D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3212
Consolidation of actions for arrears of rent and possession.
Operative Text
If actions be brought separately for arrears of rent and for the possession, they may be afterwards consolidated and 1 judgment rendered in them for the possession and also for the rent.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3212, when a landlord files two separate court actions—one seeking unpaid rent and another seeking possession of the rental unit—those cases may be merged into a single proceeding. A court can then issue one unified judgment that addresses both the right to possession and the amount of rent owed. This procedural rule is designed to promote efficiency by avoiding duplicative litigation over the same tenancy dispute.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3212 permits separately filed rent-arrears and possession cases to be combined into one action. Operators who have filed both types of claims in different proceedings may request consolidation so that a single judgment resolves both matters at once. Keeping thorough records of rent payments and lease terms supports a clear presentation of both claims if cases are merged.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3212 means that a tenant facing two separate court cases—one for back rent and one for eviction—may find those cases joined into a single proceeding with one combined judgment. Tenants in this situation have the opportunity to raise any defenses or counterclaims related to both rent and possession in that consolidated action. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with D.C. housing court procedures can help tenants understand how consolidation may affect their case.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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