Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Will update once the eviction is over, but not there yet.

I’d really love to know what the potential fines are for conducting self-evictions in DC. I’m not concerned about having to go that route here but I’ve not been able to find anything online. I plan to ask the attorney once my own case is resolved.

I will eventually move back in but I will only advertise in targeted areas going forward. Planning to do some short term rentals over summer.

They can assign treble damages. Here's a case where a law firm got $36,000 for someone wrongfully evicted in DC: https://buckleyfirm.com/pro-bono-victory-elderly-client-wrongful-eviction-matter. Not to mention legal fees, court costs, interest on judgment, and the time it takes to litigate. OP, do you have a clearance or a professional license? A job where your reputation matters? Because this would also show up on a background check.

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Will update once the eviction is over, but not there yet.

I’d really love to know what the potential fines are for conducting self-evictions in DC. I’m not concerned about having to go that route here but I’ve not been able to find anything online. I plan to ask the attorney once my own case is resolved.

I will eventually move back in but I will only advertise in targeted areas going forward. Planning to do some short term rentals over summer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did you do income, credit and background checks before you rented out to this person?
I am curious landlord.

This was the first and only tenant that I didn't choose myself and I believe this was the difference. A credit and background check was performed but there wasn't anything derogatory information listed. I think this guy could have easily been snuffed out with streets smarts/common sense, however. I relied on property management since I was living out of the area. In the past, I've met all of my tenants and didn't always choose those with the best credit ratings. I selected based on character and gut. I ultimately wanted a decent, responsible person who will pay and not cause a burden to other neighbors.

In his case, there were two red flags. He wanted to move in IMMEDIATELY and he paid with a credit card, which I wasn't aware of. I would have never consented to credit card payment for the first month's rent and security deposit. I believe he was moving from another property prior to eviction proceedings when he applied for mine. The credit card payment should have been a red flag to my property management and disallowed for a first payment.

Hopefully this helps other landlords and I'm happy to answer any additional questions.

I'm so sorry..it could be far worse. They could be insane and threatening (happened to us). NEVER be a landlord in DC. I have zero tears to shed for the so called housing crisis. This city is heartless to landlords.

Anonymous wrote:My parents just escaped the trap that renting is in DC

Anonymous wrote:My parents just escaped the trap that renting is in DC

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did you do income, credit and background checks before you rented out to this person?
I am curious landlord.

This was the first and only tenant that I didn't choose myself and I believe this was the difference. A credit and background check was performed but there wasn't anything derogatory information listed. I think this guy could have easily been snuffed out with streets smarts/common sense, however. I relied on property management since I was living out of the area. In the past, I've met all of my tenants and didn't always choose those with the best credit ratings. I selected based on character and gut. I ultimately wanted a decent, responsible person who will pay and not cause a burden to other neighbors.

In his case, there were two red flags. He wanted to move in IMMEDIATELY and he paid with a credit card, which I wasn't aware of. I would have never consented to credit card payment for the first month's rent and security deposit. I believe he was moving from another property prior to eviction proceedings when he applied for mine. The credit card payment should have been a red flag to my property management and disallowed for a first payment.

Hopefully this helps other landlords and I'm happy to answer any additional questions.

Anonymous wrote:Offer to pay them to leave. Then sell the place. Dc is horrible to landlords.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a lawyer ASAP.

OP here. I have an attorney. I would not advise anyone to bother going through litigation without one. I sat through at least a dozen cases during my hearing and it was heart wrenching to watch for any plaintiff who wasn't fully prepared. The cases were typically dismissed. Tenants, on the other hand, were largely able to say that they lacked representation and were granted a continuance for 12 weeks later. I was one of two landlords with favorable outcomes.

What is your "tenant" saying for not paying rent ?

Not OP, but guessing the tenant didn't show.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a lawyer ASAP.

OP here. I have an attorney. I would not advise anyone to bother going through litigation without one. I sat through at least a dozen cases during my hearing and it was heart wrenching to watch for any plaintiff who wasn't fully prepared. The cases were typically dismissed. Tenants, on the other hand, were largely able to say that they lacked representation and were granted a continuance for 12 weeks later. I was one of two landlords with favorable outcomes.

What is your "tenant" saying for not paying rent ?

Anonymous wrote:If you want to move back in, it’s 90 days notice, in English and Spanish. It’s much easier to evict for owner use than nonpayment.