D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-1800
DCHA shall make known to the public through publication in newspapers of general circulation as well as through minority media and other suitable means the availability and nature of rental assistance for lower income families (including assistance with respect to units already occupied by the families) and the notice shall inform the families when and where they may apply for Certificates of Eligibility.
The notice shall state that families seeking housing assistance under the program shall apply by completing a pre-application specifically for participation in the Tenant Assistance Program and that applicants for participation will not lose their places on DCHA's public housing or other assisted housing program waiting lists.
DCHA shall receive pre-applications during a prescribed period of time (no less than fourteen (14) calendar days) following public notice. Applicants whose pre- applications are received after the stated time period shall be so notified and shall not be considered eligible for assistance.
DCHA may, by public notice, accept pre-applications for one or more unit sizes in accordance with § 1801 whenever it is determined that sufficient funding is available for participation by more eligible families than are on the waiting list.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-1800