If an owner converts a housing accommodation into a condominium or cooperative pursuant to this chapter, the owner shall provide a relocation payment to each tenant who does not purchase a unit or share or enter into a lease or lease option of at least 5 years’ duration. An owner shall pay the tenant only if the tenant provides a relocation expense receipt or a written estimate from a moving company or other relocation service provider. Regardless of the amount on the receipt or written estimates, the owner shall pay no less than $125, but is not required to pay more than $1,000 to the tenant. An owner may pay by check or cash to the tenant or person designated by the tenant, and shall pay within 7 days of receipt of the written estimate or receipt, the amount indicated or an amount required by subsection (b) of this section. The tenant who bears the cost of relocation is entitled to the payment. If there is more than 1 tenant who bears the cost of relocation from a unit, the owner shall pay the tenants proportionally. The owner is not required to make a relocation payment to a tenant against whom the owner has obtained a judgment for possession of the unit. If an owner does not make a relocation payment as required, the tenant has a private right of action to collect the payment and is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney fees for bringing the action.
‹ Prev All District Of Columbia sections Next ›
Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.