Procedures For Processing Rent Control Appeals

1. Plan to file the appeal in person at the RHC within 10 business days after the date on the decision, or 10 business days after the filing of the motion for reconsideration. If one was filed in OAD, three additional days are allowed for mailing, if the OAD mails the decision. The RHC cannot extend the time for filing an appeal.
2. Plan to file the appeal in person at the RHC within 10 business days after the date on the decision, or 10 business days after the filing of the motion for reconsideration, if one was filed in OAD, three additional days are allowed for mailing, if the OAD mails the decision. The RHC cannot enlarge the time for filing an appeal.
3. Type or print on 8x11 paper a Notice of Appeal consisting of a concise statement of the errors, and give reasons to reverse the hearing examiner, or to have another hearing. Include in the Notice of Appeal a certificate of service showing the names of the opposing party served, addresses, date, and manner of service of the Notice of Appeal on the opposing party or parties.
4. Serve the Notice of Appeal to the opposing party. If the party is represented by an attorney, serve the attorney, or representative. Parties who appeal are appellants. Parties who respond to an appeal are appellees.

Parties represented by counsel and individuals representing themselves, pro se, must comply with all the rules in 14 DCMR 3800-4300 and the Act.

Parties may not have communications about legal issues with the Commissioners, because they decide their cases. That is known as ex parte communication. The Commissioners are forbidden from engaging in such communications.