On Tuesday, March 6, 10 DC Councilmembers voted to move forward on a bill that would exempt single-family homes from TOPA legislation.
This is a step toward TOPA reform that the real estate community and homeowners have been fighting for for years, and while the bill still has a ways to go before becoming law, it’s an enormous step in the right direction.
More than 100 supporters of Bill 22-0315 showed up to the Wilson Building Tuesday to voice their approval, and the building was so full of supporters donning #FixTOPA stickers that the hearing room reached capacity. A second hearing room was opened for all those who couldn’t get seats in the primary hearing room, and those folks were able to watch the proceedings via a live stream.
When the vote was announced at 10-2 in favor of (with one recusal), the room erupted in applause. The exultation was further proof that TOPA has no place in the single-family realm; the Councilmembers have worked hard to address concerns voiced by residents of the District, and Tuesday’s hearing marked their success.
The first reading of Bill 22-315 passes! We've just cleared a major, major hurdle on our path to #FixTOPA! pic.twitter.com/8guwqG76oC
— DCAR (@dcarealtors) March 6, 2018
Councilmember Robert White recused himself from the vote, as his spouse is in the process of selling a single-family home in which TOPA rights could come into play. Councilmembers Elissa Silverman and Brianne Nadeau voted against the single-family exemption, while the other 10 Councilmembers voted in support of the bill.
Said Anita Bonds, the chair of the Council’s Housing Committee, after the vote: “It’s the right thing to do.”
Frankly, we couldn’t agree more.
What’s Next
Despite this incredible victory, we’re not all the way there yet. The next step is a second reading, which is tentatively scheduled for April 10. More updates about that hearing will be provided as they become available.
If the bill is voted through again at the second reading, then it goes to the Mayor for approval.
Arun Acharya
Are condo owners still up a creek without a paddle when it comes to their sale being held up by unscrupulous third parties? OR will this fix that as well.
Bryan Frantz
This bill, as currently written, would address individual condos (but not apartment-condo conversions).
kathy
TOPA rules has made so many people very rich all except the rightful owner !!
Some attorneys and other 3rd parties coming out of wood work have made TOPA a very lucrative business for themselves cutting deals with occupants how to milk the owner and share the profits among themselves. Months of legal fights, and meaningless meetings will benefit everyone’s pocket but the rightful owners. Occupants have received anywhere from $10 to $75K just to move out. TOPA is not the answer to housing shortage. Taking the property’s rightful owner’s right and encouraging others to take advantage of the situation is not the answer. For those who still live in DC stop voting for representatives who just do not KILL TOPA all together.