Housing (Tenant Rights)

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 17, 2026

B 26-0758: Housing Investment Protection Act of 2026

The Housing Investment Protection Act of 2026 aims to support tenants and protect housing investments by clarifying rules for repairs and expanding affordable housing options. It allows the District of Columbia Housing Authority to temporarily transfer rental assistance to different properties while units undergo renovations and expands eligibility for the Local Rental Supplement Program to include very low-income residents. The bill also updates tenant definitions to clarify who can exercise purchase rights under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act and streamlines the process for the Mayor to buy buildings to preserve affordable units. Additionally, the legislation improves the eviction court process by setting specific hearing timelines and modernizing how eviction notices are delivered to ensure predictability for both landlords and tenants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to support tenants, protect housing investments, expand affordable housing options, and clarify rules for repairs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 13, 2026

PR 26-0560: Rental Housing Registration Data Integrity Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

This resolution declares an emergency to preserve reporting requirements for the District's RentRegistry housing database, which requires all rental providers - including those exempt from rent stabilization - to submit current and prior rent amounts, utilities, facilities, services, and appliances at the time of registration. The bill addresses a potential legal gap that would arise when temporary clarifying legislation expires on April 5, 2026, which could create uncertainty about the District's authority to collect this data from exempt housing providers. By maintaining these requirements, the resolution aims to prevent incomplete registrations and ensure the database remains functional for housing enforcement, tenant protection, and market transparency. The measure allows for expedited adoption after a single reading to avoid delays that could compromise the integrity of the housing data system.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by preserving rent reporting requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability in rental housing markets.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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

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

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 7, 2025

B 26-0368: Tenant and Rowhouse Short-Term Rental Clarification Amendment Act of 2025

This bill allows tenants who live in a rental unit as their primary residence (proven via documents like a DC driver's license or utility bill) to operate licensed short-term rentals. It also clarifies that owners of two-unit rowhouses in Residential Flat zones may rent one unit short-term. Booking services must display a property's license number prominently on listings. The bill directly affects renters in primary residences and rowhouse owners in specific zoning areas.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill clarifies and allows short-term rentals for tenants in primary residences and rowhouse owners, supporting housing flexibility and property rights without restricting development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights Zoning

Track

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

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature May 1, 2026

B 26-0177: Extreme Heat Eviction Protection Amendment Act of 2025

This bill prohibits landlords in Washington, D.C., from filing or proceeding with tenant evictions on any day when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures at the National Airport station will exceed 95°F (35°C) by 8 a.m. It directly affects D.C. renters and landlords by adding a new exception to eviction proceedings during extreme heat events. The key provision requires the National Weather Service's 8 a.m. forecast for the airport location to trigger the eviction pause. The amendment updates the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to include this temperature-based protection, effective after standard legislative approval processes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents evictions during extreme heat, directly protecting tenants from displacement during hazardous weather events, aligning with tenant protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights