Section 42-3531.03 - FindingsThe Council finds that, despite the fact that the District has some of the most comprehensive pro-tenant laws in the United States:
(1) Tenants in the District are under-informed of their rights.(2) It is difficult for tenants to obtain information.(3) Tenants cannot usually afford legal representation.(4) Tenants are under-informed about dispute mediation and adjudication options available to tenants in the District through the courts and through the Office of the Attorney General.(5) Few tenants have time for self-advocacy because of their full-time employment.(6) Tenants in the District need an independent Chief Tenant Advocate to act on their behalf as repository of information and resources to help guide tenants through the landlord-tenant system in the District.(7) The establishment of an independent Office of the Tenant Advocate will provide a valuable resource for the government and residents of the District.Oct. 20, 2005, D.C. Law 16-33, § 2063, 52 DCR 7503; Oct. 1, 2007, D.C. Law 16-181, § 2(c), 53 DCR 6703.