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Eviction Laws
- Rent Grace Period: 5 days.[1]
- Non-Payment of Rent: 30 days.[2]
- Non-Compliance: 30 days.[3]
- Termination (Month-to-Month): 30 days.[4]
- Illegal Activity: 30 days.[5]
- Personal Use and Occupancy: 90 days.[6]
- Personal Use and Occupancy of a Contract Purchaser: 90 days.[7]
- Substantial Rehabilitation: 120 days.[8]
- Notice of Demolition: 180 days.[9]
- Discontinuance of Housing Use: 180 days.[10]
- Eviction Lawsuit: Evictions.[11]
Prohibited Landlord Actions
Utility Shutoff – While no statute explicitly states that a landlord may not interrupt a tenant’s utility services, this act is considered a self-help eviction and considered illegal.
Changing the Locks – While no statute explicitly states that a landlord may not change the locks to block a tenant’s access to their unit, this act is considered a self-help eviction and considered illegal.
Court Forms
Answer of Defendant – Those facing eviction may use this form to respond to a notice to quit.
Complaint for Nonpayment of Rent (Form 1-A) – A landlord may file this form with the court to begin the eviction process if the tenant has failed to pay rent.
How to Evict a Tenant (4 steps)
2. File Complaint with Local Court
If the necessary notice period for the type of eviction has elapsed and the tenant remains on the premises, the landlord should file the complaint, Form 1-A, with the Landlord and Tenant Branch of the Civil Court Division.
The initial filing fee is $15.[12]
4. Attend Hearing
A judge in the landlord and tenant branch will set a date for a hearing. Landlord and tenant matters in the District may be handled either by an attorney or by the party involved, which is known as “pro se.”
Both parties are obligated to appear and may present evidence and arguments. Landlords should expect additional procedural requirements if the tenant being evicted receives public assistance or is in the process of applying.