Washington, DC Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Washington, DC, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Just-Cause Required
- Yes, for all covered rental units
- Code Section
- DC Code Section 42-3505.01
- Right to Cure
- Required for most lease violations
- Illegal Eviction Penalty
- Up to $5,000 fine and imprisonment
- Court
- DC Superior Court, Landlord-Tenant Branch
Summary
DC provides strong just-cause eviction protections under the Rental Housing Act (DC Code Section 42-3505.01). Landlords may only evict tenants for specific enumerated reasons, and tenants have the right to cure most violations before eviction proceedings can begin.
(a)(1) Except as provided in this section, no tenant shall be evicted from a rental unit, notwithstanding the expiration of the tenant's lease or rental agreement, so long as the tenant continues to pay the rent to which the housing provider is entitled for the rental unit; provided, that the nonpayment of a late fee shall not be the basis for an eviction. No tenant shall be evicted from a rental unit for any reason unless the tenant has been served with a written notice which meets the requirements of this section. Notices for all reasons other than for nonpayment of rent shall be served upon both the tenant and the Rent Administrator. (a-1)(1) A housing provider shall provide the tenant with notice of the housing provider's intent to file a claim against a tenant to recover possession of a rental unit for the non-payment of rent at least 10 days before filing the claim; except, that the housing provider shall not issue such notice if the amount of rent that the tenant has failed to pay is less than $600.
(b) A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit when the tenant is violating an obligation of the tenancy, other than nonpayment of rent, and fails to correct the violation within 30 days after receiving notice from the housing provider.
(d) A natural person with a freehold interest in the rental unit may recover possession of a rental unit where the person seeks in good faith to recover possession of the rental unit for the person's immediate and personal use and occupancy as a dwelling. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 90-day notice to vacate in advance of action to recover possession of the rental unit in instances arising under this subsection. No housing provider shall demand or receive rent for any rental unit which the housing provider has repossessed under this subsection during the 12-month period beginning on the date the housing provider recovered possession of the rental unit.
Full Breakdown
Under DC Code Section 42-3505.01, landlords may only evict tenants for specific reasons including nonpayment of rent, violation of lease obligations (after notice and opportunity to cure), use of the unit for illegal purposes, landlord's intent to personally occupy the unit, renovation requiring vacancy, or discontinuation of housing use. The landlord must serve proper notice and, for most violations, give the tenant an opportunity to cure before filing an eviction action. DC's eviction process requires filing in DC Superior Court, Landlord-Tenant Branch. During the COVID-19 emergency and subsequent extensions, DC enacted additional eviction protections. The RENTAL Act (2025) further refined the eviction process and tenant protections.
Violations & Fines
Illegal evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs, threats) are criminal offenses in DC punishable by fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment. Tenants may also recover treble damages in civil court for retaliatory or illegal eviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without cause in DC?
What happens if my landlord tries to illegally evict me in DC?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia rental property rules overview
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