Superior Court Seeks Comment on Amendments to Landlord and Tenant Branch Rules

August 21, 2025

The D.C. Superior Court is seeking comment on proposed amendments to Rules 2, 5, 6, 12-I, 13-I, and 14 of the Superior Court Rules of Procedure for the Landlord and Tenant Branch. 

Among the major changes, new section (d) has been added to Rule 5, clarifying that the good cause requirement of Civil Rule 55(c) governs motions to vacate a default or default judgment, but that an answer need not be filed in support of such a motion or a praecipe to vacate.

In Rules 6 and 13-I, the court changed the term “transfer” to “certify” to conform with the general restyling of the Superior Court rules.

The D.C. Superior Court Rules Committee will recommend approval of the amendments by the Superior Court Board of Judges unless, after consideration of comments from the bar and the public, the proposed changes are modified or withdrawn.

Submit written comments by September 12 via email to [email protected] or mail to:

Office of General Counsel 
Attention: Superior Court Rules Committee 
District of Columbia Courts 
500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room C620
Washington, DC 20001