D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A513
The District established its commitment to fair housing under the Human Rights Act of 1977 (DC Law 2-38, DC Code Sec 2 -1401 (2001 ed). This commitment is bolstered by federal regulations, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Together, these laws effectively prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, sexual orientation, personal appearance, political affiliation, or family status. 513.1
Despite discrimination laws, DC residents may still be unfairly denied housing on the basis of the factors listed above. Common forms of discrimination include refusal to rent, "steering" to particular neighborhoods by real estate agents, setting different terms for the sale or rental of housing (such as higher security deposits for certain groups), advertising to "preferred" groups, denial of loans or imposition of variable loan terms, and the use of threats and intimidation. The District will work to address these challenges in the future through full enforcement of its fair housing laws. 513.2
Policy H-3.2.1: Fair Housing Enforcement
Strongly enforce fair housing laws to protect residents from housing discrimination. Provide education, outreach, and referral services for residents regarding their rights as tenants and buyers. Provide education and outreach to landlords, property managers, real estate agents, and others on their obligations when housing is made available. 513.3
Policy H-3.2.2: Compliance by Recipients of District Funds
Ensure that non-discrimination and full compliance with the District's fair housing laws is required for all housing developers and service providers receiving financial assistance from the District of Columbia. 513.4
Policy H-3.2.3: Prohibition on Redlining
Ensure compliance with the federal Community Investment Act of 1977, which prohibits the practice of "redlining" local neighborhoods. 513.5
Action H-3.2.A: Cultural Sensitivity
Require all District agencies that deal with housing and housing services to be culturally and linguistically competent. 513.6
Action H-3.2.B: Employee Education
Undertake a Fair Housing Act education program for all relevant staff persons and public officials to ensure they are familiar with the Act and their responsibilities in its enforcement. 513.7
Action H-3.2.C: Lending Practices
Review private sector lending practices for their impact on the stability of neighborhoods.
The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9 a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A513