Just cause eviction rules in District of Columbia, DC — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
DC has full just-cause eviction protection for virtually all residential tenants under DC Code section 42-3505.01. A landlord may not terminate a tenancy or refuse to renew a lease except for 10 enumerated grounds, including nonpayment, lease violation, illegal activity, owner occupancy, substantial renovation, or demolition. Relocation assistance is required for no-fault terminations.
Unlike most states, DC applies just-cause eviction protection universally to rental housing, not only to rent-controlled units. Under DC Code section 42-3505.01, the only permitted grounds are: (1) nonpayment of rent; (2) violation of an obligation of tenancy; (3) illegal activity on the premises; (4) owner or immediate family occupancy; (5) sale to a purchaser who will personally occupy; (6) substantial rehabilitation requiring vacancy; (7) demolition; (8) discontinuance of housing use; (9) withdrawal from the rental market; and (10) violation of court order. No-fault terminations require 90 days to 180 days notice depending on the ground, plus relocation assistance of at least $300 per room. The landlord must file a written notice and, for court evictions, proceed through the DC Superior Court Landlord and Tenant Branch. Retaliatory eviction and source-of-income discrimination (including housing choice vouchers) are separately banned under DC Code 42-3505.02 and the Human Rights Act.
Wrongful eviction: tenant may sue for actual damages, treble damages, and attorney fees. Self-help eviction (lockout, utility shutoff): criminal misdemeanor under DC Code 42-3505.01(m), up to 180 days jail plus civil damages. Retaliatory eviction: injunction and treble damages.
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