D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1402.23
Acts of discrimination by real estate broker, real estate salesperson, or property manager.
Operative Text
(a) It shall be a violation of this section for any real estate broker, real estate salesperson, or property manager to commit any act of discrimination prohibited by this unit . (b) A finding by a court or the Commission that a holder of, or applicant for, any permit, license, franchise, benefit, exemption, or advantage issued by or on behalf of a District government agency, board, or commission has violated this section shall, in any proceeding conducted by that agency, board, or commission that considers whether the holder or applicant is acting in the public interest, constitutes prima facie evidence that the holder or applicant has endangered the public interest. (c) Any real estate broker or real estate salesperson who commits any act of discrimination prohibited under the provisions of this chapter, if such act or the property involved is within the District of Columbia, or if such act occurs outside of the District of Columbia, in a place where such act is prohibited by state or local law, ordinance or regulation, without regard to location of the property, shall be considered by the Real Estate Commission, for the purposes of Chapter 17 of Title 42 , as having endangered the public interest; and shall be subject to the procedures set forth in § 2-1403.17 .
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.23 prohibits real estate brokers, salespersons, and property managers from committing any act of discrimination that is otherwise banned under the District's human rights laws. When a court or the D.C. Human Rights Commission finds that a licensed professional has violated this provision, that finding can serve as prima facie evidence in any related licensing or public-interest proceeding that the individual has endangered the public interest. Brokers and salespersons who discriminate—whether the property is in D.C. or the discriminatory act occurs elsewhere where it is also prohibited—may face review by the Real Estate Commission under the procedures established in § 2-1403.17.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Real estate brokers, salespersons, and property managers operating in the District must ensure that all of their professional conduct—including marketing, showing, leasing, and managing properties—complies with the anti-discrimination requirements of D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.23. Compliant operators typically maintain written non-discrimination policies, train staff on prohibited conduct, and apply consistent criteria to all applicants and tenants. A finding of violation can jeopardize a professional's license and be used as evidence against them in any proceeding where their fitness to serve the public interest is at issue.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.23, tenants and housing applicants have the right to be free from discriminatory conduct by real estate brokers, salespersons, and property managers. If a tenant believes they have experienced such discrimination, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights, raising the violation as a defense in a housing proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with D.C. human rights law. A successful finding under this provision can also trigger consequences for the professional's license through the Real Estate Commission.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation