The D.C. Council has advanced the Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Amendment Act of 2025, a bill that seeks to accelerate the process of evicting nonpaying tenants while ensuring those who qualify for emergency assistance can receive it and remain in their homes. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is meant to help tenants making less than 40% of the median income secure housing. 

The bill would make it easier for landlords to evict tenants due to unpaid rent. The amended version of the bill allows more leeway to accelerate eviction proceedings for tenants with large unpaid rent balances. The amendment advanced on a 9-3 vote.

Additionally, it prevents tenants from automatically delaying those proceedings by applying for rental assistance. However, the bill would also support tenants who do qualify for emergency rental assistance in remaining in their homes.