Eviction
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 for Tenants
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.
Help for Winter Emergencies
This flier provides contact information for legal and other resources you might need in case of cold weather emergencies.
If the Property You Rent Has Been Sold in a Foreclosure Sale
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.)
Judgments, Writs, and Evictions - Information for Landlords
Discusses the procedures a landlord is required to follow to have a tenant evicted from a residential rental property.
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 Fee Fairness Amendment Act Of 2016 – 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.
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.
Notice - Changes to Landlord and Tenant Branch Processes
Notice of new procedures for the D.C Landlord and Tenant Court
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.
Trials in Landlord and Tenant Court
Discusses what happens at a trial in Landlord and Tenant Court, the difference between a bench trial and a jury trial, and how to prepare for a trial.
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.
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.
If the Property You Rent Has Been Sold in a Foreclosure Sale
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.)
Judgments, Writs, and Evictions - Information for Landlords
Discusses the procedures a landlord is required to follow to have a tenant evicted from a residential rental property.
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.
Notice - Changes to Landlord and Tenant Branch Processes
Notice of new procedures for the D.C Landlord and Tenant Court
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.
Trials in Landlord and Tenant Court
Discusses what happens at a trial in Landlord and Tenant Court, the difference between a bench trial and a jury trial, and how to prepare for a trial.
Self-Help Court Form: Motion to Reinstate After Dismissal
This document provides a link to a website that will help you complete a court form, called a Motion to Reinstate After Dismissal, for your landlord-tenant case. You may use this form if you are a landlord whose case was dismissed when you failed to come to court on the initial return date.
Self-Help Court Form: Motion to Vacate Default Judgment and Quash Writ
This document provides a link to a website that will help you complete a court form, called a Motion to Vacate Default Judgment and Quash Writ, for your landlord-tenant case. You may use this form if you are a tenant who has a default judgment (and a writ of restitution, if applicable) against you.
