Washington DC Headlines
Council Postpones Vote on Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Legislation
At the Council’s July 15 legislative meeting, Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) withdrew two bills that propose to significantly expand the circumstances under which owners must provide an opportunity to purchase a housing accommodation. Barry pulled these bills to allow further discussion of issues raised by AOBA, the Executive, and other stakeholders…so, stay tuned!
The first, Bill 17-631, the “District’s First Right of Refusal Amendment Act of 2008” will require owners provide the Mayor with an opportunity to purchase a housing accommodation. The second, Bill 17-441, the “Section 8 Preservation Act of 2007” extends the opportunity to purchase to tenants in publicly assisted housing. AOBA is particularly concerned that the tenant opportunity to purchase would not only be triggered by an owner selling its property, but also by issuance of a notice to discontinue participation in any federally assisted housing program (defined to include, for example, project-based contracts).
The first, Bill 17-631, the “District’s First Right of Refusal Amendment Act of 2008” will require owners provide the Mayor with an opportunity to purchase a housing accommodation. The second, Bill 17-441, the “Section 8 Preservation Act of 2007” extends the opportunity to purchase to tenants in publicly assisted housing. AOBA is particularly concerned that the tenant opportunity to purchase would not only be triggered by an owner selling its property, but also by issuance of a notice to discontinue participation in any federally assisted housing program (defined to include, for example, project-based contracts).
