D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3404.12
Exceptions to coverage of subchapter; expiration provisions.
Operative Text
Sections 42-3404.02, 42-3404.04, 42-3404.05, 42-3404.06, 42-3404.07, § 42-3404.09(c)(5) , § 42-3404.10(a)(3) and (4) , and § 42-3404.11(3) and (4) apply to any sale of a housing accommodation for which a contract is not fully ratified prior to June 3, 1980, and the period for contracting pursuant to § 601 or § 602 of the Rental Housing Act is not expired prior to September 10, 1980. This subchapter applies in its entirety to any sale of a housing accommodation for which a notice pursuant to § 601 or § 602 of the Rental Housing Act is not received by the tenants in at least 50% of the occupied rental units in the housing accommodation prior to June 3, 1980. This subchapter shall remain in effect until the Mayor declares that a housing crisis no longer exists pursuant to § 42-3405.12 . This subchapter does not apply to accommodations for which a vacancy exemption is approved, as provided in § 42-3402.10 .
D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3404.12 establishes which housing sales are covered by the District's tenant opportunity-to-purchase rules and when those rules apply. Sales for which a contract was not fully ratified before June 3, 1980, or for which tenants in at least half of occupied units had not received the required notice before that date, fall under the subchapter's requirements. The subchapter remains in force until the Mayor formally declares that a housing crisis no longer exists, and it does not apply to accommodations that have received an approved vacancy exemption under § 42-3402.10.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers selling housing accommodations in the District should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3404.12 sets out specific date-based thresholds that determine whether a sale is subject to tenant opportunity-to-purchase obligations. Compliant operators generally verify whether a vacancy exemption under § 42-3402.10 has been approved before assuming the subchapter does not apply to their property. Keeping clear records of contract ratification dates and tenant notice delivery can help demonstrate compliance with the coverage rules established in 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 § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3404.12 determines whether tenants in a housing accommodation are entitled to the protections of the District's tenant opportunity-to-purchase subchapter when their building is being sold. If tenants in at least half of the occupied units did not receive the required notice before June 3, 1980, the full subchapter applies to that sale, which may preserve important tenant rights. Tenants who believe these coverage rules apply to a sale of their building may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the provision alongside related sections to understand what protections may be available to them.
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
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