On Friday, April 3rd, the official version of the “D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights” (TBR) was published in the DC Register. Under Law 20-147, the “Tenant Bill of Rights Amendment Act of 2014,” the OTA must publish and periodically update a “D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights” document.

Starting 90 days after the publication date – or about July 3rd -- landlords in the District are required to provide rental applicants with a copy of the TBR. The landlord must provide the TBR along with other disclosure documents that are also required under the Rental Housing Act (D.C. Code sec. 42-3502.22(b)).

Current tenants also benefit from this law. Once per year, a current tenant may request a copy of disclosure documents pertaining to his or her unit. Upon a written request, the landlord has ten (10) days to provide the tenant, without charge, a copy of the relevant disclosure documents. This should include the TBR.

Hard copies of the new version of the TBR are now available at the OTA. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the OTA at (202) 719-6560.