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B 26-0196

Tenant Payment Plan Phasing Emergency Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Robert White

DC enacted emergency legislation allowing phased rent payment plans for tenants with arrears to prevent evictions, expiring July 22, 2025.

Act A26-0054 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 004912, Expires on Jul 22, 2025
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Bill Summary · B 26-0196

Legislative bill overview

Bill B 26-0196 establishes a temporary payment plan framework for tenants facing rent arrears, allowing phased repayment arrangements instead of immediate full payment. The measure was enacted as emergency legislation (Act A26-0054) without the Mayor's signature and expires July 22, 2025, indicating it addresses an urgent housing affordability crisis with sunset provisions.

Why is this important

Tenant payment plans can prevent evictions and homelessness during economic hardship while providing landlords with a structured repayment mechanism rather than vacancy losses. The emergency designation and short expiration date suggest this responds to acute rental debt accumulation in DC, likely stemming from inflation or employment disruption affecting the rental market.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord burden: Payment plans may impose administrative costs on property owners and delay revenue recovery, potentially affecting smaller landlords differently than large portfolio holders
  • Plan enforceability: The bill's effectiveness depends on tenant compliance and enforcement mechanisms—unclear consequences for default could undermine the arrangement's stability
  • Scope and eligibility: Potential disputes over which tenants qualify, what arrears are covered, and whether the program applies retroactively to existing debt versus prospective obligations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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