Motion-Pro Se – for Landlord and Tenant

The Motion-Pro Se form is used in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division, Landlord and Tenant Branch. Motion-Pro Se allows a plaintiff or defendant to file a motion, which is a formal request for the court to take a specific action. This form ensures all necessary details are provided to the court and opposing parties for the proper consideration of the motion.

This guide will help you complete the Motion (Pro Se) form for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division, Landlord and Tenant Branch. Follow the steps below carefully to ensure your motion is properly filed.

Steps to Complete the Form

• Court Information
  • This section is pre-filled with the court’s address and contact information. Verify that it matches your case details.
• Parties Involved
• • Plaintiff: Write the full name of the plaintiff (the person or party initiating the motion).
  • Defendant: Write the full name of the defendant (the person or party responding to the motion).
• Motion Details
• • Motion of (Name): Enter your full name as the person filing the motion.
  • Request: Clearly explain what action you want the court to take. Be specific about your request. If you need more space, you may attach additional pages. Start with “Motion of [Your Name] to [Describe the Action]” and provide details.
• Points and Authorities
  • In this section, explain why the court should grant your motion. Include facts, references to the law, and any relevant details that support your request. If you need more space, you may attach additional pages. Make sure to title each page and reference them correctly.
• Notice of Hearing/Hearing Request
  • Scheduled Hearing: If the Clerk of the Court has scheduled a hearing, enter the date and time, and confirm it with the Clerk of the Court.
  • Jury Trial Motion: If a jury trial has been requested, check whether you are requesting an oral hearing or not.
  • Relief from Ruling or Sanction: For motions to alter, amend, or seek relief from a ruling or sanction, indicate whether you are requesting an oral hearing.
• Certificate of Service
  • Service Method: Select the appropriate method of delivering the motion to other parties:
    • If you hand-delivered the motion, check the corresponding box and enter the date of delivery.
    • If you want the Clerk of the Court to mail the motion, check the corresponding box.
    • If you mailed the motion yourself, check the corresponding box and enter the date of mailing.
  • Addresses of Opposing Parties: List the names and addresses of all other parties or their attorneys involved in the case. Attach additional pages if necessary.
• Signature and Address of Moving Party/Attorney
  • Signature: Sign your name.
  • Printed Name and Bar Number: Print your name clearly. If you are an attorney, include your bar number.
  • Address: Provide your complete street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
  • Phone Number and Email Address: Enter your contact phone number and email address.
• Attachments
  • Additional Pages/Exhibits: Indicate if you are attaching additional pages or exhibits by checking the appropriate box and specifying the number of pages attached.

Example of Completed Sections

1. Court Information:
   • No action required.
2. Parties Involved:
   • Plaintiff: Jane Doe
   • Defendant: John Smith
3. Motion Details:
   • Motion of Jane Doe for Rent Adjustment
4. Points and Authorities:
   • Include detailed reasons, such as “The rent increase violates the terms of the lease agreement. According to D.C. Code § 42-3505.01, the increase is unlawful.”
5. Notice of Hearing/Hearing Request:
   • Scheduled Hearing: “June 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom B-53.”
6. Certificate of Service:
   • Method: “On June 15, 2024, I hand-delivered a copy of this motion to John Smith’s attorney, Mary Johnson.”
   • Opposing Parties: “Mary Johnson, 123 Legal St., Washington, DC 20001.”
7. Signature and Address of Moving Party/Attorney:
   • Signature: Jane Doe
   • Printed Name and Bar Number: Jane Doe
   • Address: 456 Residential Ave., Washington, DC 20002
   • Phone Number: (202) 555-1234
   • Email Address: janedoe@example.com
8. Attachments:
   • Yes, 2 pages are attached.

By following these steps and examples, you can correctly complete the Motion (Pro Se) form and submit it to the court. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before filing.