How To Serve an Eviction Notice in Washington D.C.

How To Serve an Eviction Notice in Washington D.C.

Last Updated: July 25, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

In Washington D.C., in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.

Who Can Serve Eviction Notices in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., landlords can serve eviction notices and lease termination notices themselves. Landlords may choose to hire a sheriff, process server or independent party over eighteen (18) years old to serve an official notice, but they are not required to do so by law.

When Can Eviction Notices Be Served in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., lease termination and eviction notices can be served immediately on any day of the week and at any time of day.

For a 30 Day Notice to Quit, the eviction notice for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a landlord can serve notice the day after rent is due. There is no legal grace period for paying rent in Washington D.C., rent is late starting the day after it’s due.

Acceptable Forms of Service in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. landlords may deliver an initial eviction notice using any of these methods:

  1. Hand delivery to the tenant
  2. Only if the tenant cannot be found: Hand delivery to a person of suitable age on the premises who can accept the notice on behalf of the tenant
  3. Only if all forms of hand delivery fail: Posting the notice on the premises, PLUS, within three (3) calendar days, mailing notice by first class mail with return postage prepaid

Mailed notice extends a notice period by three (3) calendar days, to account for variable delivery times.

Special Notice Requirements in Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., notice from a landlord must be delivered in both English and Spanish, by default. If the landlord knows the tenant speaks a language other than English and Spanish, in most cases the landlord must provide notice in the tenant’s preferred language.

Except for notice for nonpayment of rent, all notices by default must be served on the Rent Administrator in addition to being served to the tenant. Notice posted to the premises can only be proven in Washington D.C. courts by providing a picture of the posted notice with a readable date and timestamp.

Notice for Nonpayment of Rent in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. requires that a 30 Day Notice To Quit for nonpayment of rent must (in addition to any other content the landlord wishes to mention) contain language identical or substantively similar to the following:

The total amount of rent owed is [list specific amount due]. A ledger showing the dates of rent charges and payments for the period of delinquency is attached. You have the right to remain in the rental unit if the total balance of unpaid rent is paid in full.

 

[Name of housing provider] has the right to file a case in court seeking your eviction if the amount of rent you owe is equal to at least $600 and you do not pay the balance of unpaid rent in full within 30 days of this notice. If the amount you owe is lower than $600, [name of housing provider] can notify you of the amount due but cannot file a case in court seeking your eviction.

 

You have the right to defend yourself in court. Only a court can order your eviction. For further help or to seek free legal services, contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate at 202-719-6560 or the Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network at 202-780-2575.

Obtaining Proof of Service in Washington D.C. 

Landlords can show proof that the notice was delivered through the following methods:

  • Hand Delivery – by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery
  • Posting at the Premises – by taking a photograph with a date and time stamp and completing a Declaration of Service
  • First Class Mail – mail receipt and completing a Declaration of Service

Washington D.C. Eviction and Lease Termination Notice Forms

Notice Form Grounds
30 Day Notice To Quit Eviction for Unpaid Rent
30 Day Notice To Comply or Vacate Eviction for Lease Violation
30 Day Notice of Termination Eviction for Illegal Activity
30 Day Notice To Vacate Ending a Periodic / Fixed Term Lease

Tenancy At Will

90 Day Notice To Vacate Sale of Property /

Landlord Occupying Premises

120 Day Notice To Vacate Rehabilitation /

Condo Conversion

180 Day Notice To Vacate Demolition /

Discontinue Housing

Sources