District of Columbia Landlord/Tenant FAQs

• 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.
• Q: What May The Landlord Do If The Tenant Fails To Make His Rental Payments According To A Consent Agreement?
  A: File an application to terminate the stay of execution, which subjects the tenant to eviction procedures.
• Q: I Have A Default Judgment, What May I Do To Evict The Tenant?
  A: Forty­eight hours after entry of judgment, return to the Landlord and Tenant Clerk`s Office to file a writ of restitution. Filing Fee $70.00 (Clerk`s fee is … More
• Q: How May I Get Monies Released From The Court Registry?
  A: File a motion in the Landlord and Tenant Clerk`s Office. The Clerk`s Office has a standard motion form. Cost is $10.00.
• Q: How May I Get A Money Judgment?
  A: First, the tenant must be served personally with a copy of the summons. When the case is called in court, tell the clerk to send it before the judge. Ask the judge to … More
• Q: How Much Time Do I Have To Execute Or Follow Through On The Money Judgment?
  A: Three years if the judgment is unrecorded and 12 years if the judgment is recorded with the D.C. Recorder of Deeds. Ask the clerk about recording the money judgment.
• Q: How May I Collect On The Money Judgment?
  A: Through various attachments and writs. See the Landlord and Tenant Clerk for additional information, forms, and costs.
• Q: What May Be Done If The Landlord Fails To Complete Repairs On Time?
  A: Inquire of the landlord what is causing the delay and attempt to work out additional terms, or report to the Clerk`s Office one day after the repairs were scheduled to … More
• Q: Will The Court Appoint An Attorney?
  A: The Court may appoint a law student from the D.C. Law Students In Court program in certain cases and upon availability. The court may appoint an attorney in fiduciary … More
• Q: How May I Evict A Tenant Who Is Suspected Of Selling Drugs?
  A: Through normal landlord an tenant eviction procedures. This type of case is heard within two weeks after filing of the complaint instead of three weeks. Let the clerk … More
• Q: Why Must I Pay An Additional $70.00 Eviction Fee When I Have Already Filed A Writ Of Restitution To Evict The Tenant?
  A: After the writ of restitution has been filed in the Landlord and Tenant Clerk`s Office and the U.S. Marshal has not evicted the tenant within the applicable 35 days, … More

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