Section 10-A513. H-3.2 HOUSING ACCESS

 

513.1The District established its commitment to fair housing under the Human Rights Act of 1977 (DC Law 2-38, DC Code Sec 2-1401 (2001 ed). This commitment is bolstered by federal regulations, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Together, these laws effectively prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, sexual orientation, personal appearance, political affiliation, or family status. 513.1

 

513.2Despite discrimination laws, DC residents may still be unfairly denied housing on the basis of the factors listed above. Common forms of discrimination include refusal to rent, “steering” to particular neighborhoods by real estate agents, setting different terms for the sale or rental of housing (such as higher security deposits for certain groups), advertising to “preferred” groups, denial of loans or imposition of variable loan terms, and the use of threats and intimidation. The District will work to address these challenges in the future through full enforcement of its fair housing laws. 513.2

 

513.3Policy H-3.2.1: Fair Housing Enforcement

 

Strongly enforce fair housing laws to protect residents from housing discrimination. Provide education, outreach, and referral services for residents regarding their rights as tenants and buyers. Provide education and outreach to landlords, property managers, real estate agents, and others on their obligations when housing is made available. 513.3

 

513.4Policy H-3.2.2: Compliance by Recipients of District Funds

 

Ensure that non-discrimination and full compliance with the District’s fair housing laws is required for all housing developers and service providers receiving financial assistance from the District of Columbia. 513.4

 

513.5Policy H-3.2.3: Prohibition on Redlining

 

Ensure compliance with the federal Community Investment Act of 1977, which prohibits the practice of “redlining” local neighborhoods. 513.5

 

513.6Action H-3.2.A: Cultural Sensitivity

 

Require all District agencies that deal with housing and housing services to be culturally and linguistically competent. 513.6

 

513.7Action H-3.2.B: Employee Education

 

Undertake a Fair Housing Act education program for all relevant staff persons and public officials to ensure they are familiar with the Act and their responsibilities in its enforcement. 513.7

 

513.8  Action H-3.2.C:  Lending Practices

 

Review private sector lending practices for their impact on the stability of neighborhoods.

 

authority

Pursuant to the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1-306.01 et seq.), the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: District Elements of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (10 DCMR A300 through A2520) (“Comprehensive Plan”).

source

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300) published at 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361) published at 58 DCR 908, 915 (February 4, 2011).

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.