Testimony of Charisse Lue, Attorney and Brittany K. Ruffin, Legal Director, Systemic Advocacy,
The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
October 28, 2025
Since 1987 the Legal Clinic has worked towards a just and inclusive community for all
residents of the District of Columbia– where housing is human rights and where every individual
and family have equal access to the resources that they need to thrive.
The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless is pleased to see the introduction of the
Rent Stabilization Protection Amendment Act of 2025. This legislation moves D.C. a step
forward in addressing its affordability crisis and increasing access to safe and affordable housing
by closing a harmful loophole that exempts units subsidized by the government from rent
stabilization laws. This is a necessary step to fulfilling D.C.’s goal of increasing housing choices,
opportunities, and affordability for D.C. residents.
In general, we support the removal of the rent stabilization exemption for any residential
property that is federally, and D.C. government assisted. Current law frustrates D.C. affordability
efforts and incentivizes income discrimination, in violation of both D.C. Human Rights Act and
the Eviction Record Sealing and Fairness in Renting Amendment Act. Source of income
discrimination is unlawful; landlords must accept applicants in a way that complies with law.
The current exemption perpetuates the perception that renting to government subsidy recipients
is an option instead of a legal obligation. Landlords should not need an incentive to follow the
law. Additionally, the Council should not delay ending this exemption for month-to-month leases
to October 2027 as many voucher-holders and government subsidized units hold month-to-
month leases. It is unclear the reason behind the delay to remove the exemption for month-tomonth leases instead of applying the law equally and universally to all rental properties and units
that qualify at once. As stated, the rent stabilization exemption for subsidized units frustrates
affordability for low-income D.C. residents and that includes those under a month-to-month
lease. To avoid confusion and provide better access to affordable housing for D.C. residents the
council should not delay removing the exemption.
D.C. was recently cited as having the most dramatic wealth gap in the nation which is
compounded with racial disparities that are similarly grim. Closing loopholes in our consumer
protection laws and housing policies that incentivize predatory and discriminatory practices by
landlords is crucial to eliminate these shameful and preventable disparities. The Washington
Legal Clinic for the Homeless appreciates that, through this legislation, D.C. Council is listening
to the concerns of DCHA residents, community members, advocates, and HUD. We look
forward to collaborating with the Council to further expand access to affordable housing while
increasing and safeguarding precious housing resources