D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1402.64
Resisting the Office or Commission.
Operative Text
(a) Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the Office or the Commission, or any of their representatives, in the performance of any duty under the provisions of this chapter, or shall willfully violate an order of the Commission, shall upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 10 days, or by a fine of not more than $300, or by both, except, that filing a petition for review of an order, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, shall not be deemed to constitute such willful conduct, nor shall compliance with any procedure regarding a subpoena in accord with § 5-1021 , be deemed to constitute such willful conduct. (b) It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for a person subject to this chapter, to fail to post notices, maintain records, file reports, as required by §§ 2-1402.51 to 2-1402.53 , or to supply documents and information requested by the Office in connection with a matter under investigation.
D.C. Code § 2-1402.64 establishes two categories of prohibited conduct related to the District of Columbia's Office of Human Rights and the Commission on Human Rights. First, it makes it a criminal offense to willfully obstruct, interfere with, or defy the work of those bodies or their representatives, including violating a Commission order—though seeking judicial review of an order or following proper subpoena procedures does not count as obstruction. Second, it designates as an unlawful discriminatory practice any failure by a covered person to post required notices, maintain required records, file required reports, or provide documents and information requested during an investigation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to D.C. Code § 2-1402.64 are generally expected to cooperate fully with the Office of Human Rights and the Commission on Human Rights during any investigation or proceeding. Compliant operators typically ensure that all required notices are visibly posted, that records are properly maintained, that reports are filed on schedule as directed by §§ 2-1402.51 to 2-1402.53, and that requested documents are supplied promptly. Operators who receive a Commission order should be aware that defying it—as opposed to formally petitioning for its review—can expose them to criminal penalties under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 2-1402.64 provides tenants and other complainants with assurance that the Office of Human Rights and the Commission on Human Rights have legal authority to compel cooperation from those they investigate. If a landlord or other covered party refuses to supply records, post required notices, or comply with a Commission order, that conduct itself constitutes an unlawful discriminatory practice or a criminal offense under this provision. Individuals who believe a covered party is obstructing an investigation or failing to meet these obligations may report that concern to the Office of Human Rights or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with D.C. human rights law.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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