D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1402.22
Blockbusting and steering.
Operative Text
It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person, whether or not acting for monetary gain, directly or indirectly to engage in the practices of “blockbusting” and “steering”, including, but not limited to, the commission of any 1 or more of the following acts: (1) To promote, induce, influence, or attempt to promote, induce, or influence a transaction in real property through any representation, means or device whatsoever calculated to induce a person to discriminate or to engage in such transaction wholly or partially in response to discrimination, prejudice, fear or unrest adduced by such means, device or representation; (2) To place a sign, or display any other device, either purporting to offer or tending to lead to the belief that an offer is being made for a transaction in real property that is not in fact available or offered for transaction, or which purports that any transaction in real property has occurred that in fact has not.
Under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.22, both 'blockbusting' and 'steering' are prohibited forms of housing discrimination in the District of Columbia, regardless of whether the person engaging in them profits financially. The law covers a broad range of conduct, including using representations or devices designed to exploit fear or prejudice to push someone toward or away from a real estate transaction, as well as posting false or misleading signs suggesting a property is available or that a transaction has occurred when it has not. These prohibitions apply to anyone involved in real property transactions, not just licensed real estate professionals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.22 broadly prohibits conduct that manipulates housing decisions by exploiting demographic fears or prejudices. Compliant operators avoid making representations—verbal, written, or through signage—that could be construed as designed to induce transactions based on discrimination or community unrest. They also ensure that any marketing materials, signs, or listings accurately reflect the actual availability and status of properties, so as not to create false impressions about what is being offered or what transactions have taken place.
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. § 2-1402.22 gives District residents protections against blockbusting and steering, meaning no one may use fear, prejudice, or misleading representations to manipulate housing choices based on discriminatory factors. If a tenant or prospective buyer believes they have been subjected to such tactics—such as being shown false listings or receiving communications designed to exploit neighborhood demographic concerns—they may have grounds to raise a violation under this provision. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with fair housing law in the District.
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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