The D.C. Council recently enacted the Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act of 2026, which changes D.C. security deposit law for landlords in Washington, DC.
This week, we spoke with Washington, D.C.'s local affiliate of CBS News, WUSA-9, to share what D.C. landlords need to know if their tenants have pets - and how the laws have changed.
Constructive eviction is a legal theory where a tenant argues that the landlord's failure to maintain the premises was so severe that it deprived the tenant of the ability to use the space for its intended purpose — effectively evicting them without a formal eviction. If a court agrees, the tenant may be excused from paying rent for the period in question, and in some cases can recover damages.
For a landlord who owns commercial property, the security deposit rarely covers the full cost, and the question becomes what else you're entitled to collect.
DC prohibits self-help eviction for commercial tenants, same as for residential ones. That means a landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, remove the tenant's property, or otherwise force them out without going through DC Superior Court and having the U.S. Marshals Service execute the eviction. A landlord who does this on their own — even with months of unpaid rent as justification — can end up owing the tenant damages, on top of still not having lawfully recovered the space.
Property owners may not realize is that DC law explicitly extends consumer protection statutes to landlord-tenant relationships, which means landlords can be exposed to serious financial liability over a poorly worded lease clause, an unreturned phone call, or an offhand comment about a unit's condition.
Signed a DC real estate contract on behalf of an LLC that hasn't been formed? A new D.C. Court of Appeals ruling says you may be personally liable. Here's what investors need to know before signing.
A step-by-step guide for DC landlords on how to execute a judgment for possession and lawfully remove a DC tenant for non-payment of rent.
Alfredo appeared on local news station WUSA-9 to discuss changes to DC landlord-tenant law.
Because commercial leases are detailed contracts with real business consequences, both tenants and landlords benefit from identifying trouble early and taking practical steps before the dispute becomes more expensive to resolve. DC business owners and property owners should understand the most common triggers, the risks of delay, and the legal paths available when negotiations fail.
Exiting an LLC is more than a personal decision. It is a legal and financial process. A local lawyer can interpret your operating agreement, explain how District law applies, negotiate and structure a buyout, prepare or review exit documents, and coordinate any dissolution filings and notices.
The goal of mediation is to come to an agreement and avoid further legal disputes, legal costs, and litigation.
While every case is unique, sometimes, mediation is an ideal solution that saves both parties time, money, and headaches.
Arbitration in Washington, DC is an alternative to litigation, but it is still adversarial in nature. Agreeing to arbitration is not something to take lightly.
Titling and deeds in Washington, DC are a central part of real estate transfers and transactions of residential and commercial property.
Our law firm was invited to share our legal expertise with viewers of ABC 7 News.
Titling and deeds in Washington, DC are a central part of real estate transfers and transactions of residential and commercial property. Being informed is your best way to make smart real estate decisions and avoid challenges to your property interests.
While not every project requires extensive legal intervention, consulting an attorney can help prevent costly mistakes. Even for smaller projects, a brief legal review can save significant time and money by identifying potential risks early.
Leasing commercial property in Washington, DC is an important component of any business’ success. In the lease agreement, there are restrictions, obligations, and rights regarding the use and maintenance of the property. An experienced real estate attorney can help make sure you enter into the right type of lease agreement and that your interests and rights are properly addressed and protected.
In Washington, DC, even small landlords must complete critical paperwork, and oversights can be costly and leave a landlord in a very precarious position. The Law Office of Alfredo Vasquez can help small DC landlords avoid costly oversights that can jeopardize a landlord’s ability to recover the rental unit or increase the rent.
Navigating landlord-tenant cases in Washington, DC includes a dizzying number of organizations, agencies and individuals. An experienced attorney can help small landlords in Washington, DC by know who's who.
It is important for small landlords in Washington, DC to understand what notices are required before filing a case in DC Superior Court’s Landlord Tenant Branch.
A recent court decision waded through the murky waters of determining responsibility for water damage in a DC condo.
A recent decision by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in a case involving a condo collapse provides new perspective on negligence claims and the role of expert testimony.
Rental application fraud has evolved into a significant challenge for apartment owners. Scammers are using fake documents and online-only communication in order to secure leases with no intention of paying rent. Once a person takes possession of your residential property, it can take months and significant legal fees to secure an eviction - even if your tenant committed fraud to obtain the lease in the first place.