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.

Free DC Latino Tenant Summit, May 15

Latino tenants, tenant associations, and tenant advocacy groups should plan on attending the free DC Latino Tenant Summit on May 15 from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at Carlos Rosario International Charter School, 1100 Harvard Street, NW.
Latino Summit Flier (English)

Latino Summit Flier (Spanish)

La Ti No Summit Registration Form (Spanish)

Walk-in schedule for Office of Tenant Advocate

Effective March 1, the Office of the Tenant Advocate’s walk-in schedule will be from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday.   OTA is located at 1250 U Street, NW on the 4th floor.   For more information, go to the Office of Tenant Advocate's website.

March SWOT meeting, 3/19

Join the more than 50 organizations, associations, businesses, and residents who have come together to address service gaps for our fellow Ward 1 residents.   The next meeting is being held March 19 from 9:00 - 11:30 am.   We will continue the work on housing resources and data and have a added a few short presentations on timely and pressing issues.

Please be sure to RSVP by March 17 to swotdc (at) gmail (dot) com so we are sure to have enough materials and food for attendees.

SWOTMarch19Flier

February SWOT meeting, February 19

Join service providers, civic associations, elected officials, government staffers, and others at the next "Next Steps" Meeting of Strengthening Ward One Together on February 19 from 9:00 - 11:30 am at Columbia Heights Youth Club (1480 Girard St NW).

We took what you said at the January kickoff meeting to create the agenda.   So, the event will feature a presentation from an affordable housing expert and more breakout groups!   Details about the event, including how to RSVP, are in the flier below.

SWOTFebruaryMonthlyMeetingFlier

Are you looking for affordable rental housing?

Housing Counseling Services' weekly Housing Search Clinic is held every Thursday* from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the HCS Training Center, 2410 17th Street, NW, Adams Alley, Suite 100.   HSC is located in Adams Alley.   Walk down the alley on 17th Street between Euclid and Kalorama Streets.   Using the intercom, press # and 100 to be admitted.   No appointment needed.

HCS asks that people bring documents that might help in a housing search.   These include all documents related to income (such as recent pay stubs, TANF, unemployment, disability, child support, pension benefits, alimony, or Social Security statements) and expenses (such as recent phone, credit card, or utility bills, student and car loan statements).   Also, bring information about your current housing (such as a copy or your current lease).

*HCS follows DC government holidays and emergency closing procedures for inclement weather.