New court procedure beneficial to tenants

In late April, DC Superior Court announced the Housing Conditions Calendar, a program allowing tenants to sue landlords on an expedited basis.   The program specifically deals with housing code violations.

According to the press release:

The Housing Conditions Calendar will be heard by Judge Melvin Wright, Deputy Presiding Judge of the Court’s Civil Division.   Judge Wright has worked closely with all the various stakeholders to develop an approach that is efficient, fair and easily accessible by all tenants, especially those not represented by counsel.   The forms required for the Housing Conditions calendar were designed to be ‘user friendly’ and the fee is $15.   The forms can be found at www.dccourts.gov/housingconditions.

Thanks to the DC Tenant Coalition electronic discussion list for sharing this useful information.