D.C. Seeks to Expand Eviction Mediation for Renters
The proposed plan would add mediation to eviction cases to help renters and landlords avoid current 90-day court delays.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Apartments
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb is urging the D.C. Council to expand the SHARE Act to create an early mediation program for eviction cases. This proposal aims to address the current 90-day wait for initial hearings, which impacts thousands of local renters and landlords each year.
Why it matters
Extended court delays can transform temporary financial struggles into permanent housing loss for renters, while also hurting the financial stability of housing providers. By introducing mediation before hearings, the program seeks to curb the impact of approximately 15,000 annual eviction filings.
The District currently manages 15,000 eviction filings annually, with initial hearings now taking 90 days to schedule compared to just 30 days pre-pandemic. The proposed program targets 5,000 of these cases for mediation, even as D.C. Courts face a potential 13% reduction in federal funding.
The players
Brian L. Schwalb
The Attorney General of the District of Columbia who acts as the primary legal advocate for consumer protection and fair housing processes.
D.C. Council
The legislative body responsible for overseeing the District's housing policies and public court infrastructure.
The details
The proposed SHARE Act expansion inserts a mandatory mediation step between the filing of an eviction complaint and the court hearing. This process intends to facilitate rent repayment agreements, as affordable housing providers currently recover between 70% and 80% of owed rent. Legal assistance for tenants is also included in the plan to ensure fair representation during the mediation process.
Timeline
Pre-pandemic, initial eviction hearings occurred approximately 30 days after filing.
During the past four years, federal funding for D.C. Courts remained unchanged.
Currently, initial eviction hearings take 90 days to schedule.
In 2025, fewer than 1% of eviction cases went to trial.
The proposed federal fiscal 2027 budget includes a 13% funding reduction for D.C. Courts.
The Home Front
The proposed expansion of the SHARE Act marks a shift in how the District manages landlord-tenant disputes amidst significant court backlogs. This legislative move mirrors broader efforts to streamline housing stability resources while navigating potential federal funding constraints for local courts.
Renters facing potential eviction should track the status of this legislation to see if mediation becomes an available path for resolving arrears before a court date. If you are experiencing rent delinquency, contact your landlord proactively to discuss potential payment plans while monitoring official court notices.
The takeaway
Early mediation offers a vital buffer for tenants to settle rent arrears without the long-term strain of a formal eviction filing. Residents should consult with legal aid services early if they receive an eviction notice to understand their rights and available local support.
Further reading
For more on managing rental agreements and local policies, see our guide on Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Washington Informer.
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