DC Landlord Repair Laws: What Renters Need to Know

If you rent a home or apartment in the District of Columbia, it’s crucial to know what your landlord is required to repair and maintain. Landlord responsibilities are laid out by DC law to help protect tenants’ health, safety, and overall living conditions. Understanding your rights empowers you to address maintenance needs and know what steps to take if problems are not fixed.

What Repairs Must DC Landlords Make?

In DC, landlords are legally required to keep rental properties in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition. This is called the “implied warranty of habitability.” The requirements come from the District of Columbia Housing Code (Title 14 DCMR Chapter 3) and the Rental Housing Act of 1985.^[1][2]

• Structural Safety: The building must be structurally sound—no dangerous or collapsing elements.
• Utilities and Systems: Landlords must provide safe and working heat, water, electricity, and plumbing.
• Essential Appliances: If appliances (like stoves or refrigerators) are provided in your lease, they must work properly.
• Pest Control: Extermination for rodents or insects, if not caused by tenant actions.
• Lead Safety: Rental units built before 1978 must comply with lead hazard laws.
• Weatherproofing: Windows and roofs must keep out water and wind.

Note: If a landlord fails to perform necessary repairs, tenants have options to request action or file a complaint.

How to Request Repairs in DC

When something breaks or needs attention, start by telling your landlord or property manager in writing. Keep records of all requests. If they do not respond, official processes are available to help renters get repairs addressed.

Required Notice to Landlord

• Always notify your landlord in writing (email or letter) about the repair needed.
• Give them a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs (often 7–30 days, depending on the issue).
• For urgent hazards (e.g., no heat in winter), shorter response times may apply.

If Your Landlord Doesn’t Respond: File a Housing Code Complaint

If your repair requests go unanswered, you can report the issue to the DC Department of Buildings (DOB) for inspection. An inspector will visit your unit and may order your landlord to make repairs.

• Official Form: Housing Code Complaint Form (No number)
• Use When: Your landlord has failed to fix unsafe conditions (e.g., mold, broken heat, leaks), and you’ve already notified them.
• How to Use: Complete the form online or at the DOB Housing Inspections page, giving details about the violation. Submit electronically or in-person.
• Example: If your landlord does not repair heating after notification, you can file this complaint and the DOB will schedule an inspection.

Rent Escrow: Paying Rent into Court Instead of to Landlord

DC law provides a process called “rent escrow” if repairs are not made. The Superior Court of the District of Columbia allows tenants to pay rent into the court until repairs are completed.

• Official Form: Complaint for Housing Code Violations (LT-001)
• Use When: After failed repair requests and DOB inspection, you still need repairs and want to withhold rent lawfully.
• How to Use: File the form at the Landlord & Tenant Branch. You may be ordered to deposit your rent with the court until the case is resolved.
• Example: If unsafe conditions persist after an inspection, you can use this form to ask the court to allow rent escrow.

Who Oversees Tenant and Landlord Issues in DC?

The main body for resolving housing disputes between renters and landlords in DC is the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development. Renters may also interact with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Landlord & Tenant Branch.

Your Rights and What to Expect

• You have the right to safe, working, and sanitary living conditions.
• Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for making a good-faith repair request or complaint. Retaliation is prohibited by DC law.
• Tenants have the right to file a complaint or take legal action if a landlord repeatedly fails to make required repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of repairs are my landlord responsible for in DC?
   Landlords must fix anything affecting health and safety, like heat, plumbing, infestation, electric, leaks, and structural issues.
2. How do I make a formal repair complaint in DC?
   Notify your landlord in writing first. If they don’t fix the problem, file a Housing Code Complaint with the DC Department of Buildings.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't made?
   DC does not allow tenants to unilaterally withhold rent. You must apply to the court for rent escrow using the official process and forms.
4. How fast must my landlord make repairs?
   Landlords should fix urgent health or safety hazards quickly, usually within 3–7 days, but may have up to 30 days for less urgent repairs.
5. What if my landlord tries to evict me for requesting repairs?
   Retaliatory eviction for requesting repairs is illegal under DC law. You can report this to the Rental Accommodations Division or seek legal assistance.

Key Takeaways for DC Renters

• DC landlords must provide safe, working, and habitable homes by law.
• Always request repairs in writing and keep all documentation.
• For serious problems, use official complaint forms and rental housing tribunals. Do not withhold rent unless authorized by the court.

Knowing these steps helps you protect your rights and ensures your home stays a safe and healthy place to live.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Department of Buildings – Housing Inspections & Complaints: File violations and request inspections.
• Superior Court of the District of Columbia – Landlord & Tenant Branch: Rent escrow and legal remedies.
• Rental Accommodations Division (RAD): Handles rental law enforcement and tenant complaints.
• DC Office of the Attorney General – Tenant Rights: Legal resources and advocacy.
• Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia: Free legal assistance for renters.

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1. District of Columbia Housing Code – Title 14 DCMR
2. Rental Housing Act of 1985
3. DC Department of Buildings – Housing Code Enforcement
4. Rental Accommodations Division – DHCD
5. Superior Court of DC – Landlord & Tenant Branch

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