What Are Some Recent Updates To DC’s TOPA Requirements?

The District of Columbia recently updated the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (“TOPA”), with the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords Act (“RENTAL Act”.) Under the RENTAL Act, certain buildings are now exempt from the TOPA requirements. Those exceptions are:

·         New Construction (built in the last 15 years);

·         DC Housing Authority (DCHA) Properties;

·         Congregate Housing/Dorms, Assisted Living;

·         Change of Ownership Interest with Partnership; and

·         Two-family flats that are not owned by a business or corporation.

Owners of certain properties, such as two-family flats, and single family homes, are still required to send Tenants written notice of the Landlord’s intent to sell.

An additional statutory requirement is that all Landlords must also notify their existing Tenants in writing if their building is now exempt from TOPA prior to entering into a lease.

Notwithstanding that notice requirement, Landlord’s failure to make such notification shall not invalidate the exemption.

The material on this website is not offered as legal advice on any matter and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.