Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities
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 Landlords
If you are a landlord and your tenant is the victim of domestic violence, you may have certain obligations to meet at the request of the tenant. 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.
Indoor Mold Assessment and Remediation
DC Department of Energy & Environment guidance about mold problems in rental properties and how to deal with them.
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.
Landlords: Judgments, Writs, and the Eviction Process
This resource contains information for landlords who have obtained a judgment for possession from Landlord and Tenant Court to evict a tenant. It explains the eviction process and how to obtain a money judgment for back rent.
Landlords' Responsibilities, Rent, and Security Deposits
This resource contains information about general legal requirements for doing business as a landlord and laws relating to rent and security deposits.
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.
Notice - Changes to Landlord and Tenant Branch Processes
Notice of new procedures for the D.C Landlord and Tenant Court
30 Notice to Quit - Lease Violation
A fillable form with instructions, in both English and Spanish The 30-day notice to correct violation of obligation of tenancy or vacate is required before you can file an eviction lawsuit against your tenant based on the tenant’s violation of a valid written lease or the tenant’s violation of his or her responsibilities under the D.C. Housing Code.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions by Landlords
This resource provides information important for Landlords who are renting a residential apartment or house in the District of Columbia, including information about their responsibilities, raising the rent, security deposits and eviction proceedings.
Landlords: Evictions and Defenses
This resource contains information for landlords about proper grounds for eviction and starting eviction proceedings.
Landlords: Going to Court
This resource contains information for landlords about going to court in an eviction case. It discusses court proceedings, possible responses by tenants, tenant defenses, protective orders and court fees, and settlements.
Landlords' Responsibilities, Rent, and Security Deposits
This resource contains information about general legal requirements for doing business as a landlord and laws relating to rent and security deposits.
Notice - Changes to Landlord and Tenant Branch Processes
Notice of new procedures for the D.C Landlord and Tenant Court
30 Notice to Quit - Lease Violation
A fillable form with instructions, in both English and Spanish The 30-day notice to correct violation of obligation of tenancy or vacate is required before you can file an eviction lawsuit against your tenant based on the tenant’s violation of a valid written lease or the tenant’s violation of his or her responsibilities under the D.C. Housing Code.
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.
