The Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act of 2025 aims to protect tenants in the District of Columbia from unfair utility charges associated with common areas in multi-unit residential buildings. The bill prohibits housing providers from separately charging tenants for utility costs related to common spaces, such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage, which are to be included in the monthly base rent. Additionally, the legislation mandates that housing providers notify tenants of any unpaid amounts owed within 45 days after they vacate a rental unit. This notification must be accompanied by evidence, such as photographs, supporting the claims for unpaid amounts, and the provider must ensure that the tenant received this notice at least 60 days before sending any unpaid amounts to a debt collector.

The bill addresses concerns raised by constituents regarding the lack of transparency in utility billing and the potential for damage to tenants' credit histories due to unpaid fees that were not properly communicated. By implementing these provisions, the legislation seeks to create a fairer rental housing environment and ensure that tenants are adequately informed of their financial obligations before any adverse actions are taken against them.