7701.1 Emergency transfers require immediate action by DCHA.

7701.2 In the case of a genuine emergency, it may be unlikely that DCHA has the time or resources to immediately transfer a tenant. Due to the immediate need to vacate the unit, placing the tenant on a transfer waiting list would not be appropriate. Under such circumstances, if an appropriate unit is not immediately available, DCHA may find alternate accommodations for the tenant until the emergency passes, or a permanent solution, i.e., return to the unit or transfer to another unit, is possible.

7701.3 Consistent with the regulations at 24 CFR § 966.4(h), if the dwelling unit is damaged to the extent that conditions are created which are hazardous to life, health, or safety of the occupants, DCHA must offer standard alternative accommodations, if available, where necessary repairs cannot be made within a reasonable time.

7701.4 [RESERVED]

7701.5 The following are considered emergency circumstances warranting an immediate transfer of the tenant or family:

(a) Life-threatening deficiencies (as defined in HUD Notice PIH 2024-26 or successor notice) in the resident's unit, building or at the site that cannot be repaired or abated within twenty-four (24) hours. Examples of such unit or building conditions would include: a natural gas, propane or oil leak; and utilities, such as water or electricity are not in service;

(b) If repairing or abating the life-threatening deficiency within twenty-four (24) hours would not be cost-effective for DCHA, DCHA may choose to process an emergency transfer for the family. Examples would include fire, flooding, or inoperable or severely damaged heating or plumbing systems;

(c) If the unit or building does not meet the requirements for maintaining heat or air conditioning defined in DC municipal code, DCHA will initiate an emergency transfer under this category;

(d) A verified incident of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined under the VAWA Reauthorization of 2022. To request the emergency transfer, the requestor must submit an emergency transfer request form (HUD-5383)

although, DCHA may waive this requirement in order to expedite the transfer process. DCHA allows a tenant to make an internal emergency transfer under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) when a safe unit is immediately available. DCHA defines “immediately available” as a vacant unit, that is ready for move-in within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) business days. If an internal transfer to a safe unit is not immediately available, DCHA shall assist the resident in seeking an external emergency transfer either within or outside DCHA’s programs, consistent with DCHA’s Emergency Transfer Plan.

(e) Consistent with HUD PIH Notice 2021-35 (or applicable successor notice), DCHA intends to take the unit off-line for maintenance conditions, including those conditions that DCHA would seek approval from HUD to change the unit status to any of the following: undergoing modernization, court litigation, natural disaster, or casualty loss.

7701.6 [RESERVED].

7701.7 If the emergency transfer is necessary because of conditions defined at 7701.5(a), and an appropriate unit is not immediately available, DCHA shall provide temporary accommodations to the tenant by arranging for temporary lodging at a hotel or similar location.

7701.8 The family is entitled to alternative accommodations even if the tenant, household member, guest, or other covered person is responsible for the damage that caused the hazard or if a family is in the process of being evicted.

7701.9 Emergency transfers, as defined in § 7701.5, are mandatory for the tenant.

7701.10 DCHA will pay or reimburse the reasonable costs of temporarily accommodating the tenant and of long-term transfers, if any, for emergency transfers defined in § 7701.5;

7701.11 The reasonable cost of transfers includes the cost of packing, moving, and unloading.

7701.12 DCHA will establish a moving allowance based on the typical costs in the community of packing, moving, and unloading.

7701.13 DCHA will reimburse the family for eligible out-of-pocket moving expenses up to DCHA’s established moving allowance.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 007351 (May 15, 2026).