2932

RENTAL HOUSING CASES– BURDEN OF PROOF

2932.1 The proponent of an order shall have the burden of proof. The tenant has the burden to prove the claims alleged in the tenant petition except that the housing provider has the burden to prove any exemption under the Rental Housing Act. When the housing provider files a petition, the housing provider has the burden to prove the claims.

2932.2 Unless otherwise provided by law, a party must prove each fact essential to his or her claim by a preponderance of the evidence so that the Administrative Law Judge finds that it is more likely than not that each fact is proven.

2932.3 In show cause hearings, the burden of proof shall rest on the Rent Administrator.

2932.4 In retaliation cases, the tenant has the burden of proving that retaliation occurred or that a presumption applies. If a presumption applies, then the housing provider has the burden to rebut the presumption by clear and convincing evidence.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 53 DCR 5674, 5679 (July 14, 2006); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 57 DCR 12541, 12579 (December 31, 2010).