Notice: The Civil Division is seeking feedback on its proposal to increase the number of in-person hearings in the Landlord and Tenant courtrooms. Under the proposal, all hearings except Initial Hearings, Hearings on Applications to Stay Writs, and Ex Parte Proof Hearings would change from remote hearings to be presumptively in-person hearings. Initial Hearings, Hearings on Applications to Stay Writs, and Ex Parte Proof Hearings would remain as remote hearings, with the option to appear in person at any time. Please send comments and feedback by February 10, 2026 to CivilTownHall [at] dcsc.gov
Landlord & Tenant Branch
The Landlord & Tenant Branch handles actions by property owners who have disputes with their tenants. Some examples of cases filed in the Landlord & Tenant Branch include: violations of lease agreements, keeping a pet in violation of a no-pets rule; bringing in an unauthorized roommate or subleasing without permission; or interfering with other tenants’ ability to peacefully enjoy their homes.
The Landlord and Tenant Branch handles all actions for the possession of real property, including evictions. The Housing Conditions Court handles requests from a tenant that the court enter an order requiring the landlord to repair the tenant’s rental unit.
Protective Order Payments
Tenants may make payment by credit card, debit card, or ACH electronic check by making the payment electronically through the court’s portal, provided that the total monthly payment does not exceed $1,000. For more information about making protective order payments online, please email landlordandtenantdocket [at] dcsc.gov or call the clerk’s office at 202-879-4879.
Landlord and Tenant Resource Center
The Landlord and Tenant Resource Center provides free legal information to both unrepresented landlords and unrepresented tenants who have residential housing disputes.
- Helps self-represented persons understand court proceedings
- Assists self-represented persons prepare pleadings
- Coaches self-represented persons on how best to present cases in court
- Provides information on how to obtain continuances and retain counsel
- Makes referrals to legal service providers in appropriate cases
- Informs low-income litigants of financial and other social service resources that might be available and refers them to the appropriate resources
Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network
The Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN) can be reached at 202-780-2575 and provides all tenants and small landlords a range of free legal information, advice, and/or representation.
Rising for Justice
Students from local law schools are available during the school year to provide advice to unrepresented tenants and assist them in filling out forms and pleadings. In some cases, a student supervised by a licensed attorney will represent a tenant throughout the case. Rising for Justice is in the Landlord and Tenant court from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Rising for Justice Program is located in Court Building B, Room 225.
Announcements
The Landlord and Tenant Branch of the Civil Division handles all actions for the possession of real property. Click to see more about landlord & tenant matters.
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| Notice of Case Dismissals and Jury Demand Scheduling Conference Dates in Landlord and Tenant Cases | Download |
Changes to Landlord & Tenant Default Process and Courtroom Location for Hearings:
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| Landlord and Tenant Notice of Changes to Default Process and Courtroom Location for Hearings | Download |
Small Claims and Landlord and Tenant Courtrooms Document Presentation Equipment:
Did you know that you can present your documents and pictures on the big monitor in the Small Claims and Landlord and Tenant Courtrooms using our NOMAD equipment? There is no reservation required; Just ask a Courtroom Clerk for assistance.
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| NOMAD Flyer | Download |
New Rental Housing Late Fee Fairness Act:
The Court will no longer accept Notice to Tenant of Payment to Avoid Eviction Forms (Form 6) that include late fees.
| Title | Download PDF |
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| Rental Housing Late Fee Fairness Amendment Act of 2016 | Download |