Washington DC Tenant Laws (DC Housing)

[Brandon James]

I understand that DC is tenant friendly. However, where can I find the laws that protect tenants? And laws that protect landlords? My tenant always says, “ I have rights too!” Honestly, I don’t know why she would say this since we have been the best landlords. It all started when we asked her to not smoke in her unit per the lease and then she says we need to give 24 hour notice to enter her unit with a written explanation of the reasons why we are in her unit and the items that were fixed. Usually in the past, she had no problem with coming in her place now it’s different. I need to brush up on tenant rights in DC but it’s hard to find. Please help

[Kyle Jiron]

@Brandon James Below are a couple of links that should be able to help you familiarize yourself with the tenant and landlord rights and regulations in the district, hope this helps!

1. DC's Office of the Tenant Advocate - Bill of Rights

2. DC's Office of the Tenant Advocate - Info for Tenants

3. FindLaw - Washington DC Tenant Rights Laws Summary

4. DC's Office of the Tenant Advocate - DC Renter's Rights 101 PowerPoint

5. NOLO - Overview of Landlord - Tenant Laws in DC

Landlord Tenant Resource Center - Open Monday - Friday from 9:15am - 12:00pm. Public legal guidance for landlords and tenants undergoing housing disputes in DC.