D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1402.61
Coercion or retaliation.
Operative Text
(a) It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice to coerce, threaten, retaliate against, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected under this chapter. (b) It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person to require, request, or suggest that a person retaliate against, interfere with, intimidate or discriminate against a person, because that person has opposed any practice made unlawful by this chapter, or because that person has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing authorized under this chapter. (c) It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person to cause or coerce, or attempt to cause or coerce, directly or indirectly, any person to prevent any person from complying with the provisions of this chapter.
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.61 prohibits any person from coercing, threatening, retaliating against, or interfering with someone who has exercised or assisted others in exercising rights protected under the District's human rights law. The provision also bars anyone from directing or pressuring a third party to retaliate or discriminate against someone who has opposed an unlawful practice or participated in an official investigation or proceeding. Additionally, it is unlawful to cause or attempt to cause—directly or indirectly—any person to obstruct compliance with the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1402.61 generally ensure that no adverse action—such as lease non-renewal, rent increases, or reduced services—is taken against a resident because that resident exercised a protected right, filed a complaint, or assisted in an investigation. Compliant operators also avoid instructing or pressuring employees, agents, or contractors to retaliate against or intimidate tenants or applicants. Maintaining clear, documented, non-retaliatory reasons for any housing decisions helps demonstrate that actions are taken for legitimate operational purposes rather than in response to protected activity.
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. § 2-1402.61 protects tenants from adverse treatment—such as threats, harassment, or changes in housing conditions—taken because they asserted a fair-housing right, filed a complaint, or participated in a related proceeding. If a tenant believes a landlord has retaliated in violation of this provision, options generally include filing a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights, raising the retaliation as a defense in any eviction or other proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with D.C. human rights law. Tenants who encouraged or assisted others in exercising their rights are also protected under this provision.
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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