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Over the last 18 months, I’ve tried to make reforming DC’s eviction process a higher priority with new resources to give tenants legal representation & ending the practice of putting people’s belongings on the sidewalk. This morning, I spent time observing Lanlord-Tenant Court.pic.twitter.com/buAOmNVLCq
It began with a roll call of 200 cases shortly after 9am. With lightning speed, the majority of cases resulted in a default for the tenant because they weren’t present at the moment their name was called. That default likely moves their case to eviction.
The tenant is only required to have 7 days notice of the court date. Now imagine you have no attorney & you’re a working parent. You’ve got to change shifts & work; arrange childcare; manage school drop off - or all 3 - and likely in one of the most chaotic times of your life.
We can do better. 90% of landlords have an attorney; 90% of tenants do not. Improving a right to counsel is a big step to better outcomes & more stable housing - for both tenants & landlords. There’s more to do & we’ll keep working on it. Grateful so many housing advocates agree.
What protections for landlords are you proposing to rebalance? How can they recoup their losses for missed rent and damage to their property? As a former landlord I can tell you I wanted nothing more than to leave tenants alone but if they aren’t paying what recourse do I have?
Council has certainly taken action for landlords recently. But related to this thread, when both sides have legal representation, we find that they both get to resolution faster - either through settlements, payment plans, or a structured move. (1/2)
Is making things harder/expensive for property owners really the only answer? Wouldn’t better wages + better schools do more to help those struggling with housing?
Thx. As I mentioned in the thread, eviction reforms are *one* of the ways needed to make improvements. But helping tenants have legal representation doesn't take anything away from landlords - it's just leveling the playing field. But what we see is that with legal counsel (1/2)
One of the things I really respect about @charlesallen is that he tries to witness / experience things first hand. This is one example. Another is when he went to schools to eat the food when considering healthy school food.
@dianeyentel this right here
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