Selected rental properties would mediate some rent disputes before eviction

The Department would set up a pilot to help tenants and housing providers resolve rent disputes before some eviction filings. Only properties approved by the Department would participate; approval would not cover a provider’s other properties. The Department must include affordable, market-rate, and mixed-income properties when applications allow. The rental-unit cap is shown as “[2,000]” in brackets, so its value is unresolved. For debts above $600 and below the lower of $6,000 or three months' rent, the provider must send a diversion notice when giving notice of intent to file. The separate filing bar applies to an eligible tenant at a participating property until a completion certificate is issued, unless Mayoral rules allow filing sooner. The text does not define “eligible tenant.” A provider may not delay the process to avoid applying the pilot. The filing bar does not apply to cases filed before the tenant or property became subject to the pilot. The Department must establish the pilot in Fiscal Year 2028. After receiving a diversion notice, the grantee must contact the tenant within 7 days. A completion certificate may issue after an agreement, 21 days of good-faith mediation without an agreement, or the tenant’s nonresponse or refusal.

The Department could use a special fund to help carry out signed mediation agreements. Assistance could support an agreement reached through the SHARE pilot, including help with back rent or moving costs. The fund may receive Council appropriations and other money directed to it. Spending requires authorization in an approved budget and financial plan. For back-rent help, the District could pay no more than one third of the debt, and the provider must forgive at least one third. Moving help may cover costs named in a move-out agreement. A tenant may receive fund help no more than twice but may still use mediation without it. Payments require a signed agreement and any compliance steps set by Mayoral rules. The text does not set a start date for assistance awards. The Department could award help when funds, budget authorization, a signed agreement, and required compliance steps are in place.

The Department may award grants to community groups for housing counseling or same-day legal help. The services would be for tenants in the SHARE program. Grants depend on available funds. The Department may begin awarding grants no later than December 1, 2027; the text sets no end date.