Do Right by DC Tenants Amendment Act of 2023
The legislation introduces amendments to the District of Columbia Official Code, including a provision that prevents any person or business with ownership in a rental property from acquiring new licenses if that property has received more than five Class 1 or Class 2 infractions within a twelve-month period. However, this prohibition can be lifted if all infractions are resolved and a year has passed since the last infraction was cured. This creates a stronger incentive for landlords to maintain their properties and address violations promptly.
B25-0574, also known as the 'Do Right by DC Tenants Amendment Act of 2023', aims to enhance tenant protections in the District of Columbia by allowing the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection to deny business licenses and building permits to rental property owners who have neglected their properties. The bill specifically targets owners with numerous infractions related to housing standards, signaling a commitment by the Council to enforce higher living conditions for tenants and discourage neglectful behavior by landlords.
Discussions surrounding B25-0574 have highlighted potential contentions regarding the balance between regulations intended to protect tenants and the freedom of property owners. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect vulnerable tenants from incompetent landlords, while opponents may view it as excessive regulation that could impede responsible property owners from operating their businesses effectively. The requirement to meet strict conditions to obtain business licenses has raised concerns among some property owners regarding the implications of such legislation on their ability to manage rental properties.