D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1401.01
Intent of Council.
Operative Text
It is the intent of the Council of the District of Columbia, in enacting this unit , to secure an end in the District of Columbia to discrimination for any reason other than that of individual merit, including, but not limited to, discrimination by reason of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, sealed eviction record, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, and homeless status.
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. establishes the foundational policy of the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, declaring that discrimination in the District should be eliminated across a broad range of protected characteristics. These characteristics go well beyond federally protected categories and include, among others, source of income, sealed eviction records, homeless status, and status as a victim of domestic violence or stalking. The provision sets the overarching intent that individuals be judged on individual merit alone, framing all subsequent provisions of the Act.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia should understand that D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. reflects one of the broadest anti-discrimination mandates in the country, covering characteristics such as source of income and sealed eviction records that are not protected under federal law. Compliant operators generally review their tenant screening criteria, advertising practices, and lease terms to ensure no policy has the effect of excluding applicants based on any of the listed characteristics. Because this provision establishes the Council's intent, it informs how all other sections of the Human Rights Act are interpreted and applied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. signals that the District's Human Rights Act is designed to protect a wide range of people from discriminatory treatment in housing and other areas of life, including those with sealed eviction records, those experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence or stalking. Tenants who believe they have experienced discrimination based on any of the listed characteristics may have grounds to raise a complaint under the Act, including by contacting the D.C. Office of Human Rights, which administers enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can help individuals understand how this broad statement of intent connects to specific enforceable rights under the Act.
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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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