While the D.C. Council and the mayor have instituted measures to protect renters in the District during the COVID-19 crisis, tenants should be vigilant in protecting their rights, a housing advocate and legal practitioner said.

The council passed legislation on March 17 that prohibits evictions and late fees for renters while the state of emergency and the public health state of emergency exists. In supplemental legislation, rent increases for all residential properties during the emergency and 30 days afterward are also prohibited…..