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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS EVICTION DIVERSION PROGRAM

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    General Information

    The DC Courts’ Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) helps landlords and tenants who have a case filed in Landlord and Tenant Court. The EDP provides access to services that can help landlords and tenants resolve their cases as quickly and fairly as possible.

    The Eviction Diversion Program

    • Connects landlords and tenants to legal, financial, and housing resources.

    • Offers early mediation as an option to resolve a case before the initial hearing.

    • Informs court users about the eviction process.

    • Provides services like interpreters for limited English speakers and accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Who is this program for?

    Landlords and tenants who have a residential case filed in Landlord and Tenant Court. 

    A residential case includes:

    • Non-payment of rent 

    • Lease violation*

    • Non-payment of rent and lease violation

    *Does not include public safety cases

    The EDP is designed to help landlords and tenants before their initial hearing is held.

    Help is here

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    How does this program help landlords and tenants work out their disputes?

    Landlords and tenants may be referred to legal, financial, housing, and other resources that can help both parties address the underlying issues of their dispute. 

    Additionally, landlords and tenants may be referred to assistance which can help both sides:

    • Figure out the important issues

    • Explain and understand each other’s proposals

    • Clear up misunderstandings

    • Explore creative solutions

    • Reach acceptable agreements

    ​Early mediation might be a good option when:

    • Amount owed is less than $5,000 at time of filing

    • Tenant has the ability to pay rent going forward 

    • Tenant has the ability to pay or come up with a plan to pay back rent 

    • Parties are willing to resolve lease violations

    • Both parties agree to a confidential discussion with a trained mediator

    Why should I sign up for the program?

    Benefits of participation in the EDP include:

    • Access to community resources. The EDP can help landlords and tenants connect with legal, financial, and housing resources that may address the underlying issues of the case.

    • Access to information. The EDP can provide landlords and tenants with information about the eviction process, including options for mediation.

    • Resolve cases early. Access to community resources and mediation may help landlords and tenants resolve their cases much faster than the traditional court process. Landlords and tenants may even be able to resolve their case without appearing in front of a judge.

    • Help landlords and tenants find creative solutions. Every dispute between a landlord and a tenant is different. Mediation can help a landlord and tenant work out an agreement that works for everyone. It takes each persons situation into account. An agreement may include a way for the tenant to stay, a payment plan, or a timeline for a tenant to move out.  

    • Prevent the harmful effects of an eviction. Resolving the case early may prevent a tenant from getting an eviction on their court record or credit report. An eviction may make it more difficult for the tenant to rent in the future. 

    How do I sign up?

    To sign up, use the Tenant Sign-Up or the Landlord Sign-Up links below. For additional assistance or help you can also email us at DCCourtEvictionHelp@DCSC.gov or call 202-879-2073.

    Help is here

    Tenant sign up
    Landlord sign up

    What happens after I sign up for this program?

    A staff member from the DC Courts will reach out to you to talk about how the EDP may be able to help. 

    When early mediation is a good option, the Court will ask both sides if they want to participate. If everyone agrees, the court will schedule a mediation and will connect you with resources before the mediation. If the other side does not agree to mediate, court staff will let you know.

    What happens if we come to an agreement?

    A  written agreement can be drafted that both sides sign. If you both want, the agreement can be filed in court, or you can file a dismissal of the case. 

    What happens if we don't come to an agreement?

    If you do not agree on what should happen, the landlord may choose to follow the regular court process.  Both the landlord and tenant will appear before the judge at the scheduled initial hearing.

    Where can I learn more about the eviction process?

    Email dccourtevictionhelp@dcsc.gov          |          District of Columbia Courts Landlord & Tenant Branch

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