Mayor Bowser bills target illegal short-term stays, modernize DC housing court

Washington DC residents have a new set of housing-law proposals to watch. On July 10, 2026, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a legislative package of two bills headed to the DC Council: the Housing Investment Protection Act of 2026 (26-758) and the Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026 (26-757).

In short, the package aims to (1) modernize parts of the housing-court process tied to eviction cases and (2) expand enforcement tools related to “illegal occupancy” when people remain in short-term rentals, vacation rentals, or similar lodging after their authorized term.

Two DC Council bills introduced by Mayor Bowser

Housing Investment Protection Act of 2026 (26-758) is designed to improve tenant support, housing-investment predictability, and the housing-court process. The mayor’s office highlights several changes, including an expansion of the Local Rental Supplement Program for project-based vouchers from 30% to 50%.

The bill also includes a court-process update focused on eviction-case timing and how eviction notices are delivered and received.

Initial hearing timelines (eviction cases): Under the introduced bill text, the court must hold an initial hearing on certain eviction cases within 60 days after the complaint is filed (for cases brought under subsection (a-1) or (b)). For other eviction case types, the initial hearing must occur within 30 days after the complaint is filed (for cases brought under subsection (c)(1) or (c)(2)).

Eviction notice service methods: The introduced bill text lays out acceptable delivery options. Notices would be provided by certified mail, return receipt requested or by a delivery service providing delivery tracking confirmation. Notices also can be delivered by hand delivery to the rental unit or by posting on the front door. If service is done by posting, the bill requires that a photograph of the posted notice be submitted to court, with a readable timestamp showing the date and time the summons was posted.

Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026 (26-757) targets overstays in short-term lodging. The bill’s operative language focuses on people who remain beyond the authorized term—either without lawful permission or without timely making a contractually required payment.

For hotels, motels, or similar lodging, the bill states that a person who “without lawful permission” remains beyond the term of the person’s rental, reservation, or other contractual agreement (or without timely making a contractually required payment) is deemed to be without lawful authority to remain on the property.

The bill also amends the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 to clarify that a transient guest of a short-term rental (including a vacation rental) must exit at the conclusion of their rental and has no right to remain after the rental ends unless the host grants such right.

Mayor Bowser’s announcement frames the legislation as providing additional clarity and tools for the Metropolitan Police Department to address situations where people remain beyond their stay term.

Where both bills land next: DC Council committee review

This is not final law yet. The DC Council’s weekly schedule for Week of July 13–17, 2026 shows both bills were introduced on July 10, 2026 and assigned to committees with circulation dates in the following days.

• 26-757 (Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026): assigned to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, with comments from the Committee on Public Works and Operations (assigned 7/13/2026; circulated 7/14/2026).
• 26-758 (Housing Investment Protection Act of 2026): assigned to the Committee on Housing (assigned 7/13/2026; circulated 7/14/2026).

What residents and housing providers should do now

Tenants and renters: Because these bills are proposals, watch for any committee changes to eviction-case timelines and service rules. If an eviction process begins, keep copies of all notices and document how service was made.

Landlords and property managers: Review notice-delivery procedures to ensure they match the bill’s specified service methods (including what to do if posting is used, such as the photograph with a readable timestamp).

Short-term rental hosts and operators: The overstay framework in 26-757 is tied to what the contract/reservation term authorizes. Make sure your guest records and any extensions are clear, since the bill language emphasizes that a guest has no right to remain after the rental ends unless the host grants that right.

Bottom line: These are newly introduced proposals. Committee work will determine what the final bill language looks like—and what practical steps landlords, tenants, and short-term rental hosts will need to follow.

Sources

• Executive Office of the Mayor: Mayor Bowser announcement of housing legislation package (July 10, 2026)
• DC Council weekly schedule: Week of July 13–17, 2026 (committee assignments/dates)
• WTOP: Coverage translating Bowser’s proposal into resident-facing implications (July 2026)

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