District of Columbia · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

District of Columbia tenant repair rights

What a landlord in District of Columbia must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

Every DC lease includes an implied warranty of habitability (court-made rule, summarized in the Office of the Tenant Advocate's Tenant Bill of Rights).

Repair and deduct
No statute
Withholding rent
See the rule
Notice before entry
48 hours

Repairs in District of Columbia

The landlord's duty
Every DC lease includes an implied warranty of habitability (court-made rule, summarized in the Office of the Tenant Advocate's Tenant Bill of Rights). Landlords must keep units in compliance with the DC Housing Regulations (14 DCMR), including heat, pest control and good repair. Rent above the base rent cannot be increased unless the unit and common areas substantially comply with the housing regulations (§ 42-3502.08), and the Rent Administrator can roll back rents for prolonged violations. After your written notice of mold, the landlord must inspect within 7 days and fix it within 30 days (§ 8-241.04).
How to ask for repairs
Make repair requests in writing, or orally in front of a witness, so they count as protected activity. You can also call DC's Department of Buildings for an inspection.
Repair and deduct
No statute allows general repair-and-deduct.
Withholding rent
The Rental Housing Act protects tenants who 'legally withheld' rent after giving reasonable notice of a housing code violation (§ 42-3505.02(b)(3)), but the Act does not set out a withholding procedure. Get advice from the Office of the Tenant Advocate before withholding.
Law
D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3505.02; 14 DCMR

Landlord entry in District of Columbia

At least 48 hours' written notice (e-mail or text allowed; paper if you do not acknowledge), only for a reasonable purpose, and only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., not on Sundays or federal holidays, unless you agree otherwise. No notice in an emergency. Unlawful or repeated unreasonable entry can be stopped by court order with damages. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51.

Retaliation in District of Columbia

Landlords may not retaliate (evict, raise rent, cut services, refuse to renew, harass) when you use any legal right. If within 6 months before the landlord's action you asked for code repairs (in writing or with a witness), complained to DC officials, lawfully withheld rent after notice, joined a tenant organization, enforced your lease, or sued the landlord, retaliation is presumed and the landlord must disprove it by clear and convincing evidence. D.C. Code § 42-3505.02.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In District of Columbia: Make repair requests in writing, or orally in front of a witness, so they count as protected activity.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for District of Columbia

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

District of Columbia's rule on asking for repairs:Make repair requests in writing, or orally in front of a witness, so they count as protected activity. You can also call DC's Department of Buildings for an inspection.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in District of Columbia

Questions about repairs in District of Columbia

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in District of Columbia?

Make repair requests in writing, or orally in front of a witness, so they count as protected activity. You can also call DC's Department of Buildings for an inspection.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in District of Columbia?

No statute allows general repair-and-deduct.

Can I withhold rent for repairs in District of Columbia?

The Rental Housing Act protects tenants who 'legally withheld' rent after giving reasonable notice of a housing code violation (§ 42-3505.02(b)(3)), but the Act does not set out a withholding procedure. Get advice from the Office of the Tenant Advocate before withholding.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in District of Columbia?

At least 48 hours' written notice (e-mail or text allowed; paper if you do not acknowledge), only for a reasonable purpose, and only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., not on Sundays or federal holidays, unless you agree otherwise. No notice in an emergency. Unlawful or repeated unreasonable entry can be stopped by court order with damages. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in District of Columbia?

Landlords may not retaliate (evict, raise rent, cut services, refuse to renew, harass) when you use any legal right. If within 6 months before the landlord's action you asked for code repairs (in writing or with a witness), complained to DC officials, lawfully withheld rent after notice, joined a tenant organization, enforced your lease, or sued the landlord, retaliation is presumed and the landlord must disprove it by clear and convincing evidence. D.C. Code § 42-3505.02.

More for District of Columbia renters

Repairs in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.