Attorney-Led DC Lease Compliance for Multiunit Landlords

Washington, DC’s rental housing laws have undergone significant changes over the past 18months, creating new compliance obligations for housing providers across the District.

The RENTAL Act of 2025, evolving TOPA procedures, upcoming rent stabilization updates, Fair Housing developments, tenant screening proposals, and administrative rule changes continue to shape the regulatory landscape for DC landlords. Many lease forms drafted before these developments may no longer reflect current requirements or best practices.

This attorney-led session is designed to help housing providers better understand the evolving legal and compliance landscape and spot practical areas in their lease packages and operations that may benefit from closer review in 2026.

Attendees will gain practical insights into how recent and upcoming legal developments may influence lease language, rent increases, tenant screening, transfer notices, exemption claims, tenant communications, and other day-to-day operational considerations.

Why This Matters for 4–20 Unit Owners

As DC’s regulatory environment continues to evolve, housing providers must ensure that lease documents, screening practices, and operational procedures remain aligned with current and emerging requirements.

Outdated lease language or incomplete disclosures may contribute to:

• Challenges to rent increases
• Procedural delays in housing cases
• TOPA-related complications
• Disputes regarding the enforceability of lease provisions
• Rent Registry inconsistencies
• Fair Housing exposure
• Screening related compliance issues
• Increased risks during audits, transfers, refinancing, or litigation

Different compliance considerations apply to smaller properties and larger multifamily assets. A one-size-fits-all lease package may no longer adequately address the distinct requirements of 4-unit buildings versus 5–20-unit buildings.

What You Will Learn

1. RENTAL Act Lease and surrounding regulation Impacts (2025–2026)

A practical overview of how recent legislative changes may influence:

• Lease language
• Notice requirements
• Housing provider procedures
• Tenant communications
• Compliance obligations

2. Rent Stabilization & Fair Housing Developments (2025–2026)

A timely review of key proposals and emerging requirements, including:

• Rent stabilization updates
• Tenant screening reforms
• Fair Housing considerations affecting leasing and operations

3. Lease Disclosures & Compliance Requirements for 2026

Key disclosures and notices affecting DC housing providers, including:

• Rent stabilization status
• Claimed exemption status
• Ownership disclosures
• Building-specific compliance requirements

4. Rent Registry Alignment

Why lease language, property records, and Rent Registry filings should be reviewed together.

5. Lease Provisions and Common Drafting Issues to Watch.

A practical discussion of laws and regulations that impact important lease

provisions that may warrant closer review or those that can create unnecessary risk

under current law.

6. Building the Right Lease Package for 2026

How compliance considerations differ between:

• 4unit buildings
• 5–20 unit buildings

Who Should Attend

• Owners of 4unit multifamily properties
• Owners of 5–20 unit apartment buildings
• Small housing providers
• Midsize multifamily operators
• Family-held real estate portfolios
• Estate-owned properties
• Investors preparing for acquisition or disposition
• Owners planning to refinance or reposition multifamily assets

Your Keynote Speaker

Dayshon Wagner, Esq.

Offit Kurman | Landlord Tenant Practice Group

Attorney Wagner advises housing providers on DC landlord tenant compliance, eviction litigation, rent stabilization matters, TOPA related issues, and administrative housing proceedings. Her practice focuses on helping owners navigate the complex and evolving regulatory environment affecting rental housing in the District of Columbia.

Your Host & Facilitator

Abel Gebremichael

Founder, DC Small Multifamily™

One of DC’s leading advisors focused exclusively on 4–20 unit multifamily properties.

Experience includes:

• 133+ DC multifamily buildings sold
• 390+ TOPA notices navigated
• Extensive advisory experience across acquisitions, dispositions, compliance challenges, and investment decisions

Through DC Small Multifamily™, Abel provides education, market intelligence, and strategic guidance for owners operating within Washington, DC’s uniquely regulated multifamily market.

Important Notice

This program is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Attendees should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.