D.C. Weighs 'Banning the Box' on Housing Applications

Washington, D.C. might prohibit landlords from asking tenants for criminal histories, at least at first pass.

1 minute read

December 16, 2016, 5:00 AM PST

By Elana Eden


Rain Umbrellas

Photo by SSG Robert Stewart, courtesy of the U.S. Army / Flickr

Under a bill awaiting consideration by the D.C. Council, landlords would not be allowed to ask about prospective tenant’s criminal histories before extending a conditional housing offer.

Jen Kinney reports that the measure is designed to "level the playing field" for the approximately 60,000 D.C. residents with conviction records. In April of this year, HUD affirmed that denying housing based on a criminal record alone violates fair housing rules.

After extending the conditional offer, landlords could review certain serious or violent convictions that have occurred in the past seven years. They would then have the option to revoke the offer.

Inability to find housing is acknowledged as a major factor in prison recidivism, particularly since housing security can lay a "foundation" for stable employment, family connections, and healthcare.

Ban-the-box legislation on employment applications exists in more than 100 cities and counties, as well as 13 states, Next City notes. D.C. joins Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans as one of the few cities to consider banning the box in the housing sector.

Monday, December 5, 2016 in Next City

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Red on white 'Room for Rent, Inquire Inside' sign

In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living

Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.

May 24, 2023 - The Atlantic

Vancouver Chuck Wolfe

Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown

In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

May 24, 2023 - GeekWire

Self-driving Mercedes semi truck on highway with white semi truck behind it

California Moves to Limit Autonomous Trucks

A bill passed by the State Assembly and moving on to the Senate would require autonomous semi trucks to have a trained human operator in the vehicle.

June 2 - The Sacramento Bee

Minnesota state capitol building with red flowers on green front lawn

Minnesota Budget Includes Significant Transit Investments

After a contentious debate, the state legislature passed a budget that changes how transportation projects are funded and supports increased transit service in the state.

June 2 - Governing

A vacant lot between two one-story brick buildings with graffiti in Detroit, Michigan

Proposed Land Value Tax Plan in Detroit

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan proposes hiking property taxes for vacant land and buildings while lowering the rate for occupied homes and businesses in a split tax plan he contends will resolve many of Detroit's blight and high property tax woes.

June 2 - The Detroit News

Project Manager III

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

UDO Transportation Planner

City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.