D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3301
Definitions.
Operative Text
For the purposes of this chapter: (1) The term “apartment house” means any building or part thereof, not used primarily for transient occupancy, in which there are 3 or more apartments, each with 1 or more habitable rooms with kitchen and bathroom facilities exclusively for use of and under the control of the occupant thereof. (2) The term “tenant” means any person who holds or possesses a habitation in subordination to the title of the owner of the premises in which such habitation is located, with the consent of the owner.
D.C. Code § 42-3301 et seq. establishes foundational definitions that shape how the rest of the chapter applies. An 'apartment house' under this provision is a non-transient residential building containing at least three self-contained units, each with its own kitchen and bathroom exclusively controlled by the occupant. A 'tenant' is defined as anyone who occupies a dwelling with the property owner's consent while holding a subordinate interest to the owner's title — a broad definition that can encompass a range of living arrangements beyond formal written leases.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3301 et seq., property owners and managers should be aware that the chapter's obligations apply specifically to 'apartment houses' — buildings with three or more qualifying residential units, each having exclusive kitchen and bathroom facilities. Operators of such properties generally ensure that each unit meets the definition's structural requirements, since whether a building qualifies as an 'apartment house' determines whether the chapter's broader rules apply. Understanding who qualifies as a 'tenant' under this provision is also relevant, as the definition extends to any consented occupant with a subordinate interest, not only those with formal lease agreements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3301 et seq. defines 'tenant' broadly to include anyone occupying a dwelling with the owner's consent in a subordinate capacity, which means protections under this chapter may extend to residents even without a traditional written lease. If you live in a building with three or more units that each have their own kitchen and bathroom, the building likely qualifies as an 'apartment house' under this provision, potentially bringing it within the chapter's scope. Tenants who have questions about whether their living situation falls under these definitions may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or review resources provided by the District of Columbia's housing agencies.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation