DC Rules for Electricity Shut-Offs by Landlords

If you're a renter in the District of Columbia and behind on utility payments, it’s important to know when, if ever, a landlord can legally shut off your electricity. This guide outlines DC law, your rights as a tenant, and the official forms, contacts, and steps you can use to protect essential services in your home.

Can a Landlord Shut Off a Renter’s Electricity for Non-Payment?

Under District of Columbia law, landlords generally cannot shut off utility services like electricity, heat, or water—including for non-payment of rent or utilities. Doing so is considered an unlawful act known as a "self-help eviction." Utilities may only be disconnected by the service provider (e.g., Pepco), and then only after required notices are given, not by the landlord directly.

What DC Law Says

• The Rental Housing Act of 1985, Section 42-3505.01 bans landlords from willfully interrupting essential services as a way to force a tenant to leave.
• Landlords must maintain all utilities and essential services as promised in your lease.

If a landlord turns off your electricity for non-payment, they are violating DC law and you may have the right to file a complaint or seek damages.

When Can Utilities Actually Be Shut Off?

Only the utility company can disconnect service for non-payment, and only after following the procedures outlined by the DC Office of the People's Counsel and the Public Service Commission.

• You must receive a written notice before disconnection (usually at least 15 days in advance).
• There are protections for medically vulnerable residents and during certain weather extremes.
• Financial hardship programs may be available to help avoid a shut-off—learn more at the Department of Energy & Environment.

If the electricity is in your landlord's name and you pay them as part of rent, further protections may apply.

What To Do If Your Landlord Shuts Off Electricity

If your landlord turns off your electricity (or threatens to), act quickly:

• Document everything: Take photos, save texts or emails, and keep a journal of events.
• Contact the DC Office of Tenant Advocate for free advice.
• File a complaint with the Office of Tenant Advocate or the Rental Accommodations Division.
• If you face health or safety risks, contact DC emergency services.

Key Official Forms and How Renters Can Use Them

• Tenant Petition (Form OTA TP-01A)
  When to use: Use if your landlord unlawfully shuts off electricity or utilities.
  How: Submit this form to the Office of Tenant Advocate or the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) to request an investigation or mediation.
  Download the Tenant Petition (TP-01A)
• Emergency Complaint for Life, Health, and Safety
  When to use: If utility shut-off creates an immediate health or safety threat.
  Contact the RAD or Office of Tenant Advocate for emergency process.

Both forms help alert city officials to urgent code violations and start a city-led investigation or enforcement.

Who Handles Utility Disputes in DC?

The Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) is DC’s official tribunal for landlord-tenant matters, including unlawful utility shut-offs or self-help evictions. The agency provides info, mediates disputes, and enforces the Rental Housing Act of 1985.¹

FAQ: Renters’ Electricity Shut-Off Rights in DC

1. Can my landlord ever legally disconnect my electricity for not paying rent or utilities? No. Landlords in DC are not allowed to disconnect your electricity. Only the utility provider can do so, and only after proper notice as required by law.
2. What if my landlord includes utilities in the rent and stops paying the bill? If the landlord is responsible for the bill and fails to pay, causing shut-off, this is a violation of DC housing law, and you can file a complaint with the Office of Tenant Advocate or Rental Accommodations Division.
3. How can I report an illegal shut-off or get my utilities restored? Complete a Tenant Petition (Form TP-01A), contact the Office of Tenant Advocate, or call RAD. Emergency situations may qualify for fast-tracked complaints.
4. Are there financial aid options if I cannot pay my utility bills? Yes. DC’s Department of Energy & Environment offers programs for lower-income renters to avoid utility disconnection.
5. Who can help mediate disputes with my landlord over utilities? The Rental Accommodations Division and Office of Tenant Advocate offer free resources and mediation for these situations.

Conclusion: Essential Points for DC Renters

• Landlords cannot legally shut off your electricity for non-payment in the District of Columbia.
• Utility disconnections must follow strict rules and can only be carried out by service providers, not landlords.
• If you face an illegal utility shut-off, document the event, use official complaint forms, and contact city agencies for assistance.

Understanding your rights under DC law can help ensure your rental remains safe and your essential services stay connected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA) – Free legal info and forms for DC renters
• Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) – Handle official complaints and rental disputes
• Department of Energy & Environment Utility Assistance
• DC Office of the People's Counsel – Utility rights, complaints, and shut-off protection
• DC Public Service Commission – Consumer protections and complaint procedures

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1. DC Code § 42-3505.01 – Harassment and Unlawful Eviction (Rental Housing Act of 1985)
2. Office of Tenant Advocate: Forms and Applications
3. DC Office of Tenant Advocate – Official Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes
4. DC Public Service Commission: Consumer Rights

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