Seals of the Court of Appeals and Superior Court
District of Columbia Courts

Court begins at 9:00 a.m., when the judge makes important announcements about what will happen in court and the parties' rights. After these announcements, the courtroom clerk calls roll and parties must answer that they are "present" and state their names. Failure of a tenant to appear may result in a default. Failure of landlord to appear may result in a dismissal. When both parties appear, they may attempt to resolve their differences by entering into a written agreement. These agreements may include payment schedules for past due rent, a schedule for the landlord to make repairs, or other terms that the parties believe are in their best interest. If parties are not able to resolve their differences, the case will be called before the judge.

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lease