How to Look Up Eviction Records in District of Columbia 2026

Where to Search District of Columbia Eviction Records

Washington DC has a dedicated Landlord-Tenant Branch of the DC Superior Court — one of the most active specialized housing courts in the US. Case search is available at efiling.dccourts.gov. Search by party name (landlord or tenant) or case number. DC has enacted significant eviction record sealing protections under the Omnibus Tenant Rights Amendment Act. Source: D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq.; DC Superior Court.

Step-by-Step: How to Search District of Columbia Eviction Records

1. Go to DC Courts Case Search. Open https://efiling.dccourts.gov in your browser.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Important: District of Columbia has eviction record protections — D.C. Code §§ 16-5501, 42-3505.09. Do not make adverse screening decisions on sealed, expunged, or protected records.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the Landlord-Tenant Court (DC Superior Court) clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.25/page.

Eviction Record Expungement in District of Columbia

Landlords and screening companies may not use sealed or expunged eviction records as a basis for adverse tenant-screening decisions in District of Columbia. Tenants who believe their records have been improperly used may have a civil claim under the applicable statute. If a tenant discloses an expunged eviction, you may ask for context but cannot deny housing based solely on the expunged record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in District of Columbia?

Washington DC has a dedicated Landlord-Tenant Branch of the DC Superior Court — one of the most active specialized housing courts in the US. Case search is available at efiling.dccourts.gov. Search by party name (landlord or tenant) or case number. DC has enacted significant eviction record sealing protections under the Omnibus Tenant Rights Amendment Act. Source: D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq.; DC Superior Court.

Are eviction court records public in District of Columbia?

Yes — eviction court records in District of Columbia are presumptively public under District of Columbia's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public, except for sealed or expunged records (D.C. Code §§ 16-5501, 42-3505.09).

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in District of Columbia?

Yes. District of Columbia has enacted eviction record expungement or sealing protections: DC Code § 16-5501 et seq. — COVID-related UD judgments subject to sealing petition; also DC Code § 42-3505.09 (Omnibus Tenant Rights Act). (D.C. Code §§ 16-5501, 42-3505.09). Tenants who qualify may petition the court to seal or vacate the eviction record.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.25/page. Fees are set by the Landlord-Tenant Court (DC Superior Court) and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related District of Columbia Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the District of Columbia court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published District of Columbia statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.