D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1402.01
General.
Operative Text
Every individual shall have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the District and to have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of life, including, but not limited to, in employment, in places of public accommodation, resort or amusement, in educational institutions, in public service, and in housing and commercial space accommodations.
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.01 establishes a broad foundational principle in the District of Columbia that every person is entitled to equal opportunity across major areas of civic and economic life, explicitly including housing and commercial space accommodations. The provision does not carve out exceptions based on protected characteristics, signaling that discriminatory barriers in housing are inconsistent with this declared public policy. It serves as the overarching statement of intent underlying the District's human rights framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.01, property owners and managers operating in the District are expected to conduct their rental and leasing activities in a manner consistent with the principle of equal opportunity in housing. Compliant operators generally apply uniform criteria when screening applicants, setting terms, and managing tenancies, without regard to characteristics protected under D.C.'s Human Rights Act. Familiarity with this foundational provision helps operators understand the spirit behind the more specific anti-discrimination rules that follow in the code.
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. § 2-1402.01 affirms that every person in the District has a right to equal opportunity in housing, establishing a strong public-policy foundation for challenging discriminatory treatment. Tenants who believe they have experienced unequal treatment in a housing context may find this provision relevant as background when exploring their options, which can include filing a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights or consulting a tenant-rights organization. Understanding this general provision alongside the more specific sections of the Human Rights Act can help tenants assess what protections may apply to their circumstances.
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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