Application to Reduce Payment Required to Avoid Eviction – Washington DC

This form titled Application to Reduce Payment Required to Avoid Eviction used in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Civil Division-Landlord and Tenant Branch, allows tenants to request a court review of a notice stating the amount required to avoid eviction. Tenants can apply for this review if they believe the listed amounts are incorrect, if there are disputes about subsequent rent or costs, or if additional fees not listed on the notice are being demanded.

Filling out this form correctly is crucial for tenants who wish to dispute the amount stated by their landlord to avoid eviction. Follow these steps to complete the form:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Case Information
   • L&T Case Number: Fill in the Landlord and Tenant (L&T) case number from your court documents.
   • Plaintiff (Landlord): Enter the full name of the landlord.
   • Defendant (Tenant): Enter your full name as the tenant.
2. Application Statement

• Date of Notice: Fill in the date from the Notice to Tenant of Payment Required to Avoid Eviction.
• Amount Required to Avoid Eviction: Enter the amount specified in the notice.
• Reasons for Review: Check all the boxes that apply to your situation:
  • If you believe the amounts listed are incorrect, provide a detailed explanation in the space provided.
  • If you agree with the amount listed on the notice but dispute how much rent or other costs have come due since the notice date, check the appropriate box.
  • If the landlord is requiring you to pay fees not listed on the notice, indicate this by checking the relevant box.
  • If there are other reasons for your request, provide a detailed explanation.

3. Tenant’s Statement
   • Correct Amount Believed to be Owed: If you believe a different amount is correct, state that amount here.
   • Tenant’s Name (Printed): Print your full name.
   • Tenant’s Signature: Sign your name.
   • Tenant’s Address: Provide your current address.
   • Tenant’s Telephone Number: Provide a phone number where you can be reached.

4. Notice of Hearing
   • Leave this section blank; it will be completed by the court clerk with the date and time of your hearing.

5. Certificate of Service
   • Date of Mailing: Enter the date you mailed the application.
   • Names and Addresses: List the names and addresses of all lawyers involved in the case, or the landlord’s address if they do not have a lawyer.
   • Tenant’s Signature: Sign your name again to certify that you have mailed the application.

Important Considerations

• Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
• Supporting Documents: Attach any supporting documents that back up your claims (e.g., receipts, communication with the landlord).
• Keep Copies: Make copies of the completed form and any attachments for your records before submitting them to the court.
• Mailing the Form: Mail the form to all parties involved in the case as indicated in the Certificate of Service section.

Submitting the Form

• Submit to Court: File the completed form with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division-Landlord and Tenant Branch at:
  • 510 4th Street, N.W., Room 110
  • Washington, D.C. 20001
• Attend the Hearing: Be sure to attend the hearing on the scheduled date. Bring any evidence or witnesses that support your case.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your application is properly submitted and considered by the court.