High-Rise Life: Tenant Summit, and Why You Should Go

Do you rent? Do you know your rights as a tenant? And did you know some provisions of DC law can save some renters hundreds of dollars per year?

The DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) is hosting its 5th Annual Tenant & Tenant Association Summit on Saturday, September 22, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Kellogg Conference Center on the campus of Gallaudet University, located at 800 Florida Avenue, NE.

From the OTA: [box]The day will include a major address and other remarks by prominent speakers; topical panel discussions; legal clinics and workshops; exhibits; prizes and giveaways; and lunch.

Admission, lunch, and parking are all free. Gallaudet operates a free shuttle service with pick-up and drop-off at the NoMa-Gallaudet U. Metro Station (Red Line), located at 200 Florida Avenue, NE.[/box]

ForestHillsConnection.com’s High-Rise Life columnist Barbara Cline has attended past summits – and she gave us a few reasons that you should consider attending.

[box]1) Hear about the latest legislation and trends affecting tenants

2) Get some face time with leaders of housing-related organizations and Council Members/Mayor

3) Connect with fellow tenants who have similar issues, like mold, and learn how they handled the issue in their building

4) See exhibitors and pick up materials on housing inspections, free legal help, DC government resources

5) This is where I heard about the “senior and elderly provision” of DC’s rent control law. I was aware of it but did not think we qualified. I worked with a caseworker who explained the application process and helped me fill out the form. Once I filled out the free, one-time application back in 2010, we have already saved hundreds of dollars on rent.

6) Learn about the resources and services of the Office of the Tenant Advocate.[/box]

Although the event is free and open to all, OTA is asking people to register to help with their planning. There are three ways to register for the Summit:

– Online at regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1111268
– Call 202-719-6560
– In person at the OTA office located in Suite 300-North of the Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street, NW

If you need additional information about the summit you can call the OTA office at 202-719-6560.