D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3210
Action in ejectment — When proper.
Operative Text
Whenever a lease for any definite term shall expire, or any tenancy shall be terminated by notice as aforesaid, and the tenant shall fail or refuse to surrender possession of the leased premises, the landlord may bring an action of ejectment to recover possession in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3210, when a fixed-term lease expires or a tenancy is properly terminated by notice and the tenant does not vacate, the landlord has a legal avenue to pursue recovery of the property through a formal ejectment action filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. This provision establishes the court-based process for resolving holdover situations rather than allowing self-help remedies. It defines the circumstances—lease expiration or proper notice of termination—that must exist before such an action can be initiated.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3210 provides property owners with a recognized legal mechanism to reclaim possession when a tenant remains after a lease term ends or after a valid termination notice has been served. Compliant operators generally ensure that leases clearly state their definite term and that any termination notices are properly delivered in accordance with District of Columbia requirements before pursuing an ejectment action in Superior Court. Maintaining thorough documentation of lease terms, expiration dates, and notice delivery supports a well-grounded court filing 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 § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3210 means that a landlord cannot simply remove a tenant who remains after a lease expires or after receiving a termination notice—the landlord must instead file a formal ejectment action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Tenants facing such an action have the opportunity to appear in court and raise any applicable defenses, such as whether proper notice was actually given or whether the lease term was correctly interpreted. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with D.C. housing law can help tenants understand what defenses or procedural rights may be available in an ejectment proceeding.
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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