D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3205
Notice not to be recalled.
Operative Text
Neither landlord nor tenant, after giving notice as aforesaid, shall be entitled to recall the notice so given without the consent of the other party, but after the expiration of the notice given by the tenant as aforesaid the landlord shall be entitled to the possession as if he had given the proper notice to quit; and after the expiration of the notice given by the landlord as aforesaid the tenant shall be entitled to quit as if he had given the proper notice of his intention to quit.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3205, once either a landlord or a tenant has formally delivered a notice to end a tenancy, that notice cannot be taken back unless both parties agree. If the tenant's notice period expires, the landlord gains the right to reclaim possession just as if the landlord had issued the termination notice. Conversely, if the landlord's notice period expires, the tenant is free to vacate with the same legal standing as if the tenant had initiated the notice to quit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3205 means that once a landlord delivers a notice to quit, it is binding and cannot be unilaterally withdrawn. Compliant operators generally treat any issued notice as final unless they obtain the tenant's written consent to rescind it, and they document that consent carefully. When a tenant's notice period expires, landlords operating under this provision are generally understood to have the right to pursue possession without issuing a separate notice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3205 protects tenants by establishing that a landlord cannot unilaterally cancel a notice to quit after it has been given — the tenant retains the right to vacate on the terms the notice established. Similarly, once a tenant gives notice, it cannot be recalled without the landlord's agreement, so tenants should be aware that a delivered notice carries legal weight. Tenants who believe a landlord is improperly attempting to rescind or ignore a notice may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization or the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate to understand available options.
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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