D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3204
Tenancy by sufferance.
Operative Text
A tenancy by sufferance may be terminated at any time by a notice in writing from the landlord to the tenant to quit the premises leased, or by such notice from the tenant to the landlord of his intention to quit on the 30th day after the day of the service of the notice. If such notice expires before any periodic instalment of rent falls due, according to the terms of the tenancy, the landlord shall be entitled to a proportionate part of such instalment to the date fixed for quitting the premises.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3204, a tenancy by sufferance — which arises when a tenant remains in a property after a lease has ended without the landlord's explicit consent — can be ended by either party through written notice. A landlord may terminate such a tenancy at any time with written notice to quit, while a tenant must give written notice of intent to vacate at least 30 days in advance. If the notice period ends before a scheduled rent payment would otherwise come due, the landlord is entitled only to a proportionate share of that rent up to the date the tenant is required to leave.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners dealing with a holdover occupant governed by D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3204 generally ensure that any notice to quit is delivered in writing and that records of service are retained. Because the provision allows landlords to terminate a tenancy by sufferance at any time, compliant operators typically act promptly and document the date of notice delivery. When the notice period ends mid-rent-cycle, operators generally calculate and collect only the prorated rent owed through the quit date rather than a full periodic installment.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A tenant in a tenancy by sufferance situation under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3204 has the right to provide 30 days' written notice of intent to vacate, which can help establish a clear end date for rent obligations. If a landlord demands a full rent payment for a period that extends beyond the notice-to-quit date, this provision limits what is actually owed to a proportionate share. Tenants who have questions about their rights in this situation may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate for general information.
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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