D.C. Code tit. 16 § 16-1502
Service of summons.
Operative Text
(a) The summons provided for by section 16-1501 shall be served at least 14 days before the day fixed for the initial hearing of the action. If the defendant has left the District, or cannot be found, the summons may be served by delivering a copy of the summons to the tenant, or by leaving a copy with some person above the age of 16 years residing on or in possession of the premises, or by posting a copy of the summons on the premises where it may be conveniently read. (b) (1) If the summons is posted on the premises, a copy of the summons shall be mailed first class U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the premises sought to be recovered, addressed in the name of the person known to be in possession of the premises, or, if unknown, addressed in the name of the person occupying the premises, within 3 calendar days of the date of posting. (2) If a summons is served by posting a copy on the premises, a photograph of the posted summons must be submitted to the court. The photograph must have a readable timestamp that indicates the date and time when the summons was posted.
D.C. Code § 16-1502 governs how a summons in an eviction action must be delivered to a defendant. The summons must be served at least 14 days before the initial hearing, and it may be delivered personally, left with a resident over age 16, or posted on the premises if the defendant has left the District or cannot be found. When posting is used, the landlord must also mail a copy by first-class mail within 3 calendar days and submit a timestamped photograph of the posted summons to the court.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 16-1502, landlords initiating an eviction action are generally expected to ensure the summons reaches the tenant at least 14 days before the scheduled hearing. When personal service is not possible because the tenant has left the District or cannot be located, compliant operators typically document the posting with a timestamped photograph submitted to the court and follow up with a first-class mailed copy within 3 calendar days of posting. Failure to meet these procedural requirements can affect the validity of the proceeding, so property managers commonly work with a process server or legal professional familiar with D.C. eviction procedures.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 16-1502 establishes rules designed to ensure tenants receive adequate notice before an eviction hearing, including a minimum 14-day window between service and the initial hearing date. If a tenant believes the summons was not properly served—for example, that posting was used without the required follow-up mailing or timestamped photograph—that procedural defect may be raised as a defense in the proceeding. Tenants who have questions about whether service was properly completed can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with D.C. housing court procedures.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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