In Washington, DC, a "Tenant Receivership" can be established when a landlord fails to maintain the building in good repair, potentially endangering tenants. This process involves the Attorney General (AG) requesting a judge to appoint a receiver, who acts as a temporary landlord to address the issues. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, as outlined in the District of Columbia's housing regulations, is also a key aspect of tenant’s rights and responsibilities. 

Tenant Receivership Process:

1. Chronic Neglect and Failure to Repair:

The Tenant Receivership Act (TRA) in the District of Columbia allows the Attorney General to ask a judge to appoint a receiver when a landlord's repeated failure to make necessary repairs endanger tenants' health and safety.

2. Attorney General's Request:

The Attorney General initiates the process by filing a petition with the court, requesting the appointment of a receiver.

3. Judicial Appointment:

A judge reviews the petition and, if the conditions are met, appoints a receiver to oversee the building's repairs and maintenance.

4. Receiver's Responsibilities:

The receiver acts as a temporary landlord, ensuring the building is brought up to code and maintaining it.

5. Tenant's Rights:

Tenants still have the right to live in the building and are protected from eviction during the receivership. 

Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:

District of Columbia Housing Regulations: (Opens in new tab)

The District's housing regulations, outlined in Title 14 of the DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR), address the rights of tenants, including those with disabilities. 

Accommodation Requests: (Opens in new tab)

Tenants with disabilities can request reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access and enjoyment of their housing. 

Examples of Accommodations: (Opens in new tab)

These can include modifications to the dwelling, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, or adjustments to policies that might be discriminatory, according to the District of Columbia Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA). 

Landlord's Responsibilities: (Opens in new tab)

Landlords are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations, provided they are not unduly burdensome and do not create a fundamental change to the nature of the service, according to the District of Columbia Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA). 

ADA Compliance: (Opens in new tab)

Many of these requirements are also aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).