D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3405.06
Enforcement.
Operative Text
(a) The Mayor shall have the power to enforce this chapter and rules and regulations made hereunder. If the Mayor determines after notice and hearing that a person has: (1) violated any provision of this chapter; (2) violated any condition imposed in writing in connection with the granting of any application or other request under this chapter; or (3) violated any lawful order or rule of the agency; the Mayor may issue an order requiring the person to cease and desist from the unlawful practice and to take such affirmative action as in his or her judgment will carry out the purposes of this chapter. (b) If the Mayor makes a finding of fact in writing that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by delay in issuing an order, the Mayor may issue a temporary cease and desist order. Prior to issuing the temporary cease and desist order, the Mayor shall give notice of the proposal to issue a temporary cease and desist order which shall include in its terms a provision that upon request a hearing will be held promptly to determine whether or not such order becomes permanent. (c) If it appears that a person has engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of a provision of this chapter, or a rule, regulation, or order hereunder, the Mayor with or without prior administrative proceedings may bring an action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to enjoin the acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order hereunder. Upon proper showing, injunctive relief or temporary restraining orders shall be granted. The Mayor is not required to post a bond in any court proceedings or prove that any other adequate remedy at law exists. (d) The Mayor may intervene in any civil action involving the enforcement of any right or provision under this chapter. The Mayor may require an owner, tenant, or tenant organization to notify the Mayor of any suit instituted pursuant to § 42-3405.03 . (e) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this chapter, or any rules or regulations issued under the authority of this chapter, pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 . Adjudication of any infraction of this chapter shall be pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 .
D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.06 establishes the Mayor's authority to enforce the District's tenant opportunity to purchase and related housing laws. After notice and a hearing, the Mayor can order a violator to stop unlawful conduct and take corrective steps; in urgent situations, a temporary cease-and-desist order may be issued immediately. The Mayor may also seek injunctive relief in D.C. Superior Court without posting a bond, and civil fines and penalties may be imposed as alternative sanctions under the District's administrative adjudication process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C.'s tenant housing laws should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.06 gives the Mayor broad enforcement tools, including cease-and-desist orders, court injunctions, and civil fines. Compliant operators generally maintain accurate records of all written conditions attached to approved applications, follow lawful agency orders promptly, and notify the Mayor if any civil suit arises under § 42-3405.03 when required to do so. Understanding that the Mayor can act in court without prior administrative proceedings underscores the importance of ongoing compliance rather than reactive correction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants and tenant organizations benefit from the enforcement framework established by D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.06, which empowers the Mayor to intervene in civil actions and to require notification of suits filed under § 42-3405.03. If a tenant believes an owner has violated the chapter's provisions, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the Mayor's office, raising the violation as a defense in a civil proceeding, or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Civil penalties and fines are available as additional remedies, and adjudication follows the District's established administrative process under Chapter 18 of Title 2.
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 In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation