Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice of Termination

Last Updated: April 3, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice of Termination is a letter that satisfies legal requirements to begin eviction against a tenant who has committed an illegal act on the premises. The tenant is not given an opportunity to take corrective action, and must move out within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving notice.

When To Use a Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice of Termination

A Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice of Termination begins the eviction process when the tenant has committed an illegal act on the premises. The tenant is not given an opportunity to take corrective action, and must move out within thirty (30) calendar days.

Some types of Washington D.C. lease termination notice may allow different reasons for termination, or different notice periods. This may also apply to an eviction notice issued because of a lease or legal violation.

How To Write a Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice of Termination

To help ensure the legal compliance of a Notice of Termination:

  1. Use the full name of the receiving parties, and address of record, if known
  2. Specify the basis for terminating the tenancy
  3. Specify the termination date of the lease or tenancy
  4. Fill in the full address of the rental premises
  5. Provide updated/current address and phone number information
  6. Print name and sign the notice
  7. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery, along with printed name and signature

It is easy to lose an otherwise justified legal action because of improper notice. Check carefully to ensure enough time after notice is delivered, not when it’s sent.

How To Serve a Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice of Termination

Washington D.C. landlords may deliver an initial Notice of Termination 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.

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