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Rental Inspections in Washington, DC (2026)

2 verified rental inspections rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Inspection Programs

In Washington, D.C., the Mayor can enter and inspect any rental housing accommodation during reasonable hours to check compliance with housing and construction code rules, using a warrant if a tenant refuses access to their unit.

Washington DC Rental Inspection Authority

Some Restrictions

D.C. Code § 42-3509.08(a), (b)

Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, for the purpose of determining whether any housing accommodation is in compliance with applicable housing rules or construction code rules, the Mayor may enter upon and into any housing accommodation in the District, during all reasonable hours, to inspect the same... Any person who shall hinder, interfere with, or prevent any inspection au...

Tenant Complaint Process

The Mayor can enter and inspect any D.C. rental unit for housing-code compliance, but needs a warrant if the tenant refuses access to their own space.

Washington DC Rental Housing Inspection Rules

Some Restrictions

D.C. Code § 42-3509.08(a)

Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, for the purpose of determining whether any housing accommodation is in compliance with applicable housing rules or construction code rules, the Mayor may enter upon and into any housing accommodation in the District, during all reasonable hours, to inspect the same; provided, that if a tenant of a housing accommodation does not give permiss...