What are the penalties under DC code 42-3509?

Full question:

What is DC code 42-3509?

  • Category: Courts
  • Date:
  • State: District of Columbia

Answer:

DC Code § 42-3509 outlines penalties for violations related to rental units. Here are the key points:

(a) A person who knowingly demands or receives rent above the maximum allowable amount, or significantly reduces services for a rental unit, may be liable for the excess rent or triple that amount if done in bad faith. They may also face a rollback of the rent to the appropriate amount as determined by the Rent Administrator or Rental Housing Commission.

(b) A person who willfully collects a disapproved rent increase, makes false statements in documents, or violates any provisions of this chapter may incur civil fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.

(c) Housing providers who give relocation assistance can sue to recover amounts paid to ineligible persons.

(d) Individuals who make false applications or reports to obtain assistance under the Tenant Assistance Program may be fined between $50 and $5,000 for each offense and must repay amounts received based on false information, plus interest.

(e) Housing providers who discriminate against families receiving Tenant Assistance Program assistance, elderly tenants, or families with children may face fines of up to $5,000 per violation, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to $15,000.

(f) Civil fines and penalties may be imposed as alternative sanctions for infractions of specific subsections, with adjudication according to Chapter 18 of Title 2.

(g) A person who knowingly makes false statements to receive tax credits related to capital improvement increases for elderly tenants or tenants with disabilities may face fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Washington, D.C., a landlord must provide a tenant with at least 30 days' written notice to vacate for most lease terminations. However, if the tenant has violated the lease or engaged in illegal activity, the notice period may be shorter, typically 7 days. Always check the specific lease agreement and local regulations for any variations. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*