Conciliation can help landlords and tenants settle their claims without going to a hearing. Both sides have an opportunity to talk things out and clear up misunderstandings with the help of a Conciliator in the Rental Accommodations and Conversions Division (RACD). Conciliation does not require witnesses or lawyers. Even after you file a tenant petition, you may still ask for conciliation before your hearing.

Advantages of Conciliation

• Your problems are settled faster.
• You do not have to pay for it.
• You do not have to have a lawyer or a hearing expert.
• You may make an appointment that fits your needs, during normal RACD business hours.
• Conciliation helps both people work out a mutually agreeable settlement—unlike a hearing, where the Hearing Examiner makes the decision.

What Does the Conciliator Do?

The Conciliator:

• Listens to each person without taking sides
• Helps the landlord and tenant find areas that they can agree on
• Explains landlord and tenant rights and duties under the Rental Housing Act of 1985 (rent control law)
• Explains what may be violations of the law and how they may affect any case

Problems You Can Conciliate

• Decreases or changes in services and facilities
• Development or modification of 70 percent voluntary agreements
• Illegal rent increases
• Improper eviction notices
• Improper registration
• Rent refunds
• Retaliation
• Substantial housing code violations/ need for repairs

How to Ask for Conciliation or More Information

Visit the Rental Accommodations and Conversions Division, 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, or call (202) 442-7200.