For Immediate Release
January 30,2023
Contact: Chantal Fuller, Communications Director
202-355-8431
cfuller@dccouncil.gov

                                               Councilmember Christina Henderson Introduces Legislation to Clarify Residential Rental Fees and Raise Rent Increase Notice Periods

Washington, DC- Today, Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the Fairness in Renting Clarification Amendment Act of 2023. This legislation clarifies that landlords may not charge exorbitant fees associated with processing applications for rental housing, raises the notice period for rent increases from 30 days to 60 days, and prohibits landlords from charging new or departing tenants with fees associated with “turning over” units.

“Securing housing in the District is a challenge for many residents. The process becomes more challenging when there is no predictability in the types and costs of fees when applying for rental housing,” remarked Councilmember Henderson. It is important that residents have clarity about the actual costs of housing by requiring transparency and insight to make informed housing decisions.”

The Council recently acted to strengthen tenant protections by passing the EvictionRecord Sealing Authority and Fairness in Renting Amendment Act of 2023. Passing this legislation was necessary and long overdue, but it did not anticipate all the ways that landlords extract fees from prospective tenants. The law currently prohibits landlords from charging application fees over $50 but says nothing about charges associated with the landlord or their employees processing an application. This legislation cuts off a landlord’s ability to charge exorbitant and unclear fees by clarifying what constitutes as a “rental application processing fee”. The Fairness in Renting Clarification AmendmentAct of 2023 would also cap processing fees at $50, allowing for annual adjustments due to inflation.

“Tenants deserve a reasonable amount of time to seek new housing accommodations should their rent increase to a price that is not feasible for them. A notice of 30 days is not enough time to reorder one’s life,” commented Councilmember Henderson. “Our residents deserve enough time to make choices that enable them to remain District residents in a neighborhood and at a price point that fits their budget. With the costs of many essential items increasing exponentially, it is vital that we create structures to reduce barriers and costs associated with housing.”

TheFairness in Renting Clarification Amendment Act of 2023 was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Brianne K. Nadeau, Charles Allen, Trayon White, Sr., Zachary Parker, Anita Bonds, Robert C. White, Jr., Brooke Pinto, and Janeese Lewis George.

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