D.C. Council Advances Bill to Expedite Evictions for Unpaid Rent
The D.C. Council has taken a significant step forward in addressing landlords’ challenges related to unpaid rent by advancing a bill that facilitates the eviction process. The bill, modified shortly before the vote, aims to codify temporary eviction measures established in October, enhancing landlords’ powers to seek evictions in instances of substantial unpaid rent.
Details of the Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Amendment Act
This legislation, known as the Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Amendment Act of 2025, allows judges greater flexibility to expedite eviction proceedings. It is particularly aimed at tenants with significant arrears in rent. Importantly, the bill also prevents tenants from delaying eviction processes simply by applying for rental assistance. However, provisions are included to ensure that tenants eligible for emergency rental assistance can remain in their residences.
Legislative Process and Council Dynamics
The recent vote represents the initial of two necessary approvals before the bill is submitted to Mayor Muriel Bowser. While there was no opposition in terms of votes against the bill, several Council members, including Wendell Felder (Ward 7), Zachary Parker (Ward 5), and Kenyan McDuffie (At-Large), chose to abstain, indicating some level of hesitance or need for further discussion.
Amendments were introduced just before the vote by Councilmember Matthew Frumin. These changes clarify the responsibilities of landlords under the emergency rental assistance program and extend the response period for landlords to 45 days after receiving ERAP applications, as opposed to the previous 30 days. Frumin has indicated he plans to submit additional amendments prior to the final vote.
The Context Behind the Legislation
This bill emerges as part of D.C.’s efforts to tackle the ongoing unpaid rent crisis, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the various rent moratoriums enacted since 2020. Approximately $147 million in unpaid rent is reported across the city, translating to an average of $2,207 owed per housing unit, the highest figures in the country according to data from the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Committee on Human Services.
Reactions and Future Considerations
Originally, landlord groups such as the Apartment and Office Building Association supported the passage of the previous temporary bill. Nonetheless, recent alterations motivated by advocacy from tenant groups have caused some stakeholders to reconsider their stance, arguing that the changes may complicate and prolong eviction processes.
Mayor Bowser has expressed concerns about these adjustments as well, having sent a letter to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson highlighting her apprehensions that the new provisions could lead to additional delays in addressing the existing backlog of eviction cases.
Next Steps
The timing of the Council’s second vote on the proposed legislation remains unclear. Spokespersons for both the Council and the Mayor have not provided immediate comments on the matter.
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