District of Columbia Just-Cause Eviction Law 2026
Just cause required, landlords must cite a permitted reason to terminate a tenancy.
✓ Just Cause RequiredJust-Cause Eviction in District of Columbia
Under D.C. Code § 42-3505.01, landlords in District of Columbia may not terminate a tenancy without a legally recognized reason. Virtually all residential rental units in DC; single-family owner-occupied (≤4 units, owner lives there) may be exempt. All permitted grounds fall into two categories: at-fault (tenant behavior) and no-fault (landlord business reasons).
At-Fault Grounds (Tenant Behavior)
- Nonpayment of rent
- Violation of a substantial lease obligation after written notice to cure
- Nuisance or disorderly conduct affecting health, safety, or quiet enjoyment
- Criminal activity on the premises
- Unauthorized subletting or assignment
- Refusal to accept renewal lease on same terms
No-Fault Grounds (Landlord Business Reasons)
- Owner or immediate-family personal use (90-day notice; relocation assistance required)
- Demolition of the building (120-day notice)
- Substantial rehabilitation requiring vacancy (120-day notice; relocation assistance)
- Conversion to condominium or cooperative (120-day notice; tenants have first right of purchase)
- Government order requiring vacancy
Key Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Just cause required | Yes | D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 |
| Pay-or-quit notice period | 30 days | D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 |
| No-cause notice | Not permitted (just-cause only) | D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 |
| Coverage | Virtually all residential rental units in DC; single-family owner-occupied (≤4 units, owner lives there) may be exempt. | D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 |
What This Means for Landlords in District of Columbia
Landlords in District of Columbia must serve a specific written notice citing the statutory ground for eviction. Serving a no-cause termination notice on a covered tenant is unlawful and will result in dismissal of any subsequent eviction action. For at-fault evictions based on a curable violation, landlords must give the tenant an opportunity to cure before proceeding to court. For no-fault evictions such as owner move-in, the landlord must typically pay relocation assistance, check the specific requirements in D.C. Code § 42-3505.01.
Tenants who believe they have been evicted without a permitted just-cause reason, or as retaliation for exercising a legal right, may file a wrongful eviction claim. Damages can include actual damages, attorney's fees, and in some jurisdictions punitive damages of up to three times the monthly rent.
Major Cities in District of Columbia
View the landlord risk profile, eviction rates, and rental market data for major cities in District of Columbia:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does District of Columbia require just cause to evict a tenant?
Yes. Under D.C. Code § 42-3505.01, landlords in District of Columbia must have a legally recognized reason, such as nonpayment of rent or owner move-in, before terminating a tenancy. Coverage: Virtually all residential rental units in DC; single-family owner-occupied (≤4 units, owner lives there) may be exempt.
How many days' notice must a landlord give for nonpayment of rent in District of Columbia?
Under D.C. Code § 42-3505.01, a landlord must give a tenant 30 days' written notice to pay or vacate before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent.
Can a landlord in District of Columbia evict a tenant with no reason given?
Generally no, District of Columbia law requires landlords to state a permitted reason. However, some exemptions apply (Virtually all residential rental units in DC; single-family owner-occupied (≤4 units, owner lives there) may be exempt.). Landlords evicting without just cause may face tenant claims for wrongful eviction.
What is the difference between at-fault and no-fault eviction?
An at-fault eviction is based on something the tenant did (or failed to do), nonpayment of rent, lease violation, criminal activity, nuisance. A no-fault eviction occurs when the landlord needs the unit for a permitted purpose unrelated to tenant behavior, such as owner move-in, demolition, or substantial rehabilitation. In just-cause states, both types are allowed but must match the statutory list; in non-just-cause states, landlords need not choose any category at all for month-to-month tenancies.
Related Guides for District of Columbia Landlords
Just-Cause Laws in Other States
Data sourced from District of Columbia published statutes (D.C. Code § 42-3505.01), U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-Year Estimates. Last updated August 28, 2026. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.