Washington D.C. Civil Litigator Attorney

Landlord-Tenant Agreements

One of the most common civil litigation issues in Washington D.C. involves landlord-tenant agreements. Under District of Columbia law, landlords must disclose specific information to tenants (usually in the lease or rental agreement), such as the terms and conditions under which landlords collected the security deposit. 

Note that D.C. law limits:

• How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit (usually one month’s rent)
• When it must be returned (generally within 15-60 days after a tenant moves, depending on whether the tenant disputes deductions taken out of the deposit)
• Other deposit terms

In certain situations, when a landlord has violated the security deposit law, tenants can sue landlords in small claims for the return of their deposit, up to $5,000.

Additionally, landlords are required to address repair requests from their tenants. If they haven’t done so to make the rental unit inhabitable, a tenant has the right to react by withholding rent, moving out, or even calling in a professional inspector. 

Also, be aware the D.C. law specifies when and how a landlord may terminate a tenancy. For example, a landlord may give a tenant 30 days to move before filing for eviction if a court determines that the tenant performed an illegal act within the rental unit.

Several other important landlord-tenant laws affecting both property owners and renters include:

• Tenants’ protection rights against landlord retaliation for tenant exercising a legal right, such as complaining about an unsafe living condition
• Special protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence
• Procedures for how landlords must handle abandoned property left behind by tenants
• Fair and non-discriminatory housing rights

Suppose you have questions about any of the above civil disputes as a landlord or tenant in Washington D.C. In that case, the Law Offices of Raymond R. Jones can help you navigate the nuances of the laws and proceed appropriately.

Corporate Litigation & Trade Practices

Other important legal matters in civil litigation cases involve business and financial practices. For instance, there are specific statutes regarding the start of a business and the formation of a corporation. 

In the District of Columbia, articles of incorporation must include:

• A satisfactory corporate name for the corporation;
• The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue;
• The appointment of a registered agent; and
• The name and address of each incorporator

The name of a business corporation must be unique from any other corporation name filed or any other foreign entity, and it must also contain the word "corporation," "incorporated," "company," "limited," or the abbreviation of those words. 

The articles of incorporation may also establish:

• The names and addresses of the individuals who are to serve as the initial directors
• The purpose for which the corporation is organized
• Management of the business and regulating the affairs of the corporation
• Definitions, limitations, and regulations of the powers of the corporation, its board of directors, and shareholders

Already established businesses must also follow certain civil statutes to engage in lawful trade practices. 

More specifically, it is a violation of D.C.'s Unlawful Trade Practices statute for any person to:

• Represent that goods or services have a source, sponsorship, approval, certification, accessories, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, or quantities that they do not have
• Represent that goods are original or new if in fact they are deteriorated, altered, reconditioned, reclaimed, or second hand, or have been used
• Advertise or offer goods or services without the intent to sell them or without the intent to sell them as advertised or offered
• Falsely state that services, replacements, or repairs are needed
• Harass or threaten a consumer with any act other than legal process, either by telephone, cards, or letters

If a person is found guilty of the above acts, they could face civil penalties like injunction, actual and treble damages, consumer redress remedies, and punitive damages,

Providing Vigorous Results Legal Representation in Washington D.C.

Litigation law firms usually have a specialty when it comes to civil litigation. 

At the Law Office of Raymond R. Jones, our attorney is proud to say that his area of expertise lies in personal injury and accident disputes. 

So when you come to our firm with injury or accident claims, you know that you are putting yourself or your loved ones in the hands of a D.C. firm with years of civil experience specializing in cases like yours.