D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3225
Lease held by an infant or person with a mental disability — Surrender and renewal; guardian or committee; court order.
Operative Text
In all cases where any person under the age of 18 years, or any person with mental illness, is or shall become interested in or entitled to any lease or leases made or granted, or to be made or granted, by any person or persons, bodies politic, corporate or collegiate, aggregate or sole, for the life or lives of 1 or more person or persons, or for any term of years, either absolute or determinable upon the death of 1 or more person or persons or otherwise, it shall and may be lawful for such person under the age of 18 years, or for his or her guardian or guardians, or other person or persons on his or her behalf, and for such person with mental illness, or his or her guardian or guardians, committee or committees of the estate, or other person or persons on his or her behalf, to apply to the court of chancery by petition or motion, in a summary way, and by the order and direction of the said court made, upon hearing all parties concerned, such person under the age of 18 years, and such persons with mental illness, or person or persons appointed by the said courts respectively, by deed or deeds only, shall and may be enabled, from time to time, to surrender such lease or leases, and accept and take, in the name, and for the benefit of such person under the age of 18 years, or person with mental illness, 1 or more new lease or leases of the premises comprised in such lease or leases surrendered by virtue of this section for and during such number of lives, or for such term or terms of years, determinable upon such number of lives, or for such term or terms of years absolute, as was or were mentioned or contained in such lease or leases so surrendered, at the making thereof respectively, or otherwise as the said court shall respectively direct.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3225, when a lease is held by or on behalf of a minor (under 18) or a person with mental illness, the law provides a court-supervised process for surrendering that lease and obtaining a new one in its place. A petition or motion may be brought before the court, which then hears all interested parties before authorizing the transaction by formal order. The new lease must cover terms comparable to those in the surrendered lease, or as otherwise directed by the court, and must be executed by deed to be valid.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers dealing with leases held by minors or persons with mental illness should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3225 establishes a specific court-approval process for surrendering and renewing such leases. A compliant operator generally ensures that any lease surrender or renewal involving these protected parties is carried out only after a court order has been obtained and that the transaction is documented by deed. Keeping records of court orders and deed instruments helps demonstrate that the transaction was conducted in accordance with the statute.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you are a minor, a person with mental illness, or someone acting on behalf of such a person, D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3225 provides legal protections ensuring that any surrender or renewal of a covered lease requires court oversight and approval. Guardians, committees of the estate, or other authorized representatives may petition the court on behalf of the protected individual to initiate this process. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services familiar with D.C. housing law can help explain what this provision means for those navigating a lease surrender or renewal under these circumstances.
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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