Wednesday, December 21, 2016

DC landlords who owner-occupy their homes and rent out their basements are not subject to the new "Ban the box on housing" bill

Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie produced a nice "Ward 5 Report: Council Period 21 Comes to a Close" E-newsletter today.

Here is a section of his E-newsletter of potential to Bloomingdale residents who rent out their basements as rental units:

  • 'Ban the Box' on Housing - This bill limits what aspects of a person’s criminal record housing providers can consider when evaluating an applicant for tenancy. Crimes committed more than seven years ago may not be considered and neither can arrests that did not result in a conviction. This legislation also prohibits housing providers from asking about any criminal history until after a conditional offer is made. There are 45 crimes listed in the bill that are allowed to be considered; these crimes include murder in the first degree, arson, burglary, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. This legislation does not apply to rental buildings with four units or fewer, one of which is owner-occupied.This bill passed a second vote at the Council and now goes to the Mayor.


So Bloomingdale landlords who owner-occupy their homes and rent out their basements in legal rental units are not subject to this "Ban the box on housing" bill.

FYI.


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