DCRA's Housing Regulation Administration (HRA) targets neighborhoods with front-line staff to identify potential problems and initiate solutions. The agency is a pro-active partner in the city's mission to protect and rebuild its communities.
The District of Columbia Housing Code (14DCMR)
The District of Columbia Housing Code (14DCMR) requires HRA to conduct inspections to determine if property owners are in compliance with maintenance requirements of residential properties and the premises thereof. Where noncompliance is found, HRA takes appropriate action to obtain voluntary abatements of the sub-standard conditions or to initiate enforcement action to compel compliance. Enforcement of 14DCMR is the impetus behind DCRA's Neighborhood Stabilization Program initiative.
The Rental Housing Act of 1985
The Rental Housing Act of 1985 (commonly referred to as "rent control"), requires the administration to serve as a repository for information regarding the amount of rent charged for residential rental property. The Act also requires the administration to receive and process documents required for adjustments in rent ceilings (landlord petitions); resolve disputes between landlords and tenants; and where necessary, receive and distribute for legal action tenant petitions seeking redress for alleged infractions by the landlord.
The Condominium Act of 1976
The Condominium Act of 1976, Technical and Clarifying Amendment Act of 1992, DC Law 9-82 regulates the establishment, control, governance, registration and offering of condominiums.
The Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980, as amended, (DC Law 3-86)
The Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980, as amended, DC Law 3-86, regulates the conversion procedures, relocation assistance and opportunity to purchase.
The District's Building Repair Program
DC Code 5-513/6-711, "The District's Building Repair Program" authorizes the District, in cases where the owner fails or refuses to correct a violation of the housing code, to correct the violation and pass the cost of correcting the violation to the owner of the property in the form of a nuisance lien against the property. DC Law 5-513 further provides that should the owner fail to pay the nuisance tax, the property may be disposed of by selling the property in the manner provided for in the tax laws of the District.
The above documents are available in their entirety through Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances 441 4th Street, NW, Room 520S, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 727-5090, or any DC Public Library.
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