D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3404.01
Short title.
Operative Text
This subchapter may be cited as the "Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act of 1980".
D.C. Code § 42-3404.01 establishes the official short title of this subchapter as the "Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act of 1980," commonly abbreviated as TOPA. This naming provision gives the law a recognizable identity used in legal filings, policy discussions, and public communications. The Act itself, as detailed in the broader D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq., governs tenants' rights to purchase opportunities when rental housing is offered for sale in the District of Columbia.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3404.01 anchors the "Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act of 1980" (TOPA), a framework that carries significant compliance obligations throughout the rest of the subchapter. Compliant operators typically familiarize themselves with TOPA's full scope under D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. before initiating any sale or transfer of a rental property. Understanding that this law has a formal statutory name helps operators correctly identify applicable rules when reviewing notices, contracts, or regulatory guidance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3404.01 gives the subchapter its official name — the "Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act of 1980" — which is the law that may grant tenants in the District of Columbia certain rights when their rental housing is put up for sale. Knowing this title helps tenants identify the correct legal framework under D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. when researching their rights or communicating with housing counselors. Tenants who believe TOPA rights may apply to their situation can explore resources through tenant-rights organizations or the District's housing agencies for general information about the law's protections.
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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