Navigating housing disputes can be stressful for both tenants and landlords. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial, and sometimes, professional legal help is necessary. If you are in Washington D.C. and need assistance with landlord-tenant issues, accessing a Landlord And Tenant Lawyer might be more straightforward than you think, with several free and low-cost resources available.
Virtual/Phone Legal Assistance: Landlord and Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN)
For both tenants and small landlords* who are not represented by a lawyer, the Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN) offers a valuable service. By calling 202-780-2575, you can connect with an attorney who can provide free legal information, advice, or even full legal representation. LTLAN also provides an online intake option for convenience.
It’s important to note that these services are designed for individuals and households with limited income, specifically those below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line. You can check the income limits based on your household size here.
LTLAN is a collaborative effort, staffed by dedicated professionals from organizations such as Bread for the City, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, Neighborhood Legal Services Program, and Rising for Justice. This collaboration ensures a wide range of expertise is available to assist you.
Operating Hours for the Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For online intake, please use the appropriate link below. An intake specialist will contact you by phone within 48 hours to discuss your situation.
Intake for Landlords or persons with unwanted guests
In-Person Legal Assistance: Landlord Tenant Resource Center (LTRC)
If you prefer in-person assistance, the Landlord Tenant Resource Center (LTRC) is available to provide free legal information. This service is open to both unrepresented small landlords* and tenants in the District of Columbia dealing with residential housing disputes.
Similar to LTLAN, LTRC services are for those with incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line. Refer to this link to verify income eligibility based on your household size.
The LTRC is conveniently located in Room 223, on the second floor of the D.C. Superior Courthouse, Building B, at 510 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. In addition to providing information, the LTRC can also refer eligible tenants for legal advice and representation, offering a pathway to more comprehensive legal support.
For more detailed information about the LTRC, you can consult their flyer.
Operating Hours for the Landlord and Tenant Resource Center:
- Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Important Note: Due to high demand, the LTRC may need to limit the number of clients they can assist each day and may close intake before 1 p.m. While they strive to provide assistance to everyone, services are not guaranteed and the center reserves the right to refuse service without prior notice. However, they will, whenever possible, provide written materials and referrals to those who cannot speak with an attorney on a given day.
Eviction Emergencies
Facing an imminent eviction is an urgent matter. If you believe you are scheduled for eviction today, it’s crucial to verify your status immediately. Call the Clerk’s Office at 202-879-4879 to check if you are on today’s eviction schedule. If so, contact the Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network at 202-780-2575 right away to connect with an intake specialist who can assist you in this emergency situation.
For further information about the court process and resources, visit the Landlord and Tenant Branch website of the D.C. Superior Court.
Holiday Closures for LTRC/LTLAN in 2025
Please note the following holiday closures and mental health days for both LTRC and LTLAN in 2025:
| Month | Holidays (Closure) |
|---|---|
| January | Wednesday, 1st – New Years Thursday, 9th – Day of Mourning Monday 20th – MLK Day |
| February | Monday, 17th – President’s Day |
| April | Wednesday, 16th – DC Emancipation Day |
| May | Monday, 26th – Memorial Day |
| June | Thursday, 19th – Juneteenth |
| July | Monday, June 30th through Friday, July 4th |
| September | Monday 1st, – Labor Day |
| October | Monday 13th, – Indigenous People’s Day |
| November | Tuesday, 11th – Veterans Day Wednesday, 26th through Friday, 28th – Thanksgiving |
| December | Wednesday, 24th through Thursday, 1st – Winter Holidays |
By utilizing these resources, both tenants and small landlords in Washington D.C. can access crucial legal assistance to navigate landlord-tenant law effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help understanding your rights or resolving a housing dispute.
*A small landlord is defined as someone who owns and rents out four or fewer units and does not employ a property management company.
