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District of ColumbiaB26-0126Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Charles Allen (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New limits on extra renter charges

D.C. housing providers cannot charge for required housing services before move-in, during tenancy, or after move-out, including required utility, trash, and billing administration services. Security deposits can still cover tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Beginning January 1, 2027, providers and their contractors cannot bill tenants separately for utilities serving common spaces or vacant units. Those costs must be recovered through rent, not separate bills. Shared-meter utility bills can still be divided through a Ratio Utility Billing System using factors such as unit size, occupancy, or bedrooms, but the common-space and vacant-unit billing ban still applies.

Renters can challenge debts before collection

When a D.C. tenancy ends, the housing provider must request a forwarding address or email. Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the provider must give written notice of alleged unpaid lease amounts. These can include unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or removal costs for furnishings left behind. Notice must arrive by personal delivery, email, or certified mail to the forwarding address. It must include photos or other supporting records, dispute instructions, and the provider's contact information. Tenants have 30 calendar days after notice is served to dispute charges and submit evidence. The provider must respond in writing within 10 days after receiving the dispute or evidence. Before referring the debt to a collector, the provider must meet these requirements and keep proof of service for at least 60 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Charles Allen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 39 • No: 0

House vote • 6/2/2026

Other

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 6/2/2026

Final Reading

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

First Reading

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Law L26-0156, Effective from Aug 14, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 012052

    8/28/2026House

  2. Act A26-0342 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 009155

    7/3/2026House

  3. Transmitted to Congress

    7/2/2026House

  4. Enacted without Mayor's Signature with Act Number A26-0342

    7/2/2026House

  5. Returned from Mayor

    6/29/2026House

  6. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Jul 01, 2026

    6/16/2026House

  7. Legislative Meeting

    6/2/2026House

  8. Legislative Meeting

    5/5/2026House

  9. Committee Mark-up of B26-0126 by the Housing Committee

    3/30/2026House

  10. Public Hearing on B26-0126 View Public Hearing Record

    5/28/2025House

  11. Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register

    5/9/2025House

  12. Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Housing

    5/6/2025House

  13. Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0126 Published in the District of Columbia Register

    2/21/2025House

  14. Referred to Committee on Housing

    2/18/2025House

  15. B26-0126 Introduced by Councilmember Allen at Office of the Secretary

    2/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment

    6/2/2026

    PDF

  • Enrollment

    6/2/2026

    PDF

  • Engrossment

    5/5/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/13/2025

    PDF

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