Form 1S – Summons to Appear in Court and Notice of Hearing

This document, titled Form 1S, is a legal summons issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division – Landlord and Tenant Branch, located at 510 4th St NW, Building B, Room 110, Washington DC 20001. The purpose of this form is to notify defendants (tenants) that their landlord has initiated a lawsuit to evict them. This document serves as both a legal notice and a guide for tenants to navigate the eviction process, ensuring they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

To fill out this form accurately, follow the step-by-step guide:

Header Information

• Court Information: This section is pre-filled with the details of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division – Landlord and Tenant Branch.
• Case Number: Write the case number provided in the complaint or initial hearing notice.

Parties Involved

• Plaintiff(s): Fill in the name(s) of the landlord or property owner filing the eviction lawsuit.
• Defendant(s): Fill in the name(s) of the tenant(s) being sued. Ensure that the names are accurate as they appear on the lease agreement or rental contract.

Addresses

• Plaintiff’s Address: Enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the plaintiff. Note that PO boxes are not acceptable.
• Defendant’s Address: Enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the defendant. PO boxes are not acceptable.

Contact Information

• Plaintiff’s Phone Number and Email: Provide the plaintiff’s phone number and email address.
• Defendant’s Phone Number and Email: Provide the defendant’s phone number and email address.

Summons Information

1. • This section is generally pre-filled and informs the defendant of the lawsuit and the requirement to appear in court. Ensure you read this section carefully.

Legal Assistance Information

1. • This section provides contact details for the Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN). No input is needed here, but it is crucial to note the information for potential legal support.

Notice to Occupants

1. • If there are other occupants not named in the summons but living in the rental unit, they must also participate in the hearing. No input is needed here.

Plaintiff or Attorney Information

• Name: Print the full name of the plaintiff or the attorney representing the plaintiff.
• Address: Provide the complete address of the plaintiff or attorney.
• Signature: The plaintiff or attorney must sign this section.
• Email Address: Enter the email address of the plaintiff or attorney.
• Telephone Number: Provide the phone number of the plaintiff or attorney.
• Attorney Bar Number: If an attorney is representing the plaintiff, include the attorney’s bar number.
• Costs of Suit: Indicate any costs incurred up to the date of filling out the form.

Important Information

1. • This section contains critical information about the hearing process, remote participation instructions, and what to do if an emergency prevents attendance. Make sure to read and understand this information.

Additional Services

• Persons with Disabilities: Contact information is provided for those requiring accommodations.
• Child Care: Details about available childcare services at the courthouse are listed.
• Filing with the Court: Instructions for filing documents electronically or physically are provided. Follow these instructions if you need to submit any documents to the court.

Final Steps

• Review the entire form for accuracy.
• Ensure all required fields are filled out completely.
• Attach any necessary documents, such as the complaint, to the form.
• Submit the form according to the court’s instructions, either electronically or by delivering it to the Clerk’s Office.

By following these steps, you will ensure that Form 1S is accurately completed and properly submitted, aiding in the effective processing of your case.