Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Washington, DC?
This page lists places in Washington, DC that help renters. It covers legal help, court information, city agencies, and where to send a housing complaint.
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The DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) says to contact it with questions on landlord disputes and other housing issues. Call (202) 719-6560. Phone intake runs Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 4:45 pm.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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Legal Aid DC says it provides free legal assistance for DC residents. Its site has a housing law section called "Our Work for Tenants". Call (202) 628-1161.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) says it provides free civil legal assistance to low-income DC residents. Its home page asks about living in unhealthy or dangerous housing. Call (202) 832-6577 or use Apply Online on its site. Online and phone intake are closed every second Thursday and every last Wednesday of the month.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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The DC Superior Court hears landlord-tenant matters. Its home page links to eviction information and to Legal Help, with guides for finding a lawyer. Call 202-879-1010.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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The DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) runs the Housing Resource Center. DHCD says the center offers guidance on rental assistance (help paying rent), among other housing topics. Call (202) 442-7200.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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OHR is the DC Office of Human Rights. It says housing providers may not deny housing based on how you pay rent, under the DC Human Rights Act. It names Housing Choice Vouchers and SSI. Its site has a Fair Housing Portal and a way to file a discrimination complaint. Call (202) 727-4559.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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The DC Department of Human Services (DHS) lists an Eviction Prevention service on its home page. Its Homeless Services Hotline is (202) 399-7093.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center says it provides free legal assistance through volunteer lawyers. Its list of programs includes a Housing Right to Counsel Project. Call the D.C. Bar at 202-737-4700.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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Bread for the City's legal services cover certain housing matters, among other matters. Call (202) 265-2400.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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The DC Attorney General's office has a link on its home page to send in a housing complaint. Call (202) 727-3400.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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The DC Department of Buildings has a service to ask for a housing inspection. If conditions are very bad, an inspector can condemn the home (order it closed) and make everyone leave. Call (202) 671-3500.
✓ Details checked October 3, 2026
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