Verified Complaint for Possession of Real Property – Form 1A (Nonpayment of Rent – Residential Property)

This document (Form 1A) is a legal form used by landlords or property owners in the District of Columbia to file a complaint for the possession of residential property due to nonpayment of rent. It ensures that all necessary information is provided to the court to process the complaint and request for possession of the property due to nonpayment of rent.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to fill out Form 1A for filing a complaint for possession of residential property due to nonpayment of rent in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

• Court Information
• • Ensure you have the correct court details: Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division – Landlord and Tenant Branch, 510 4th St NW, Building B, Room 110, Washington DC 20001.
  • Use the contact number 202-879-4879 and the website dccourts.gov for any queries.
• Case Details
  • Case Number: Leave this blank; the court will assign a case number.
  • Plaintiff(s): Enter your name, address (no P.O. boxes), phone number, and email address.
  • Defendant(s): Enter the tenant’s name, address, phone number, and email address.

• Verification Section
  • Complete the statement under penalty of perjury. Check the appropriate box to indicate if you are the plaintiff, plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff’s agent. If you are an agent, describe your relationship to the plaintiff (e.g., property manager, power of attorney).

• Plaintiff’s Details
  • Check the appropriate box to indicate if the plaintiff is the landlord or owner, has been appointed as the Personal Representative of the Estate, or has another right to possession. Provide case numbers and explanations as needed.
  • Confirm whether the property is registered with the Rental Accommodations Division. Provide the registration or exemption number.
  • Indicate if the plaintiff has a current Basic Business License for the property. Provide the license number, active date, and expiration date. If there is no license, explain why.
• Pending Cases
  • Indicate if there are other pending landlord and tenant cases against the defendant. If yes, provide the names and case numbers.

• Property and Rent Details
  • Enter the address of the property for which possession is sought.
  • State the total rent due, the period for which rent is owed (month/year to month/year), and the monthly rent amount.
  • Specify any fees being claimed as rent, the total amount due (excluding late fees), and the relevant lease paragraph.
  • Confirm if the defendant was properly served with a written Nonpayment of Rent Notice. Attach a copy of the notice and the declaration of service.
• Subsidy Information
  • Indicate if the rent for the property is subsidized by the federal or local government. If yes, provide:
    • The tenant’s portion of the rent per month.
    • The subsidy program’s portion of the rent per month.
    • Whether the rent amount alleged due is over the tenant’s portion.
    • If the subsidy program failed to pay its portion.
    • If the subsidy program terminated the subsidy.
• Relief Requested
  • Check all applicable boxes to indicate the relief you are seeking from the court:
    • Judgment for possession of the property.
    • Money judgment for the total amount due (rent, fees defined as rent, and late fees).
    • A protective order for future rent payments to be made into the court registry.
• Sworn Statement
  • Sign and date the form in the presence of a notary public. The notary public will complete the verification.
  • Print your name and title (if any), and provide your address, email address, phone number, and attorney bar number (if applicable).
• Additional Information
  • Review the important notes regarding the unauthorized practice of law.
  • If you need translation services, call the provided number for assistance.
• For Defendants
  • Ensure you received additional forms titled “Summons to Appear in Court” and “Initial Hearing Notice and Instructions.”
  • If you did not receive these, immediately contact the Landlord-Tenant Clerk’s Office at 202-879-4879 to learn the date you are required to appear in court.

By carefully following these instructions, you can accurately complete Form 1A to file your complaint for possession of real property due to nonpayment of rent. Ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are attached to avoid delays in processing your case.