The D.C. Council has good news for landlords and bad news for renters in small buildings: Lawmakers voted Tuesday to exempt the vast majority of two-to-four unit properties from a key tenants’ rights law intended to give them a say in the future of a property when it goes up for sale.

The action will affect tenant rights for thousands of households in small homes and buildings across the District. The majority of council members were on board with the law change, with some arguing it will benefit longtime homeowners, small-time landlords or seniors who want to sell their property on their own terms and avoid a lengthy negotiation with tenants. It passed 9 to 4.

“This amendment will help incentivize longtime homeowners, and senior citizens especially, who have deeply invested in improving

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