Whom Do I Call If I Disagree With My Landlord?

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Whom Do I Call If I Disagree With My Landlord?

If you have a dispute with a landlord that you cannot resolve, you can file an official complaint with the Housing Regulation Administration. When you call, be sure to have as much information as possible about your landlord and the building, including names of the owners, addresses and telephone numbers. Also, be sure to let the HRA know where they can reach you during the day. A staff member has three days to contact you to schedule an inspection if they can`t find you, your case may be closed. The HRA says inspections are normally conducted within five working days after they contact you, or seven working days if the complaint is about the exterior of the building. In scheduling inspections, the HRA gives priority to interior inspections in occupied housing. Both the D.C. Housing Code and the Rental Housing Act of 1985 explicitly prevent landlords from taking retaliatory action against tenants who complain about housing violations. Retaliatory action includes attempts by a landlord to take back the apartment in violation of housing laws, reducing the quantity or quality of services provided, unlawfully increasing rent, harassing, threatening, coercing, or violating the privacy of the tenant, or refusing to honor any or all of a lease agreement.

Other District of Columbia Landlord/Tenant FAQs

Q: How Can I Sue In Landlord And Tenant Court?
A: File a complaint in the Landlord and Tenant Office. Only landlords may sue in this court.
Q: When Can I Sue In Landlord And Tenant Court?
A: When the tenant fails to pay his rent, fails to vacate the premises after a written notice to quit, and in Drug Haven cases.
Q: Where Are You Located And What Are The Business Hours?
A: Location: H. Carl Moultrie I Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Landlord and Tenant Office, Room JM255, Washington, DC. Hours: Monday Friday, 8:30 a.m. … More
Q: Do I Need To Bring Anything To File The Suit?
A: A Copy of the Notice to Quit in English and Spanish for sole possession cases only. The Landlord and Tenant Office supplies the Complaint. Filing fee of $15.00
Q: How Soon Is A Landlord And Tenant Case Heard After It Is Filed?
A: A minimum of 3 weeks.
Q: What Happens On The Court Date?
A: Roll Call starts at 9:00 a.m. Parties answer present when their name is called. Failure of tenant to appear results in a default. Failure of landlord to appear results … More
Q: Where May A Tenant File A Complaint Against The Landlord?
A: The Rental Accommodations Office, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, 941 North Capitol Street NE, Seventh Floor, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: … More
Q: I Need More Time To Pay My Rent, What May I Do?
A: Show up on time for your court date. Meet with your landlord in court and enter into a consent agreement to pay your rent. Difficult cases will go before the court.
Q: May I Pay My Rent Into The Court Registry Until The Repairs Are Made?
A: Yes. Ensure there is a written agreement concerning the repairs approved by the court.
Q: What Must I Do If I Cannot Meet A Payment Plan?
A: Contact the landlord and ask for an extension of time. If he refuses, inform him that you will return to court.