Illegal Self-Help Evictions in DC: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re a renter in the District of Columbia, understanding your rights when facing eviction is crucial. In DC, so-called "self-help evictions"—when a landlord tries to force you out without a court order—are strictly illegal. This means your landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings to make you leave. Knowing the laws and where to get help can make a difficult situation easier to navigate.

What Is a Self-Help Eviction?

A self-help eviction is when a landlord tries to evict a tenant without going through the District of Columbia's legal process. Instead, they might try to remove you using threats, changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing your possessions. These actions are designed to make living conditions so difficult that you feel forced to move out.

What Actions Are Illegal?

Under DC law, the following actions by landlords are considered illegal self-help evictions:

• Changing or altering locks without a court order
• Removing doors or windows
• Shutting off water, heat, electricity, or other vital utilities
• Removing your personal belongings from the rental unit
• Using threats, intimidation, or force to make you leave

Only the U.S. Marshals Service, following an official court judgment and writ of restitution, can physically remove a tenant under DC law.^[1]

What Is the Legal Eviction Process in DC?

Landlords must follow a specific legal process to evict a tenant in the District of Columbia:

• Give you written notice stating the reason for eviction (such as nonpayment of rent or lease violation)
• File an eviction case in the Landlord and Tenant Branch of the DC Superior Court
• Obtain a judgment for possession from the court
• Request a Writ of Restitution (Form CV-006)—the court's authorization for the U.S. Marshals Service to carry out the eviction
• The U.S. Marshals Service schedules and supervises the actual move-out

Official DC Forms You Should Know

• Writ of Restitution (Form CV-006): This is the form the landlord uses after winning a judgment in court, to request the U.S. Marshals carry out the eviction. You can review it on the DC Superior Court Forms page.
  Example: If your landlord sues to evict you and the court rules in their favor, only after they file the Writ of Restitution can the Marshals supervise a legal eviction.
• Answer Form (Form L&T 7): If you receive an eviction court summons, use this form to formally respond to the court. See the DC Civil Forms section.
  Example: You get a court notice for eviction; you file this form to share your side and possibly raise defenses in court.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints and Evictions in DC?

The Landlord and Tenant Branch of the DC Superior Court handles all residential eviction cases in the District of Columbia.

If you believe your landlord is attempting an illegal (self-help) eviction, you can file a complaint with:

• Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
• DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

What To Do If Your Landlord Attempts Self-Help Eviction

If you’re experiencing any of the illegal actions described above, take these steps as soon as possible:

• Document everything—take photos, videos, and keep all communications
• Remain in your rental unit if safe to do so
• Call the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) if the landlord tries to lock you out or remove your belongings
• Contact the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate for guidance
• Consider seeking legal aid or requesting help from tenant advocacy organizations

DC’s strong tenant protection laws ensure that only the court and U.S. Marshals may supervise an eviction.^[2]

Relevant DC Residential Tenancy Legislation

• Rental Housing Act of 1985 (D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq.)
• Eviction Protections: D.C. Code § 42–3505.01

FAQ: DC Renters' Rights Around Eviction

1. Is my landlord allowed to change my locks to force me out?
   No. In the District of Columbia, it is illegal for your landlord to change your locks without a court order and the involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service.
2. Can my landlord turn off utilities if I’m behind on rent?
   No. Shutting off utilities as a form of eviction is unlawful self-help eviction under DC law.
3. What paperwork does my landlord need to evict me legally?
   Your landlord must give you written notice, file a case in the Landlord and Tenant Branch of DC Superior Court, obtain a court judgment, and secure a Writ of Restitution to initiate a legal eviction.
4. What should I do if my landlord moves my belongings out?
   Document what happened (photos, video), contact the police, and report the incident to the Office of Tenant Advocate and the DC Attorney General.
5. Which agency oversees residential eviction procedures in DC?
   The Landlord and Tenant Branch of the DC Superior Court supervises all legal evictions. You can also seek help from the DC Office of Tenant Advocate.

Key Takeaways for DC Renters

• Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities) are illegal in DC
• Only the court and U.S. Marshals can legally evict you after proper process
• Document illegal attempts and seek help from official agencies or legal services

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA): (202) 719-6560
• Landlord and Tenant Branch, DC Superior Court
• DC Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Complaints
• Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
• DC Department of Housing – Tenant Assistance

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1. See: D.C. Code § 42–3505.01 – Eviction Procedures
2. Rental Housing Act of 1985 (D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq.)

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