Landlord and Tenant Mediation Program
The Landlord and Tenant Mediation Program provides
trained neutrals to mediate landlord and tenant matters on
the day of their court hearing. You do not need to schedule
an appointment.
Participation in mediation is completely voluntary; both
the plaintiff and defendant must agree to mediation before
the mediator can accept the case. The mediation process is
confidential and encourages all parties to actively participate
in creative and positive negotiations.
Frequently asked questions about Landlord and Tenant Mediation:
How do I get my case into mediation?
During the morning roll call in the Landlord and
Tenant Court, the judge will introduce the mediator(s) and
inform all parties and attorneys that they may ask for the
help of a mediator in resolving their case. Cases that report
later in the day, and which are scheduled for trial, will
also be offered the opportunity to settle their case through
mediation before the trial begins.
You can request mediation by speaking with the mediator directly,
by adding your name to the mediation list kept on the podium
in the courtroom, or by requesting mediation when the judge
calls your case. Both parties in a case, and their attorneys,
must agree to mediation before the mediator can accept the
case.
How long does the mediation take?
It may take only one one-hour session to complete
mediation, but complex cases may require more time; much depends
on the specifics of each case.
What happens if we reach - or don't reach
- agreement in mediation?
If you reach an agreement, the mediator or attorney(s)
will write up the document and all parties and attorneys will
return to the courtroom. The judge will review the agreement
on the record, and confirm each party's consent, before
entering it as a settlement in the case. A trial is thus avoided.
If you don't reach agreement, you can return to the
courtroom for trial that day or on a future date.
Times and location of Landlord & Tenant mediations:
Monday through Friday, in the Landlord-Tenant Branch,
Court Building B, 510 4th Street N.W., Room 110.
Landlord & Tenant cases that have been certified to the
civil calendar for trial purposes may be scheduled to meet
at a specific date and time in the Mediation Center in Court
Building A, 515 5th St., Room 104.
How to reach us:
General information: (202) 879-1549
Claudette Taylor, Program Officer: (202) 879-0678
^ back to top
|
