Tenant Buyout Agreement Transparency Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Brianne Nadeau

The Tenant Buyout Agreement Transparency Amendment Act of 2025 ensures fair negotiations by mandating clear disclosures and protections for tenants during buyout agreements.

Public Hearing on B26-0359

Purpose and Intent

The Tenant Buyout Agreement Transparency Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance transparency and fairness in tenant buyout agreements. Introduced by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau on September 17, 2025, the bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework that protects tenants and property owners during buyout negotiations, ensuring that all parties are informed of their rights and obligations.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant provisions:

Tenant Buyout Notification Program:

Establishes a program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to monitor and enforce buyout offers and agreements.

Disclosure Requirements:

Before making a buyout offer, housing providers (offerors) must provide tenants with a notice of their rights, including the specifics of the buyout agreement.

Buyout Offer Standards:

Offers must be at least equal to the relocation assistance payments tenants are entitled to under existing laws.
Comparable tenants must receive the same offer, considering household and unit size.

Buyout Agreement Specifications:

Agreements must be written in the tenant's primary language and include a clear statement of the tenant's right not to enter into the agreement.
The monetary payment must be no less than the initial offer and no greater than the maximum amount set by the Rental Housing Commission.

Enforcement Mechanisms:

Agreements that do not meet the specified requirements will be void and unenforceable.
Tenants have the right to cancel agreements that do not conform to the law.

Maximum Payment Determination:

The Rental Housing Commission will determine maximum payment amounts for buyout agreements based on various factors, including household size, length of tenancy, and fair market rent.

Affected Parties

Tenants: The bill aims to protect tenants from potential exploitation during buyout negotiations, ensuring they are informed and treated fairly.

Property Owners: The legislation provides a structured process for buyout agreements, which may help property owners navigate negotiations more predictably.

Procedural Aspects

Public Hearing: A public hearing on B26-0359 is scheduled for November 20, 2025, at 10 AM in the John A. Wilson Building and via Zoom. Members of the public are invited to testify or submit written testimony.

Timeline: The record for the public hearing will close on December 4, 2025. The bill will take effect after approval by the Mayor and a 30-day congressional review period.

Conclusion

The Tenant Buyout Agreement Transparency Amendment Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards ensuring fair and transparent negotiations in tenant buyout agreements. By establishing clear guidelines and protections, the bill aims to foster a more equitable housing environment in the District of Columbia.

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