Property Maintenance in Washington, DC (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
The Mayor can order owners to fix unlawful property conditions and bill the cost as a property tax if they refuse.
DC Substandard Building Abatement Rules
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 42-3131.01(a)(1)
...whenever the owner of any real property in the District of Columbia shall fail or refuse, after the service of reasonable notice... to correct any condition which exists on or has arisen from such property in violation of law... the Mayor of the District of Columbia is authorized to: Cause such condition to be corrected; assess the fair market value of the correction of the condition or the ...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
In Washington, D.C., owners must cut weeds over 4 inches tall within 7 days of a Health Department notice, or the District can remove them and bill the property, plus a fine of up to $10 per day for noncompliance.
Washington DC Vacant Lot Weed Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsD.C. Code § 8-301
It shall be the duty of the owner, occupant, or agent in charge of any land in the City of Washington, or in the more densely populated suburbs of said City, to remove from such land any weeds thereon of 4 or more inches in height within 7 days (Sundays and legal holidays excepted) after notice from the Director of the Department of Human Services so to do, and upon failure to comply with such ...
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
D.C. Code § 9-601 gives owners just 8 daylight hours after snow or sleet stops falling to clear a path the full width of their abutting sidewalk, up to 36 inches wide. Miss it, and § 9-606 sets fines of up to $25 for a home and a flat $150 for a business.
Washington DC Sidewalk Snow Removal Deadline
Some RestrictionsD.C. Code § 9-601(a); § 9-606(a)(3)-(4)
(a) The owner of a residential or commercial property that fronts or abuts a paved sidewalk shall, within the first 8 hours of daylight after the ceasing to fall of any snow or sleet, remove and clear away, or cause to be removed and cleared away, snow or sleet that is in front of or abuts a building or lot of land to provide a path that is the entire width of the sidewalk, up to 36 inches wide...