The Common Sense TOPA Reform Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to modernize the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) in the District of Columbia, originally established in 1980 to empower tenants during property sales. Key provisions of the bill include expediting transaction timelines, imposing penalties for delays or misleading tenants, and enhancing tenant access to information. Notably, the legislation exempts new residential constructions from TOPA for the first three years after a certificate of occupancy is issued and clarifies which refinancing transactions are exempt. The bill also establishes a certification process for tenant support providers and qualified purchasers, ensuring that tenants receive adequate assistance in navigating property transactions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to improve transparency in property sales and transfers, requiring owners to provide detailed offers of sale and establishing a cooling-off period for tenants to consult with certified support providers. A new transparency portal will be created to maintain a searchable database of offers and buyouts, ensuring tenants have access to critical information. The legislation also introduces unlawful acts related to tenant rights, making it illegal to coerce or retaliate against tenants, and allows aggrieved parties to seek civil action for violations, potentially recovering double damages. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen tenant protections while balancing the interests of property owners.