Legislative Alert: Rentals, Vacant Properties and Condominiums

Three recently introduced bills could impose a number of new rules on residential leases, condominium associations and the exemption process for vacant/blighted properties. DCAR wants to ensure you are fully informed on their implications.

Please take a look at the bulleted outline below, as well as the more detailed ‘Policy Brief’ in PDF form. We also ask you to participate in a short survey to help us gauge your views on blighted or vacant properties. Your feedback is necessary, so we can best formulate our official position on the proposed legislation.

What’s Up With These Bills?

We are considering a course of action on the following bills that could affect the way you do business in DC.

Click here for more information.

• The Residential Lease Amendment Act of 2015
  
  • This Bill aims to clarify some elements relating to residential leases, both in the realm of rent controlled properties and non-rent controlled properties.

Our take: While many of the provisions are generally in line with standard practices, most concerning to DCAR is an expansion of TOPA. The Bill would require TOPA rights be afforded if the owner attempts to sell within one year of reoccupation. 

• The Condominium Owner Bill of Rights Amendment Act of 2015
  
  • Aims to clarify and set protocols for executive board powers and duties.
  • Establishes an advisory council to serve as advisors to the Mayor, Council and District agencies on matters relating to condominium ownership in the District.
  • Would impose mediation before foreclosure and require a Condo Owner Bill of Rights to be afforded to purchasers of condominiums.

Our take: DCAR has gone on the record for a previous iteration of this Bill. Now condo community stakeholders are actively working to improve upon the current Bill.

• Vacant and Blighted Building Enforcement Amendment Act of 2015
  
  • Currently, DCRA must reclassify a property that has been designated as vacant or blighted every six months. The Bill would now put the onus on the property owner to show in good faith the DCRA that the property has been misclassified.

Our take: While the introducers of this legislation believe it aims to eliminate inefficiencies in DCRA and incentivize the productive use of properties, DCAR has a number of concerns on the property rights front and have already begun expressing them to the Council.

What’s your take? Fill out our vacant and blighted properties survey. If you would like more in-depth information, you can read our policy brief on these issues.

If you have questions, please contact DCAR’s legislative counsel Katalin Peter, Esq.

Your expertise is greatly appreciated. Please click on the link below to complete a short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCBlightedProperties