A Washington D.C. lease termination notice is a document which officially announces the upcoming end of a rental tenancy. Either a landlord or tenant may give notice, in most cases at least 30 days in advance.
Types of Washington D.C. Lease Termination Notice Forms
| Notice Form | Lease Type / Grounds |
| 30 Day Notice To Vacate | Periodic / Fixed Term
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 |
Termination may require a landlord to provide a current business license or waiver of licensing, if filing a writ of restitution in court. All termination notices, other than for nonpayment of rent, must be delivered to both the tenant and the Rent Administrator.
Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice To Vacate
A Washington D.C. 30 Day Notice To Vacate terminates a periodic tenancy (e.g., week-to-week or month-to-month), fixed-term lease, or tenancy at will, as well as an expired lease or a situation with no written lease. The non-terminating parties must receive the notice at least thirty (30) calendar days before the termination date.
Washington D.C. 90 Day Notice To Vacate
A Washington D.C. 90 Day Notice To Vacate terminates a lease due to the sale of the rental premises or impending occupation of the property by the landlord or landlord’s immediate family. The non-terminating parties must receive the notice at least ninety (90) calendar days before the termination date.
Washington D.C. 120 Day Notice To Vacate
A Washington D.C. 120 Day Notice To Vacate terminates a lease agreement when the landlord plans a rehabilitation of the premises or condo conversion. All parties must receive the notice at least one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days before the termination date.
The Rent Administrator/Chief Tenant Advocate must receive the following information from the landlord, for this form of notice to be valid:
- Stipulation that tenants have been notified of renovation plans by proper, legal means
- Renovation plan, project timeline, relocation plan and relocation assistance amount for each eligible tenant to provided to the Rent Administrator and Chief Tenant Advocate
- Department of Buildings inspection for accuracy of application and renovation plan
- Approval from the Chief Tenant Advocate and Rent Administrator
Washington D.C. 180 Day Notice To Vacate
A Washington D.C. 180 Day Notice To Vacate terminate a rental agreements for demolition at the premises or discontinuance of the property’s use as rental housing. The landlord must provide the Rental Administrator with information about the property, the reason for discontinuance, and future plans for the property. All parties must receive the notice at least one hundred and eighty (180) days before the termination date.
How To Write a Lease Termination Notice in Washington D.C.
To ensure the legal compliance of a lease termination notice:
- Use the full name of the receiving party, and address of record, if known
- Specify the termination date of the lease or tenancy
- Fill in the full address of the rental premises
- Provide updated/current address and phone number information
- Print name and sign the notice
- 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 Calculate Expiration Date in Washington D.C.
The “clock” for a lease termination notice period starts “ticking” the day after the notice gets delivered (served). For example, to give at least 30 days of notice and terminate a tenancy as of June 30th, delivery of the termination letter must be no later than May 31st.
In most jurisdictions, if the last day of a notice period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the notice period continues to run until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
How To Serve a Lease Termination Notice in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. landlords and tenants may deliver a lease termination notice using any of these methods:
- Hand delivery to the other party
- Only if the other party cannot be found: Hand delivery to a person of suitable age on the property who can accept the notice on behalf of the other party
- Only if all forms of hand delivery fail: Posting the notice on the property, 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.
Sources
- 1 DC Code § 42–3505.1
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No tenant shall be evicted from a rental unit unless the housing provider provides documentation to the court at the time of filing a writ of restitution demonstrating that the housing provider has a current business license for rental housing issued pursuant to § 47-2828(c)(1), unless the court waived the license requirement.
Source Link - 2 DC Code § 42–3505.1
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Notices for all reasons other than for nonpayment of rent shall be served upon both the tenant and the Rent Administrator.
Source Link - 3 DC Code § 42–3202
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A residential tenancy may be terminated by a 30-day notice in writing only from the tenant to the housing provider of the tenant’s intention to quit. The notice shall expire on the first day of the first month at least 30 days after the date of the notice.
Source Link - 4 DC Code § 42–3203
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A tenancy at will may be terminated by 30 days notice in writing by either landlord or tenant.
Source Link - 5 DC Code § 42–3505.01
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A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit where the housing provider has in good faith contracted in writing to sell the rental unit or the housing accommodation in which the unit is located for the immediate and personal use and occupancy by another person, so long as the housing provider has notified the tenant in writing of the tenant’s right and opportunity to purchase as provided in Chapter 34 of this title. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 90-day notice to vacate in advance of the housing provider’s action to recover possession of the rental unit. No person shall demand or receive rent for any rental unit which has been repossessed under this subsection during the 12-month period beginning on the date on which the rental unit was originally repossessed by the housing provider.
A natural person with a freehold interest in the rental unit may recover possession of a rental unit where the person seeks in good faith to recover possession of the rental unit for the person’s immediate and personal use and occupancy as a dwelling. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 90-day notice to vacate in advance of action to recover possession of the rental unit in instances arising under this subsection. No housing provider shall demand or receive rent for any rental unit which the housing provider has repossessed under this subsection during the 12-month period beginning on the date the housing provider recovered possession of the rental unit. A stockholder of a cooperative housing association with a right of possession in a rental unit may exercise the rights of a natural person with a freehold interest under this subsection.
Source Link - 6 DC Code § 42–3505.01
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A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit for the purpose of immediate, substantial rehabilitation of the housing accommodation if the requirements of § 42-3502.14 and subchapter VII of this chapter have been met. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 120-day notice to vacate in advance of his or her action to recover possession of the rental unit. The notice to vacate shall comply with and notify the tenant of the tenant’s right to relocation assistance under subchapter VII of this chapter.
In any case where the housing provider seeks to recover possession of a rental unit or housing accommodation to convert the rental unit or housing accommodation to a condominium or cooperative, notice to vacate shall be given according to § 42-3402.06(c).
Source Link - 7 DC Code § 42–3402.06
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An owner shall provide each tenant with prior written notice of an intent to convert of at least 120 days by first class mail and by conspicuous posting in common areas of the housing accommodation.
Notice to vacate. — An owner shall not serve a notice to vacate until at least 90 days after the tenant received notice of intention to convert, or prior to expiration of the 60-day period of notice of opportunity to purchase.
Source Link - 8 DC Code § 42–3505.01
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(f)(1)(A) A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit for the immediate purpose of making alterations or renovations to the rental unit which cannot safely or reasonably be accomplished while the rental unit is occupied, so long as:
(i) The plans for the alterations or renovations have been filed with the Rent Administrator and the Chief Tenant Advocate;
(ii) The tenant has had 21 days after receiving notice of the application to submit to the Rent Administrator and to the Chief Tenant Advocate comments on the impact that an approved application would have on the tenant or any household member, and on any statement made in the application;
(iii) An inspector from the Department of Buildings has inspected the housing accommodation for the accuracy of material statements in the application and has reported his or her findings to the Rent Administrator and the Chief Tenant Advocate;
(iv) On or before the filing of the application, the housing provider has given the tenant:
(I) Notice of the application;
(II) Notice of all tenant rights;
(III) A list of sources of technical assistance as published in the District of Columbia Register by the Mayor;
(IV) A summary of the plan for the alterations and renovations to be made; and
(V) Notice that the plan in its entirety is on file and available for review at the office of the Rent Administrator, at the office of the Chief Tenant Advocate, and at the rental office of the housing provider; and
(v) The Rent Administrator, in consultation with the Chief Tenant Advocate, has determined in writing:
(I) That the proposed alterations and renovations cannot safely or reasonably be made while the rental unit is occupied;
(II) Whether the alterations and renovations are necessary to bring the rental unit into compliance with the housing code and the tenant shall have the right to reoccupy the rental unit at the same rent; and
(III) That the proposal is in the interest of each affected tenant after considering the physical condition of the rental unit or the housing accommodation and the overall impact of relocation on the tenant.
(B) As part of the application under this subsection, a housing provider shall submit to the Rent Administrator for review and approval, and to the Chief Tenant Advocate, the following plans and documents:
(i) A detailed statement setting forth why the alterations and renovations are necessary and why they cannot safely or reasonably be accomplished while the rental unit is occupied;
(ii) A copy of the notice that the housing provider has circulated informing the tenant of the application under this subsection;
(iii) A draft of the notice to vacate to be issued to the tenant if the application is approved by the Rent Administrator;
(iv) A timetable for all aspects of the plan for alterations and renovations, including:
(I) The relocation of the tenant from the rental unit and back into the rental unit;
(II) The commencement of the work, which shall be within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 120 days, after the tenant has vacated the rental unit;
(III) The completion of the work; and
(IV) The housing provider’s submission to the Rent Administrator and the Chief Tenant Advocate of periodic progress reports, which shall be due at least once every 60 days until the work is complete and the tenant is notified that the rent unit is ready to be reoccupied;
(v) A relocation plan for each tenant that provides:
(I) The amount of the relocation assistance payment for each unit;
(II) A specific plan for relocating each tenant to another unit in the housing accommodation or in a complex or set of buildings of which the housing accommodation is a part, or, if the housing provider states that relocation within the same building or complex is not practicable, the reasons for the statement;
(III) If relocation to a rental unit pursuant to sub-sub-subparagraph (II) of this sub-subparagraph is not practicable, a list of units within the housing provider’s portfolio of rental accommodations made available to each dispossessed tenant, or, where the housing provider asserts that relocation within the housing provider’s portfolio of rental accommodations is not practicable, the justification for such assertion;
(IV) If relocation to a rental unit pursuant to sub-sub-subparagraph (II) or (III) of this sub-subparagraph is not practicable, a list for each tenant affected by the relocation plan of at least 3 other rental units available to rent in a housing accommodation in the District of Columbia, each of which shall be comparable to the rental unit in which the tenant currently lives; and
(V) A list of tenants with their current addresses and telephone numbers.
(C) The Chief Tenant Advocate, in consultation with the Rent Administrator, shall:
(i) Within 5 days of receipt of the application, issue a notice, which shall include the address and telephone number of the Office of the Chief Tenant Advocate, to each affected tenant stating that the tenant:
(I) Has the right to review or obtain a copy of the application, including all supporting documentation, at the rental office of the housing provider, the Office of the Chief Tenant Advocate, or the office of the Rent Administrator;
(II) Shall have 21 days in which to file with the Rent Administrator and serve on the housing provider comments upon any statement made in the application, and on the impact an approved application would have on the tenant or any household member; and
(III) May consult the Office of the Chief Tenant Advocate with respect to ascertaining the tenant’s legal rights, responding to the application or to any ancillary offer made by the housing provider, or otherwise safeguarding the tenant’s interests;
(ii) At any time prior to or subsequent to the Rent Administrator’s approval of the application, make such inquiries as the Chief Tenant Advocate considers appropriate to determine whether the housing provider has complied with the requirements of this subsection and whether the interests of the tenants are being protected, and shall promptly report any findings to the Rent Administrator; and
(iii) Upon the Rent Administrator’s approval of the application:
(I) Maintain a registry of the affected tenants, including their subsequent interim addresses; and
(II) Issue a written notice, which shall include the address and telephone number of the Office of the Chief Tenant Advocate, to each affected tenant that notifies the tenant of the right to maintain his or her tenancy and the need to keep the Chief Tenant Advocate informed of interim addresses;
(D) The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 120-day notice to vacate prior to the filing of an action to recover possession of the rental unit that shall:
(i) Notify the tenant of the tenant’s rights under this subsection, including the absolute right to reoccupy the rental unit, the right to reoccupy the rental unit at the same rate if the Rent Administrator has determined that the alterations or renovations are necessary to bring the rental unit into substantial compliance with the housing regulations, and the right to relocation assistance under the provisions of subchapter VII of this chapter;
(ii) Include a list of sources of technical assistance as published in the District of Columbia Register by the Mayor; and
(iii) Include a copy of the notice issued by the Chief Tenant Advocate pursuant to paragraph (1)(C)(iii)(II) of this subsection.
(E) Within 5 days of the completion of alterations and renovations, the housing provider shall provide notice, by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the tenant, the Rent Administrator, and the Chief Tenant Advocate that the rental unit is ready to be occupied by the tenant.
(F) Any notice required by this section to be issued to the tenant by the housing provider, the Rent Administrator, or the Chief Tenant Advocate shall be published in the languages as would be required by § 2-1933(a).
(2) Immediately upon completion of the proposed alterations or renovations, the tenant shall have the absolute right to reoccupy the rental unit. A tenant displaced by actions under this subsection shall continue to be a tenant of the rental unit as defined in § 42-3401.03(17), for purposes of rights and remedies under Chapter 34 of this title, until the tenant has waived his or her rights in writing. Until the tenant’s right to reoccupy the rental unit has terminated, the housing provider shall serve on the tenant any notice or other document regarding the rental unit as required by any provision of Chapter 34 of this title, this chapter, or any other law or regulation, except that service shall be made by first-class mail at the address identified as the tenant’s interim address pursuant to paragraph (1)(C)(iii) of this subsection.
(3) Where the renovations or alterations are necessary to bring the rental unit into substantial compliance with the housing regulations, the tenant may rerent at the same rent and under the same obligations that were in effect at the time the tenant was dispossessed, if the renovations or alterations were not made necessary by the negligent or malicious conduct of the tenant.
(4) Tenants displaced by actions under this subsection shall be entitled to receive relocation assistance as set forth in subchapter VII of this chapter, if the tenants meet the eligibility criteria of that subchapter.
(5) Prior to the date that the tenant vacates the unit, the Rent Administrator shall rescind the approval of any application under this subsection upon determining that the housing provider has not complied with this subsection.
(6) If, after the tenant has vacated the unit, the housing provider fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection, the aggrieved tenant or a tenant organization authorized by the tenant may seek enforcement of any right or provision under this subsection by an action in law or equity. If the aggrieved tenant or tenant organization prevails, the aggrieved tenant or tenant organization shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees. In an equitable action, bond requirements shall be waived to the extent permissible under law or court rule.
(g)(1) A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit for the purpose of immediately demolishing the housing accommodation in which the rental unit is located and replacing it with new construction, if a copy of the demolition permit has been filed with the Rent Administrator, and, if the requirements of subchapter VII of this chapter have been met. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 180-day notice to vacate in advance of action to recover possession of the rental unit. The notice to vacate shall comply with and notify the tenant of the tenant’s right to relocation assistance under the provisions of subchapter VII of this chapter.
(2) Tenants displaced by actions under this subsection shall be entitled to receive relocation assistance as set forth in subchapter VII of this chapter, if the tenants meet the eligibility criteria of that subchapter.
(h)(1) A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit for the purpose of immediate, substantial rehabilitation of the housing accommodation if the requirements of § 42-3502.14 and subchapter VII of this chapter have been met. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 120-day notice to vacate in advance of his or her action to recover possession of the rental unit. The notice to vacate shall comply with and notify the tenant of the tenant’s right to relocation assistance under subchapter VII of this chapter.
(2) Any tenant displaced from a rental unit by the substantial rehabilitation of the housing accommodation in which the rental unit is located shall have a right to re-rent the rental unit immediately upon the completion of the substantial rehabilitation.
(3) Tenants displaced by actions under this subsection shall be entitled to receive relocation assistance as set forth in subchapter VII of this chapter, if the tenants meet the eligibility criteria of that subchapter.
Source Link - 9 DC Code § 42–3505.01
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A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit for the immediate purpose of discontinuing the housing use and occupancy of the rental unit so long as:
The housing provider serves on the tenant a 180-day notice to vacate in advance of his or her action to recover possession of the rental unit. The notice to vacate shall comply with and notify the tenant of the tenant’s right to relocation assistance under the provisions of subchapter VII of this chapter;
The housing provider shall not cause the housing accommodation, of which the unit is a part, to be substantially rehabilitated for a continuous 12-month period beginning from the date that the use is discontinued under this section;
The housing provider shall not resume any housing or commercial use of the unit for a continuous 12-month period beginning from the date that the use is discontinued under this section;
The housing provider shall not resume any housing use of the unit other than rental housing;
Upon resumption of the housing use, the housing provider shall not rerent the unit at a greater rent than would have been permitted under this chapter had the housing use not been discontinued;
The housing provider shall, on a form devised by the Rent Administrator, file with the Rent Administrator a statement including, but not limited to, general information about the housing accommodation, such as address and number of units, the reason for the discontinuance of use, and future plans for the property;
If the housing provider desires to resume a rental housing use of the unit, the housing provider shall notify the Rent Administrator who shall determine whether the provisions of this paragraph have been satisfied; and
The housing provider shall not demand or receive rent for any rental unit which the housing provider has repossessed under this subsection for a 12-month period beginning on the date the housing provider recovered possession of the rental unit.
A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit for the purpose of immediately demolishing the housing accommodation in which the rental unit is located and replacing it with new construction, if a copy of the demolition permit has been filed with the Rent Administrator, and, if the requirements of subchapter VII of this chapter have been met. The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 180-day notice to vacate in advance of action to recover possession of the rental unit. The notice to vacate shall comply with and notify the tenant of the tenant’s right to relocation assistance under the provisions of subchapter VII of this chapter.
Source Link - 10 DC Code § 42–3505.01
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The housing provider shall, on a form devised by the Rent Administrator, file with the Rent Administrator a statement including, but not limited to, general information about the housing accommodation, such as address and number of units, the reason for the discontinuance of use, and future plans for the property;
(G) If the housing provider desires to resume a rental housing use of the unit, the housing provider shall notify the Rent Administrator who shall determine whether the provisions of this paragraph have been satisfied; and
(H) The housing provider shall not demand or receive rent for any rental unit which the housing provider has repossessed under this subsection for a 12-month period beginning on the date the housing provider recovered possession of the rental unit.
Source Link - 11 D.C. Code § 42-3206
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Source Link
Every notice to the tenant to quit shall be served in English and Spanish upon him personally, if he can be found, and if he can not be found it shall be sufficient service of said notice to deliver the same to some person of proper age upon the premises, and in the absence of such tenant or person to post the same in some conspicuous place upon the leased premises. If the notice is posted on the premises, a copy of the notice shall be mailed first class U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the premises sought to be recovered, in the name of the person known to be in possession of the premises, or if unknown, in the name of the person occupying the premises, within 3 calendar days of the date of posting.
- 12 Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 6(c)
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c) Additional time after service by mail. Whenever a party has the right to act or is required to act within a specified time period after service of a notice or other paper upon the party, if the notice is by regular first class mail, then the party shall have three additional days, separately computed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Rule, to act. For the purpose of this Rule service by facsimile transmission is not service by mail.
Source Link - 13 D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a)(1) - (a)(3)
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(1) …No tenant shall be evicted from a rental unit for any reason unless the tenant has been served with a written notice which meets the requirements of this section. Notices for all reasons other than for nonpayment of rent shall be served upon both the tenant and the Rent Administrator. (2) If a notice is served by posting a copy on the premises, a photograph of the posted notice must be submitted to the court. The photograph must have a readable timestamp that indicates the date and time of when the summons was posted. (3) If the landlord knows the tenant speaks a primary language other than English or Spanish that is covered under § 2-1933, the landlord must provide the notice in that language. ===== To determine whether a language other than English or Spanish is covered by the legal requirement in section (D), above, see D.C. Code § 2-1933 (“A covered entity shall provide translations of vital documents into any non-English language spoken by a limited or no-English proficient population that constitutes 3% or 500 individuals, whichever is less”). Source Link
