Tenant Guide to ERAP and Eviction Cases

Tenant Guide to ERAP & Eviction Cases

What is a pending ERAP application?

• ERAP is a rental assistance program that makes one-time payments towards back rent on behalf of tenants who faced a temporary emergency.
• ERAP applications are considered pending only if:
  • The agency processing your application has not yet made a determination to approve or deny your application, or
  • Your application is approved, but your landlord has not yet received funds.
• ERAP applications are automatically denied 45 days after processing begins if all documents are not received from both you and your landlord.

How do I find out my ERAP application status?

• If you successfully submitted your application, you should have received a nine-digit confirmation number starting with C.
• Visit erap.dhs.dc.gov and log in using the account you made when you applied. Click on “Your Applications” to view your application status.
• If you don’t remember your log-in info, or don’t have a smartphone or computer, call the ERAP hotline at 202-507-6666 & ask for your status.
• If your status is “submitted”, “claimed”, “pending tenant or LL documents”, “ready for review”, or “approved for payment”, it is pending.
• If your application status is shown as incomplete, denied, or payment issued, it is NOT pending.

How does ERAP affect my eviction case?

• ERAP law changed in October 2024. Currently, if you tell the judge that you have an ERAP application pending, the Court can, but is not required to “stay” (pause) eviction cases for non-payment of rent.
• If the court decides to stay the case, your hearing will be rescheduled. You must attend your future hearings, say that you have a pending ERAP application, and be prepared to list the reasons why you need a stay (ex. ERAP will pay all of my rent arrears).
• If you have a writ or scheduled eviction AND you have an approved ERAP application that will cover all of your rental arrears, tell your landlord and the Court immediately by filing an Application to Stay Execution of the Writ.

ERAP & the Eviction Process

In D.C., a pending ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) application can give tenants additional time in eviction cases for non-payment of rent (not lease violations).

Initial, Further Initial, & Bell Hearings --> If you tell the judge that your ERAP application is pending, the hearing can be rescheduled to a later date.

Mediation --> Both parties may choose to go forward with mediation OR you can ask for a pause while ERAP is pending.

Landlord requests a writ of possession --> The Court will likely issue a Writ (Eviction Order) EVEN IF your ERAP application is pending.

An eviction is scheduled --> The Court will DELAY the Execution of a Writ (changing the locks) if your ERAP application is approved AND ERAP will cover all of the rent you owe.

The new ERAP law requires documentation proving your income (ex. Pay stub, SSA statement).

You also need to document the nature of your emergency. If you cannot, you have to explain your emergency and why you were not able to provide documentation.

Questions? Call LTLAN (202-780-2575)