D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3507.05
Tenant hot line.
Operative Text
The Department of Buildings shall provide for the continuation of a tenant hot line. The primary purpose of the tenant hot line is to provide assistance to low- and moderate-income tenants. To carry out this purpose, the functions and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Answering rent control procedural questions, and directing tenants toward possible courses of action in resolving problems; (2) Providing advice on housing regulation violations; (3) Explaining rent increases; (4) Providing guidance on emergency shelter; (5) Providing guidance on the Tenant Assistance Program; (6) Providing guidance in resolving problems involving water, heating, repairs, and other matters; (7) Providing advice on possible action in response to allegations of discrimination, harassment, or neglect by housing providers; (8) Answering preliminary questions about remedies through the courts; (9) Providing guidance when tenants are faced with eviction; and (10) Providing guidance on other tenant problems.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3507.05 (part of the broader D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. framework), the District of Columbia's Department of Buildings is required to maintain a tenant hot line aimed primarily at helping low- and moderate-income renters. The hot line covers a wide range of topics, including rent control procedures, housing code violations, rent increases, emergency shelter, eviction guidance, and responses to discrimination or harassment. It also fields preliminary questions about court remedies and connects callers to relevant programs like the Tenant Assistance Program.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Code § 42-3507.05 establishes a publicly funded resource that tenants may use to learn about their rights and potential courses of action under D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. Property owners and managers operating in the District should be aware that tenants have ready access to guidance on rent control procedures, housing regulation violations, and responses to alleged discrimination or neglect. Compliant operators generally maintain properties and practices that can withstand scrutiny from informed tenants who have used this resource.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3507.05, part of the rent stabilization law at D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq., requires the Department of Buildings to operate a tenant hot line specifically designed to assist low- and moderate-income renters in the District. The hot line can help callers understand rent control rules, housing code violations, eviction processes, emergency shelter options, and potential responses to discrimination or harassment by a housing provider. Tenants facing any of these issues may contact the hot line as a starting point for understanding available options, and may also consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for further support.
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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