Notice of ANS for the January 4, 2022 Legislative Meeting (B24-96)

COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004

MEMORANDUM

TO: Nyasha Smith, Secretary to the Council

FROM: Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Anita Bonds

DATE: January 3, 2022

RE: Notice of intent to move an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the January 4, 2022 Legislative Meeting

This memorandum serves as notice that I and Councilmember Bonds intend to move an amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS) for Bill 24-96, the “Eviction Record Sealing Authority and Fairness in Renting Amendment Act of 2021” at the Legislative Meeting scheduled for January 4, 2022. The ANS:

Clarifies that certain requirements under Section 16-1501 do not apply to complaints involving commercial tenants;
Ensures that prospective tenant’s receive complete and accurate information about their rights regarding tenant screening;
Prohibits housing providers from charging more than $35 for an application fee;
Prohibits housing providers from basing an adverse action on a prospective tenant’s lack of a credit score;
Provides for enforcement of Section 510 through the Office of Human Rights (OHR), subject to appropriations; and
Allows prospective tenants to file a civil action against a housing provider who has violated the law in Superior Court if they do not pursue enforcement through OHR.