What is TOPA?

DC’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) gives tenants the first right to purchase their building when it goes up for sale, to pool their resources, and to convert their buildings into cooperatively owned housing (limited equity cooperatives).

Why protect it?

The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) is a fundamental tenant right. Last year, City Council has created an exemption to TOPA to facilitate the conversion of commercial properties into residential use in downtown DC. These kinds of exemptions to TOPA may lead to future reduction in residents’ rights and protections under TOPA. When successfully leveraged, TOPA is the most important tool we have to preserve affordable rental housing, provide opportunities for homeownership for low-income tenants, minimize displacement of existing tenants, encourage the formation of tenant organizations, and strengthen the bargaining position of tenants. It is crucial right now that we come together to spread awareness about the rights that tenants in DC have under TOPA and that we stand against any policies that undermines TOPA as a basic right for all tenants in DC.

Take Action!

TOPA has the potential to help facilitate the District’s recovery and housing goals, including achieving Mayor Bowser’s goal of creating 12,000 new units of affordable housing by 2025. Join us in defending TOPA by signing up for our Advocacy Newsletter to receive updates on on important upcoming opportunities to engage with your elected representatives, share your experiences with affordable housing, and to connect with and support other community organizations advocating for the same things.