DC COVID-19
Resources: Housing
Click the links to the left (or "table of contents" above on mobile) to view resources by type.
Contents
Introduction
Evictions: D.C. recently passed a law abot how evictions can restart. See a complete timeline for evictions restarting here. New eviction cases for non-payment of rent cannot start until October 12, 2021. Landlords cannot evict tenants without going through the court process.
Rent assistance:
The STAY DC program is no longer accepting applications. Tenants may still be eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) if you are seeking rental assistance, first month rent and security deposit. To view ERAP eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP click the following link: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/.
Foreclosures: New foreclosure cases for homes lived in by their owners can restart February 4, 2022 unless the law or health emergency is changed or extended.
Shelter: People in need of emergency shelter can call the Shelter Hotline at (202)399-7093, or 311.
You can find more detailed information about changes to the law that impact homeowners and tenants during COVID-19 below.
Resources
- D.C. Mortgage Assistance Program for COVID-19 (DC Housing Finance Agency): Qualified borrowers can receive up to $5,000 monthly in financial assistance paid toward their mortgage, for up to 6 months.
- FAQ: Foreclosure Prevention During the COVID-19 Emergency (Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia.)
- Where Can District Residents Turn for Help with Mortgages? (D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking)
- See a complete timeline for evictions restarting here
- Eviction Resources (Lawhelp.org/DC)
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program Information and Online Application Portal (D.C. Department of Human Services)
- Information about Other Rental Assistance Resources(D.C. Government)
- STAY DC Program (note, applications closed October 27, 2021).
- People in need of emergency shelter can call the Shelter Hotline at (202)399-7093, or 311
The COVID-19 pandemic means more people are spending more time at home. Residents who have concerns about unhealthy conditions in their homes can visit the below website to find videos and resources about steps they can take during the pandemic to address health issues like rodents, pests, asthma triggers and their rights as tenants.
- Healthy Housing COVID-19 Resources (DC Healthy Housing Collaborative)
Eviction (for Tenants)
- Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network Hotline (a joint project of Bread for the City, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, Neighborhood Legal Services Program, and Rising for Justice) (202-780-2575) (website)
Eviction/Landlord & Tenant (Tenants & Small Landlords)
- Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network Hotline (202-780-2575) (website)
- Catholic Charities Legal Network (202-350-4305) (website)
- Christian Legal Aid of D.C. (202-710-0592) (website)
Housing Conditions Concerns
- Children’s Law Center (202-467-4900) (website)
- Christian Legal Aid of D.C. (202-710-0592) (website)
- Landlord Tenant Resource Center (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center) Temporary Phone Line (202-780-2575) (website)
- Legal Counsel for the Elderly (60+ only) (202-434-2120) (website)
- Neighborhood Legal Services Program (202-832-6577 (website)
- Rising for Justice (202-638-4798) (website)
Foreclosure
- Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia (202-628-1161) (website)
- Legal Counsel for the Elderly (60+ only) (202-434-2120) (website)
- DC Foreclosure Prevention Hotline (access to free housing counseling & referrals to lawyers, including free legal services organizations) (202-265-2255)
Shelter and Homeless Services
- Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (202-328-5500) (website)