Appeals and Motions for Reconsideration in Landlord-Tenant Cases
This resource contains frequently asked questions for people who do not agree with decisions made by judges in their Landlord-Tenant cases. NOTE: These questions do not talk about how to handle default judgments or dismissals entered because you missed a court hearing.
Application to Continue an Initial Hearing
A form to request a continuance of the initial hearing in Landlord Tenant court.
Building Sale Sample Letter for Tenants
A sample letter for tenants to inform their landlord of their rights upon the sale of their unit/property.
30-Day Notice of Past Due Rent and Notice of Intent to File Claim
30-DAY NOTICE OF PAST DUE RENT & NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE CLAIM is required before you can file an eviction lawsuit against your tenant based on the tenant’s failure to pay rent. D.C. law requires that you give the tenant a chance to become current in rent before you have the right to file a lawsuit to evict the tenant. The tenant must owe a minimum of $600 before you can file an eviction suit.
D.C. Tenant Guide to the Eviction Process
Tenants can use this resource to identify where they are in the eviction process and view the relevant legal information.
Evicting Unwanted Guests Self-Help Packet
This document provides information about the legal process for evicting people who are not tenants, but instead guests who refuse to leave. It includes frequently asked questions, sample forms, and fillable forms, as well as links to other resources.
Filing Answers and Counterclaims in Landlord and Tenant Court
Explains what an answer is, whether a tenant is required to file an answer, the differences among counterclaims, recoupments, and setoffs, and what a tenant should consider before filing any of them.
Filing Motions in Landlord and Tenant Court
Frequently asked questions that explain the process involved in filing motions, filing fees, serving other parties, and what you should do if you receive a motion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence and Rental Housing
If you or your children are the victims of domestic violence, you may have legal rights that will help you protect yourself from violence in the house or apartment your rent. These rights may make it easier for you to move or to protect yourself in your home. To learn what is considered "domestic violence" under D.C. law, see the resource titled Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Evicting Guests, Roommates, Family Members, and Other Unwanted Occupants from Your Home
Frequently Asked Questions about evicting non-tenant guests from your home. This includes unwelcome roommates and family members, but does NOT include renters and subletters.
Judgments, Writs, and Stopping Evictions - Information for Tenants
Explains what a judgment for possession is, what to do if a judgment has been entered against a tenant, and how a tenant can prevent eviction if the landlord has gotten a writ of restitution to evict the tenant.
Late Fees – Frequently Asked Questions
A FAQ about DC's 2016 Late Fee Fairness Act, which has rules about the late fees landlords are allowed to charge their tenants when they pay rent late.
Motion to Continue a Hearing
This is a general motion to continue (postpone) an hearing in a landlord-tenant case.
No Self-Help Eviction Letter
In D.C., your landlord cannot evict you without bringing you to Court and receiving a "judgment for possession." Evictions done without going through this process are called "self-help" evictions, and they are illegal in the District of Columbia. If your landlord tries to do a self-help eviction, they may be responsible for paying you for your property damage plus money damages for breaking the law. If your landlord has threatened to evict you without bringing you to Court and receiving a judgment for possession, this is a letter you can send to them advising them that you know your rights and that the eviction is illegal.
Protective Orders - Paying Rent to the Court Registry
Discusses what protective orders are and how they work, including what happens if a tenant misses a payment under a protective order and the impact of housing code violations on the amount a tenant is required to pay.
Proving Your Case in Landlord and Tenant Court - Evidence and Subpoenas
Discusses the kinds of evidence you can use in Landlord and Tenant Court and how to use subpoenas to obtain information and call witnesses.
Settlement and Mediation in Landlord and Tenant Court
Provides information about the options of settlement and mediation as alternatives to trials in landlord and tenant cases. Also explains the difference between a settlement and a Form 4 payment plan.
Tenant Guide to Defaults and Ex-Parte Proof Hearings
Flyer containing information for tenants on defaults and ex-parte proof hearings
Tenant Guide to ERAP and Eviction Cases
Flyer containing information for tenants on ERAP and eviction cases.
Tenant Guide to Pre-filing Eviction Notices
Flyer containing information for tenants on pre-filing eviction notices.
Tenant Guide to Writs and Scheduled Evictions
Flyer containing information for tenants on writs and scheduled evictions.
What can tenants do if their building was sold?
This is a letter that you can send to the new owner of the property or the new owner's lawyer. In the District of Columbia, a property owner cannot evict a tenant just because the property was sold at foreclosure. (This is a letter for tenants only. It does not apply to former owners.)