Landlords in Washington D.C. push to amend the RENTAL Act, aiming to address escalating eviction problems and unpaid rent difficulties.
In the heart of Washington D.C., a significant issue is unfolding as landlords and tenants grapple with the repercussions of the city's rental landscape. The D.C. Council is set to vote on the RENTAL Act this Wednesday, a piece of legislation that has sparked debate among stakeholders.
According to reports, D.C. landlords have lost over $1 billion in rent due to the current situation. This staggering figure is a result of delinquent payments by tenants, with some estimates suggesting that nearly a third of new residents at certain properties are behind on their rent.
One such landlord, Francine Watson, a senior citizen who uses a wheelchair, owns nine rental units in the Northeast. Out of these, only two tenants are currently paying rent, leaving her with a substantial debt of over $200,000. Despite her challenges, Watson is determined to hold her delinquent tenants accountable.
Mike Huke, Chairman of CIH Properties, Inc., which owns more than 2,000 rental units, predominantly in Wards seven and eight, echoes Watson's sentiments. Huke reported that 33 percent of new residents at one of his flagship properties are delinquent on their rents.
The original version of the RENTAL Act, introduced by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in February, included mandatory hearing deadlines and protective orders for tenants who are delinquent. However, these provisions were later stripped out, leading to concerns among landlords like Huke and advocates like Dean Hunter, CEO of the Small Multifamily Owners Association.
Hunter states that if two crucial provisions are not included in the RENTAL Act, it will not alleviate the eviction crisis. He points out that in neighboring jurisdictions, initial eviction complaints result in court hearings within three to four weeks, while in D.C., the process can take six to eight months.
In the current version of the RENTAL Act, tenants in the district could potentially live without paying rent for nearly two years before any serious eviction action. This lengthy timeline has raised concerns among landlords who are struggling to make ends meet.
If passed in its current form, D.C. landlords believe the RENTAL Act will do little to help the city emerge from an "eviction crisis." The total amount of rent owed by tenants has increased to over $11 million, a figure that continues to grow.
As the final vote on the RENTAL Act and the Washington Commanders' new stadium deal approaches, the stakes are high. Both landlords and tenants are hoping for a resolution that addresses their concerns and helps to stabilize the city's rental market.
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