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PROTECTIVE ORDER PAYMENTS: Tenants may make payment by credit card, debit card or ACH electronic check by making the payment electronically through the court’s portal, provided by that the total monthly payment does not exceed $1,000. For more information about making protective order payments online, please email landlordandtenantdocket [at] dcsc.gov or call the clerk’s office at (202) 879-4879.
The Landlord & Tenant Branch handles actions by property owners who have disputes with their tenants. Some examples of cases filed in the Landlord & Tenant Branch include: violations of lease agreements, keeping a pet in violation of a no-pets rule; bringing in an unauthorized roommate or subleasing without permission; or interfering with other tenants’ ability to peacefully enjoy their homes.
The Landlord and Tenant Branch handles all actions for the possession of real property, including evictions. The Housing Conditions Calendar handles requests from a tenant that the court enter an order requiring the landlord to repair the tenant’s rental unit. To see the calendar, click here.
The Resource Center (see hours and location here) provides free legal information to both unrepresented landlords and unrepresented tenants who have residential housing disputes.
- Help self-represented persons understand court proceedings;
- Assist self-represented persons prepare pleadings;
- Coach self-represented persons how best to present cases in court;
- Provide information on how to obtain continuances and retain counsel;
- Make referrals to legal service providers in appropriate cases;
- Inform low-income litigants of financial and other social service resources that might be available and refer them to the appropriate resources.
The Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network - (202) 780-2575 - provides all tenants and small landlords a range of free legal information, advice, and/or representation.
Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network - Free Legal Help (English & Spanish)
Students from local law schools are available during the school year to provide advice to unrepresented tenants and assist them in filling out forms and pleadings. In some cases, a student supervised by a licensed attorney will represent a tenant throughout the case. Rising for Justice is generally in the Landlord and Tenant court beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Rising for Justice Program is located in Court Building B, Room 210.
The Landlord and Tenant Branch of the Civil Division handles all actions for the possession of real property. Click to see more about landlord & tenant matters.
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| Notice of Case Dismissals and Jury Demand Scheduling Conference Dates in Landlord and Tenant Cases | Download |
Changes to Landlord & Tenant Default Process and Courtroom Location for Hearings:
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| Landlord and Tenant Notice of Changes to Default Process and Courtroom Location for Hearings | Download |
Small Claims and Landlord and Tenant Courtrooms Document Presentation Equipment:
Did you know that you can present your documents and pictures on the big monitor in the Small Claims and Landlord and Tenant Courtrooms using our NOMAD equipment? There is no reservation required; Just ask a Courtroom Clerk for assistance.
| Title | Download PDF |
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| NOMAD Flyer | Download |
New Rental Housing Late Fee Fairness Act:
The Court will no longer accept Notice to Tenant of Payment to Avoid Eviction Forms (Form 6) that include late fees.
| Title | Download PDF |
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| Rental Housing Late Fee Fairness Amendment Act of 2016 | Download |
