HCS workshops are available online using Zoom (see instructions below) or in person. View our workshops and register using the form links below.
You may also access them by telephone. Please check this site regularly for weekly updates.
Sign language interpretation and other languages must be scheduled in advance and are available upon request.
Required for those seeking to buy or rent a home through the DC Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) program. Subjects covered include IZ eligibility guidelines and requirements; the lottery process; and IZ buyer / renter certification process.
*Please note: The 2-hour Pre-Purchase Orientations listed do not by themselves meet the requirements of the DC Inclusionary Zoning Program for home buyers.
Individuals who wish to participate in the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Program should first participate in the Inclusionary Zoning Orientation. After you receive your IZ Orientation certificate you then need to register for the program through the DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Inclusionary Zoning web page at DHCD.DC.ORG. In order to register you will first need to determine if you are applying for IZ rental or IZ homeownership and participate in the required training.
(Click Here to download the PowerPoint slides for this webinar)
In order to be registered for IZ RENTAL properties you must provide proof that you participated in an Inclusionary Zoning Orientation (IZO).
If you wish to register to PURCHASE an IZ property, DHCD requires that you provide verification that you have attended an Inclusionary Zoning Orientation (IZO) AND that you graduated from an 8-hour Home Buyer Education Course* by a DHCD approved community based organization.
*You must have completed one of two requirements below BEFORE you will be registered with us for the 8-hour Home Buyer Education Course:
Learn about the home purchase process; how to prepare for a loan application; DC loan programs (HPAP / EAHP / First Responders) and avoiding housing discrimination. Are you ready to apply? If so, download our HPAP/EAHP Quick Guide to the application process.
This workshop and the 8-hr class are needed to begin the HPAP/EAHP application process. Certificate is good for one year.
(Click Here to download the PowerPoint slides for this webinar)
Learn about resources to assist you in your housing search. Sorry, HCS does not have rental apartments to match you with and we do not help you with your actual search, but we will provide you with resources to assist in your search.
(Click Here to download the PowerPoint slides for this webinar)
Learn about your rights as a tenant; identifying housing discrimination; financial resources and how to get repairs made; what to do if you receive an eviction notice; finding a rental home; what landlords look for in a tenant and much more.
This class only covers DC tenant rights and no other jurisdiction.
In order to move forward in applying for HPAP or preparing for a pre-qualification letter from a private lender, we suggest that you start by participating an HCS Pre-Purchase Orientation (PPO). During the PPO we will explain how to determine if you are ready to buy, how to begin the purchase process and how to apply for HPAP. You may register to attend a PPO on this website or by calling the HCS Training Department at 202-667-7606.
If you have questions or if you want to reserve a seat for the IZO, PPO or the 8-hour Home Buyer Education Course, please call the HCS Training Department at 202-667-7606.
Please Note: the process for registering for the IZO, PPO and 8-hour Home Buyer Education Course may differ at each DHCD approved Community Based Organization (CBO). The process described here is for those people working with Housing Counseling Services, which is a DHCD approved CBO. You may reach out to the other DHCD approved CBOs to learn their process for scheduling the required training classes.
Have you been summoned to court? Learn about DC’s Landlord and Tenant court process and how you, as a tenant, can prepare for it. HCS does not provide legal advice. However, we will provide you with an overview of the court process, general guidelines for how you can prepare, resources and referrals, and information about your rights.
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