If a landlord fails to make repairs after a tenant notifies the landlord about the need for repairs, the tenant has several options. A tenant may sue their landlord for DC Housing Code violations by filing a complaint and summons with the Civil Actions Branch Clerk's Office, Moultrie Courthouse, Room 5000. Tenants may have other legal options in the District of Columbia Superior Court, such as filing a lawsuit in another branch of the court (such as the Civil Actions Branch or Small Claims) requesting a court order for repairs to be made or seeking damages against the landlord for not making repairs. If the landlord has sued the tenant for unpaid rent in the Landlord and Tenant Court, the tenant may raise these repairs as a defense to the lawsuit by telling the judge about these problems. The tenant could also include repairs in an agreement that settles a Landlord and Tenant lawsuit. Depending on your circumstances, you may have other options that are not listed here. If you are not sure what the best option is, you should seek legal advice from a private lawyer, Law Students in Court, the Landlord and Tenant Resource Center or another organization in order to protect your legal rights.