Landlord & Tenant Mediation

• The Landlord & Tenant Mediation Program helps people with Landlord & Tenant cases reach a settlement agreeable to all participants and avoid the need for a trial.
• Mediators do not take sides. Their job is to help the participants reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable.
• Three types of mediation are provided for Landlord & Tenant cases: Bench Trial mediation, Jury Trial mediation, and Early mediation.

How Do I Participate in A Landlord & Tenant Bench Trial Mediation?
Bench Trial mediation is offered to you if your case is heard by a judge, not a jury. The court will schedule your mediation at your initial hearing for a date prior to your trial date. All Bench Trial mediations are being held remotely unless an in-person mediation is requested and agreed to by the participants.

How Do I Participate in A Landlord & Tenant Jury Trial Mediation?
Jury Trial mediation is offered to you if you asked for a jury trial. Your mediation will be scheduled after a jury demand is filed. All jury trial mediations are being held remotely unless an in-person mediation is requested and agreed to by the participants.

How Do I Participate in An Early Landlord & Tenant Mediation?
Parties in qualifying cases may voluntarily participate in an early mediation as part of the Courts’ Eviction Diversion Program. Early mediation sessions take place after filing but before your initial hearing. To learn more about the Eviction Diversion Program, click here.

How Should I Prepare for Mediation?
For remote mediation, your case manager will send you an email 7 to 10 business days before your mediation date. The email will include information about the remote mediation process and instructions on how to participate. You will also get the link to join the virtual mediation and the contact information of your mediator and case manager.

For in-person mediation, plan to appear at the first floor check-in desk at the Multi-Door office (410 E Street, NW) about 15 minutes before your scheduled mediation.

If you do not have an attorney, you are encouraged to consult with legal counsel prior to your scheduled mediation. Click here for information about the Landlord and Tenant Resource Center.

Can I Request an In-Person Mediation?
You may ask for an in-person mediation at the time of scheduling. All participants must agree to an in-person mediation. There are limited number of in-person mediation slots available for Wednesday mornings.

To convert your already scheduled remote mediation to an in-person session, you must submit an Application to Appear In Person within 24 hours of receiving the mediation scheduling email sent by your case manager. The case manager will follow up with the requesting party(s) within 24 hours of the request.

Are Mediations Confidential?
Yes, mediation is confidential. However, credible threats of violence and reports of abuse to children or elders are an exception to this rule.

What Happens If an Agreement Is Reached In Mediation?
Agreements reached in mediation will be entered into the Court record. All participants will receive a copy of the agreement.

What Happens When an Agreement Is Not Reached In Mediation?
If no agreement is reached, you will go before the judge for the next step in your case.

What Happens if the Other Side Doesn’t Follow The Agreement Terms?
If one side does not follow the terms of the agreement, the court will enforce the written agreement when it is notified that a participant is not following the terms.