Washington D.C. Eviction Notice Forms

A Washington D.C. eviction notice form for non-compliance is a written document that states a tenant has 30 days [1] to correct the violation or vacate the premises. Additionally, there are other notice forms for other possible grounds for eviction in Washington D.C.

Types of Washington D.C. Eviction Notices

Each possible ground for eviction has its own notice type. Some notices allow the tenant to fix (“cure”) the issue and continue the tenancy, while others simply state an amount of time to vacate by.

60-Day Notice to Pay (Nonpayment of Rent)

In Washington D.C., a landlord can evict a tenant for not paying rent on time. Through October 7, 2022, Washington D.C. has an Emergency Rental Assistance Program in place and a landlord may not evict a tenant unless the past due rent is more than $600.

If the past due rent is more than $600, a landlord must issue a 60 days’ [1] notice to pay or vacate. The tenant has the option to pay rent, file for emergency rental assistance (eligibility requirements are based on the household’s income), or the tenant must move out.

Unless the lease states otherwise, rent is due at the beginning of each pay period and is considered late in Washington D.C. on the fifth day after its due date. So for example, if rent is due on the first of the month, it is considered late starting on the sixth of the month (if not paid in full).

Once rent is considered late, the landlord can begin the eviction process by serving the tenant with proper notice.

30-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate (Non-Compliance)

A tenant can be evicted in Washington D.C., if they do not uphold their responsibilities under the terms of a written lease or rental agreement.

Washington D.C., landlords must provide tenants with a 30-Day Notice to Comply, giving the tenant 30 days [2] to correct the issue to avoid eviction.

Typical lease violations under this category could include things like damaging the rental property, having too many people residing in the rental unit, and having a pet when there’s a no-pet policy.

Note that illegal activity is not included in this category.

If the tenant fails to correct the issue after the notice period expires, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.

Get the downloadable 30-Day Eviction Notice for Noncompliance form template below (.pdf direct link).

120-Day Notice to Vacate (Renovation of Rental Unit)

If a Washington D.C., landlord wants to renovate a property, and they plan to move tenants out during the renovation, whether it’s just one room, or the entire property, landlords are required to give tenants 120 days’ [7] written notice to vacate the rental unit.

The notice should include: [7]

• The tenant’s right to return to the rental unit once renovations are complete;
• The tenant’s right to re-rent the unit at the same rate if the renovations were required to bring the unit up to current code; and
• The tenant’s right to receive relocation assistance.

This also includes substantial [8] renovations.

Get the downloadable 120-Day Eviction Notice for Renovation of Rental Unit form template below (.pdf direct link).

180-Day Notice to Quit (Demolition of Rental Unit)

If a Washington D.C., landlord wants to demolish a rental property and rebuild it, the landlord is required to give tenants at least 180 days’ [9] written notice.

The notice must include the fact that the tenant has a right to receive relocation [9] assistance.

Get the downloadable 180-Day Eviction Notice for Demolition form template below (.pdf direct link).

90-Day Notice to Quit (Personal Use of Rental Unit)

If the landlord or owner decides that they no longer want to rent out the unit, and instead want to live in the rental unit or property themselves, then the landlord must give their tenant 90 days’ [10] written notice to vacate the rental unit.

The notice should include the date the tenancy will terminate.

Get the downloadable 90-Day Eviction Notice for Owner’s Personal Use form template below (.pdf direct link).

180-Day Notice to Quit (Discontinuance of Use)

If the landlord or owner decides that they no longer want to rent out the rental property, and the property is going to sit unused, then the landlord must give their tenant 180 days’ [11] written notice to vacate the rental unit.

The notice should include the date the tenancy will terminate.

Get the downloadable 180-Day Eviction Notice for Discontinuance of Use form template below (.pdf direct link).

90-Day Notice to Quit (Sale of Rental Property)

If the rental property is sold, landlords are required to provide their tenants with 90 days’ [12] written notice if the tenants are being evicted because of the sale.

The notice should include the date the tenancy will terminate.

Get the downloadable 90-Day Eviction Notice for Sale of Rental Property form template below (.pdf direct link).

30-Day Notice to Quit (Illegal Activity)

Tenants who are involved in illegal activity must be given 30 days’ [13] written notice before the landlord can proceed with an eviction action.

Washington D.C., code doesn’t specify which illegal acts will get a tenant evicted.

In these instances, tenants don’t have the option of correcting the issue to avoid eviction.

The notice should include the date the tenancy will terminate.

Get the downloadable 30-Day Eviction Notice for Illegal Activity form template below (.pdf direct link).

What to Include in Washington D.C. Eviction Notices

Washington D.C., landlords are expected to provide some basic information on all eviction notices, including: [3]

• The reason for the eviction; and
• A statement indicating that the rental unit is registered with the Rent Administrator, if it’s required to be registered under D.C. law.

It’s also a good idea to include:

• The date the tenancy will terminate; and
• The tenant’s name and contact information.

The landlord will also want to get the tenant’s signature confirming that they received the eviction notice, if the notice was hand-delivered.

Delivering Eviction Notices in Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., landlords can deliver an eviction notice through the following methods: [4]

• Delivering it to the tenant in person;
• Leaving a copy with someone of suitable age at the rental unit if the tenant cannot be found; or
• Posting the notice in a conspicuous place at the rental unit AND mailing a copy to the tenant via first class mail if no one can be found at the rental unit.

For rental units that are required to be registered with the Rent Administrator, the eviction notice must be served [5] on the Rent Administrator as well as the tenant.

In addition, every eviction notice must be served on the tenant in both English and Spanish.

Eviction Process in Washington D.C.

1. An eviction notice is posted by the landlord to vacate or “cure” the issue.
2. If uncured and tenant remains, the complaint is filed and served.
3. A hearing is held and judgment issued.
4. If an eviction is granted, a Writ of Execution is posted at the property, giving final notice to the tenant to remove their belongings.
5. Finally, the sheriff returns possession of the property to the landlord.

To learn more about the eviction process in Washington D.C., click here.