D.C. would let housing agencies move rent aid during repairs

D.C. housing agencies could approve moving property-based rent aid to another eligible property. The income limit would include D.C. residents whose gross income is no more than half the area's median, or middle, income. Transfers for renovations would be temporary, with priority for affected residents to return. Transfers could be temporary or permanent for buildings under court-appointed management, damage making units unlivable, or repeated regular inspection failures or an emergency inspection failure.

Courts could order compliance, award damages, or reject a related tenant claim or defense. Landlords would need a key or another way to enter each rental unit at all times. Entry would require a reasonable purpose, time, and notice. A landlord would need to show that the tenant unlawfully refused entry or failed to provide access. Tenants changing locks, themselves or through someone acting for them, would have 48 hours to provide the landlord with access.

Landlords would send covered eviction notices by tracked mail or delivery, plus hand delivery or door posting. The hearing deadline covers unpaid rent and other lease violations; the court deposit rule covers unpaid-rent cases. Door postings would require a photo submitted to the court showing the date and time. Court-ordered rent deposits would cover only the tenant's portion of the rent. Courts would hold the initial hearing within 60 days after the complaint is filed.

Owners could sell qualifying newer buildings without first offering them to tenants. Covered projects include new apartment buildings, conversions from nonresidential use to apartments, and additions adding at least 10 homes or 50% more homes, whichever is greater. Owners must notify tenants and the Mayor. The building exemption would not apply to D.C.'s separate purchase rights. Tenants or tenant groups missing the deadline to challenge an exempt transfer could not assert rights under the purchase law. The building or qualifying project must receive permanent occupancy approval within the 15 years before sale.

Existing tenants' annual rent increases after the first 12 months could use the higher of the rent-control limit or the applicable affordable housing program's limit. These rules cover buildings bought by the Mayor or the Mayor's chosen buyer through D.C.'s purchase program. Plans must preserve the number of homes affordable at 60% of area median income, but need not preserve a separate count at 30%. The Mayor would have one year after purchase to record affordability restrictions and complete the plan.