D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-2851.05
Relocation services by Mayor.
Operative Text
(a) If the owner of a federally-assisted housing accommodation discontinues participation in the federal assistance program, the Mayor shall provide relocation services to the tenants of the housing accommodation. The relocation services shall include ascertaining the relocation needs of each household, providing current information on the availability of comparable housing of suitable size, and supplying information concerning federal and District housing programs. (b) The Mayor may provide relocation assistance payments of up to $500 per tenant, based on need and pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Mayor. (c) A relocation assistance payment provided under this section shall not be considered income of the recipient under § 47-1803.02(a)(2) .
Under D.C. Code § 42-2851.05, when the owner of a federally-assisted housing accommodation exits the federal assistance program, the District government is required to step in and provide relocation services to affected tenants. These services must include assessing each household's relocation needs, sharing current information about comparable available housing, and informing tenants about relevant federal and District housing programs. Additionally, the Mayor is authorized to offer relocation assistance payments of up to $500 per tenant based on financial need, and those payments are explicitly excluded from the recipient's taxable income under District law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners who are considering or executing a withdrawal from a federal assistance program should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-2851.05 triggers a formal government-administered relocation process for tenants. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of tenant occupancy and communicate transparently with the Mayor's office to facilitate the required needs assessments and information-sharing. Understanding this provision helps owners anticipate the administrative steps that accompany a program exit and coordinate accordingly with District agencies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-2851.05 establishes that tenants living in a federally-assisted housing accommodation have a right to government-provided relocation services if their building's owner withdraws from the federal assistance program. These services include a personalized assessment of your household's relocation needs, information about comparable available housing, and guidance on federal and District housing programs. Tenants may also be eligible for a relocation assistance payment of up to $500 based on need — and that payment does not count as taxable income — so reaching out to the Mayor's office or a local tenant-rights organization can help clarify what support may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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