Councilmember Jim Graham

Councilmember Jim GrahamCouncilmember Jim Graham has been serving Ward One for the DC Council since 1999.  Ward One is the most diverse wards in the District of Columbia and it faces unique issues.  Councilmember Graham has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the diverse interests of all the residents of Ward One.

In this section we will be posting announcements made directly by Councilmember Graham.  Learn how to contact Councilmember Graham or his staff here.

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Home arrow News arrow Our Councilmember arrow Final Approval For Illegal Evictions Bill
Final Approval For Illegal Evictions Bill PDF Print E-mail
Written by Columbia Heights News   
Tuesday, 04 April 2006

Washington, DC - The DC Council voted unanimously today to permanently stop the unlawful eviction of unsuspecting tenants - whose apartments would then become luxury condominiums.

The bill, authored by Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One), is similar to emergency legislation the Council passed in December.

"We had an investigation. Subpoenas. Hours of hearings," said Councilmember Graham. "Now we've passed a permanent bill to make sure these evictions never happen again."

District housing law allows landlords to repair violations of the housing code and to fix serious health hazards such as mold and asbestos - and to receive permission from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to vacate a building if the tenants would not be safe during the repair. In these scenarios, the tenants have an absolute right to return to their apartments at the same rent as before, as well as the right to moving expenses paid by the landlord. 

During several roundtables chaired by Councilmember Graham, the Committee on Consumer and Regulatory Affairs heard testimony from tenants who were asked to sign these rights away for a pittance, while the Rent Administrator at DCRA approved the proposals to vacate several DC buildings based on asbestos remediation plans for a building in Leesburg, Va.

Bill Proposed Resolution 16-556 is available for viewing online.

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 March 2007 )
 
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