14 DCMR § 14-3914

3914.1 By mutual agreement, both the housing provider and the tenant(s) who are parties to a dispute under this Act, may file with the Rent Administrator, on a form published by the Rent Administrator, a request for arbitration of any dispute not satisfactorily conciliated under § 503 of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 42-3505.03) and § 3913 of this chapter.

3914.2 Parties may waive the conciliation process and mutually agree to have the dispute arbitrated pursuant to this section and § 504 of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 42-3505.04).

3914.3 An arbitration recommendation, issued pursuant to the Arbitration Panel’s recommendation, shall not be binding on the parties unless both parties demonstrate their acceptance by signing it. The Rent Administrator shall approve agreements entered into by the parties under the panel's recommendation.

3914.4 The Rent Administrator shall designate three (3) members of the Rental Accommodations Division staff, other than those who heard the dispute under § 503 of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 42-3505.03) to serve as members of the Arbitration Panel.

3914.5 The Arbitration Panel shall schedule and conduct an arbitration hearing at a time convenient for the parties.

3914.6 The Arbitration Panel shall issue a written recommendation to resolve the dispute within ten (10) days of the arbitration request, which shall be served on all parties to the arbitration.

3914.7 Any agreement accepted and entered into by the parties, pursuant to the Arbitration Panel’s recommendation, shall be approved by the Rent Administrator and shall be binding on the parties. The agreement shall not be appealable to the Commission.

3914.8 Any arbitration agreement accepted and entered into by the parties, pursuant to the Arbitration Panel’s recommendation, shall be enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, upon application by the Rent Administrator or the parties.