D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3502.18
Remedy.
Operative Text
The Rental Housing Commission, Rent Administrator, or any affected housing provider or tenant may commence a civil action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to enforce any rule or decision issued under this chapter.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3502.18, the law creates a civil enforcement pathway in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Either the Rental Housing Commission, the Rent Administrator, or any directly affected housing provider or tenant has standing to bring a civil action to enforce a rule or decision issued under the Rental Housing Act (D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq.). This provision ensures that administrative rules and decisions carry the weight of court-enforceable obligations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Code § 42-3502.18 means that housing providers are not the only parties who can initiate court action — the Rental Housing Commission and Rent Administrator can also file suit to enforce rules or decisions issued under the Act. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough records of their adherence to administrative decisions and rent-related rules, so that they are prepared if a civil action is commenced against them in Superior Court. Familiarity with the full scope of D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. helps housing providers understand which administrative determinations carry this enforcement potential.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3502.18 gives tenants who are directly affected by a violation of a rule or decision under the Rental Housing Act the ability to commence a civil action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. This means that if an administrative decision or rule issued under D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. is not being followed, a tenant is not solely dependent on a government agency to act — they may pursue enforcement independently. Tenants exploring this path may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with D.C. housing law before proceeding.
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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