The Community Development Law Clinic (CDLC) is a hive of activity, providing legal support to housing cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and community entrepreneurs.
One of CDLC’s primary areas of focus has been assisting tenants under the District of Columbia’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). TOPA grants tenants in certain circumstances the right to purchase the property they are renting before it is sold to another party. CDLC’s student attorneys facilitated the conversion of multifamily properties into housing cooperatives. They diligently worked on drafting organizational documents, reviewing loan agreements, collaborating with development consultants, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
This year, UDC Law students continued to provide vital legal assistance to affordable housing cooperatives in multiple ways, by transitioning construction loans to permanent status after substantial building renovations. Student attorneys also facilitated the process of changing property management companies, which encompass in-depth reviews of HUD-insured loan documents and Section 8 HAP contracts, negotiations on property management agreements, and ensuring a seamless transition.
CDLC students have actively supported housing cooperatives in securing funding for essential building maintenance, enabling the cooperatives to address critical maintenance needs and maintain the quality and safety of their housing facilities.
In addition to their work with housing cooperatives, CDLC students assist nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs. Student attorneys have played a crucial role in drafting agreements, updating bylaws, they also guided entrepreneurs through the process of reviewing and updating LLC operating agreements, a pivotal step in upholding the operational integrity of small businesses.
As the UDC Law Community Development Law Clinic continues to serve the housing cooperative sector, nonprofit organizations, and urban entrepreneurs, their contributions continue to be an indispensable resource for the local community.
