographic evidence for damage claims. Landlords must prove they notified tenants at least 60 days before sending unpaid amounts to debt collectors. The law directly affects D.C. tenants in multi-unit buildings who faced unexpected utility charges and unclear move-out billing practices.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits unfair utility fees for common areas and requires proof for damage claims, strengthening tenant protections and reducing housing costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 27, 2026

B 26-0285: Climatizing Our Overheated Living Spaces Regulation Amendment Act of 2025

This bill updates Washington, D.C.'s rental housing regulations to better align with current temperature patterns. It requires landlords providing air conditioning to make it available from May 1 to October 1 (previously May 15-September 15) and heat from October 15 to April 15 (previously October 1-May 1). Landlords gain flexibility to switch between heating and cooling during a two-week window (April 15-May 1 for cooling, October 1-15 for heating). The bill also sets concrete temperature standards: indoor cooling must not exceed 78°F or 15°F below outdoor temperature, and heating must maintain at least 68°F in habitable spaces. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants in D.C. rental properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends mandatory AC/heating periods for landlords, strengthening tenant protections in rental housing regulations without cost implications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 17, 2025

PR 26-0015: Rent Stabilized Housing Inflation Protection Continuation Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution (PR 26-0015) extends existing rent stabilization protections for District of Columbia tenants in rent-stabilized housing. It maintains the current annual rent caps - 4% for elderly/disabled tenants or certain co-leased units, and 6% for all other rent-stabilized units - along with cumulative caps (8% and 12% over two years) that prevent excessive rent hikes. The resolution ensures these protections remain in place through April 2025, protecting over 70,000 tenants from displacement due to rapid rent increases. It is a procedural continuation of prior legislation (2023 and 2024 acts) rather than a new policy change.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends rent stabilization protections, maintaining annual caps to prevent excessive rent hikes for 70,000+ tenants, directly strengthening tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jun 13, 2025

PR 26-0213: Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reform Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents rental assistance gap, mandates eviction rescheduling for ERA applicants, and strengthens tenant protections during application process.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights Tags Emergency Management