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, and what role each plays in getting a case resolved as efficiently as possible.
Who Should Small Landlords in Washington, DC Know?
Courts and Judges
Magistrate Judges
Magistrate Judges are judicial officers who handle landlord tenant cases, among other things. They hold initial hearings and review motions, issue orders, mediate disputes between landlords and tenants trying to reach settlements. They play essential roles in the
landlord-tenant litigation process.
Landlord & Tenant Branch
The Landlord & Tenant Branch of the Civil Division of DC Superior Court servers as the primary venue for cases brought against a tenant by a landlord, particularly when the landlord is seeking eviction of the tenant. This branch handles all eviction cases, no matter the grounds, processes complaints against the tenants and renders judgements in these cases. When a small landlord files a case against a tenant, it will most likely be through the Landlord & Tenant Branch.
Civil Actions Branch
The Civil Actions Branch of DC Superior Court handles the majority of civil actions, although not landlord-tenant cases where the landlord is seeking eviction. After being filed in the Landlord & Tenant Branch, a case could be moved the Civil Actions Branch depending on the circumstances, including contract disputes over the lease agreement or if the property is alleged to not comply with housing codes.
Organizations and Administrations
Rental Accommodations Division (RAD)
If you are already a small landlord in Washington, DC, you are probably familiar with the Rental Accommodations Divisions (RAD). As part of the Department of Housing and Community Development, RAD is the agency you go through to register your property as exempt from rent control. After your application is accepted, they will provide you an exemption number. RAD also handles tenant complaints of lease violations and monitor rent adjustments to ensure they comply with rent-control requirements in DC.
DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
This is another agency that landlords are most likely already familiar with, as the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) issues a Basic Business License (BBL). For landlords, maintaining proper licensing and complying with consumer protection is essential to avoid penalties and legal disputes.
The Rental Housing Commission (RHC)
The Rental Housing Commission (RHC) is responsible for enforcing the Rental Housing Act. Its primary functions are to hear appeals from the decisions made by RAD or other agencies for rental housing disputes and interpret DC's rental housing laws.
Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is the agency in DC that adjudicates disputes involving DC government agencies, including cases related to landlord-tenant law. They hear cases of alleged housing code violations and adjudicate rental housing
cases.
Department of Buildings (DOB)
The Department of Buildings (DOB) is the agency in charge of ensuring that all buildings, rental properties included, meet the required safety and code standards set in the DC Statues. The DOB inspects properties, issues violations and handles construction permits.
There are many different agencies, organizations and individuals that can impact outcomes for small landlords in Washington, DC. To successfully address landlord-tenant issues, contacting an experienced landlord-tenant attorney can help small landlords see resolution for their legal issues.
