Rules of Procedure for the Landlord and Tenant Branch – 2026

The eviction docket's own rules, governing one of the court's highest-volume branches. A complaint must use one of four court forms — 1A for rent only, 1B for a lease violation, 1C for both, 1D for commercial premises — served with a Form 1S summons. The distinctive mechanism is the protective order under Rule 12-I: after a hearing on the equities, or by consent, the court directs the defendant to deposit money into the court registry rather than pay rent to the plaintiff. The branch runs a Resource Center and an Eviction Diversion Program alongside the rules.

Last updated September 07, 2026

Browse all 21 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

Rule 1 Scope and Purpose Rule 2 Applicability of Certain Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 3 Commencement of Action Rule 3-I Properties Subject to Court-Ordered Receiverships Rule 3-II Joinder of Persons or Entities Needed for Just Adjudication Rule 4 Process Rule 5 Pleading by the Defendant Rule 6 Jury Demand Rule 7 Time of Sessions, Office Hours, and Trials Rule 8 Trial Continuance Rule 9 Persons Appearing in a Representative Capacity Rule 10 Discovery Rule 11 Proceedings by the Court Rule 12-I Protective Order Rule 13 Motions Rule 13-I Motions in Cases Transferred to Civil Actions Branch Rule 14 Entry of Judgment Rule 14-I Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute Rule 14-II Redemption of Tenancy Rule 15 Fees and Costs Rule 16 Execution