District of Columbia Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
D.C. Code §42-3505.01 — D.C. Rental Housing Act of 1985
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 30-Day Pay or Quit
- Lease violation: 30-Day Cure or Quit
- Unconditional: 30-Day Notice (Drug-Related / Illegal Activity)
- End of tenancy: 90-Day Notice to Vacate
Available Defenses
- Habitability (D.C. Code §42-3502.06)
- Retaliation (D.C. Code §42-3505.02)
- Procedural defects
- Partial payment waiver
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant has 30 days to pay past-due rent or cure lease violations — among the longest cure periods in the US
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (D.C. Code §42-3505.01)
Court & Filing
D.C. Superior Court (Landlord and Tenant Branch)
Landlord must file in Superior Court Landlord and Tenant Branch — D.C. requires just cause for all evictions
Complaints: D.C. Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection
Additional Protections
- D.C. requires just cause for ALL evictions — landlord must prove one of the statutory grounds
- Strongest tenant protections in the nation — eviction only through court process
- Tenant has right to cure within notice period
- Rent control applies to most units — additional protections for covered tenants
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District of Columbia Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 30-Day Pay or Quit; Lease violation: 30-Day Cure or Quit; Unconditional: 30-Day Notice (Drug-Related / Illegal Activity); End of tenancy: 90-Day Notice to Vacate. Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in District of Columbia?
Available defenses in District of Columbia include: Habitability (D.C. Code §42-3502.06), Retaliation (D.C. Code §42-3505.02), Procedural defects, Partial payment waiver, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does District of Columbia require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant has 30 days to pay past-due rent or cure lease violations — among the longest cure periods in the US
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in District of Columbia?
No. Under D.C. Code §42-3505.01, self-help eviction is prohibited in District of Columbia. Your landlord must file in D.C. Superior Court (Landlord and Tenant Branch) and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in District of Columbia?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite D.C. Code §42-3505.01, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in District of Columbia?
File complaints with the D.C. Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
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