D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3505.51
Access by housing provider to dwelling unit.
Operative Text
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term: (1) "Reasonable notice" means written notice provided to the tenant at least 48 hours before the time the housing provider wishes to enter the unit or a shorter period of time as agreed to by the tenant in writing. Written notice may include electronic communication, including email and mobile text messaging; provided, that if the tenant fails to furnish a written acknowledgement, the housing provider will provide a paper notice. (2) "Reasonable purpose" means a purpose that is directly related to the housing provider's: (A) Duty to keep the entire property safe from damage; (B) Duty to inspect the premises; (C) Duty to make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, renovations, or improvements; (D) Duty to supply necessary or agreed services and maintenance; (E) Need to exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors; or (F) Need to gain entry for work ordered by a governmental entity. (3) "Reasonable time" means a time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and not on a Sunday or federal holiday, or at another time agreed upon by the tenant. (b) (1) Except in the event of an emergency for the protection or preservation of the premises, or for the protection and safety of the tenants or other persons, a housing provider may enter a rental unit during a tenancy only for a reasonable purpose, at a reasonable time, and after having provided the tenant with reasonable notice. (2) Upon a showing by the tenant that the housing provider has entered a unit in violation of this section, or has repeatedly made unreasonable demands for entry, any court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin the housing provider from that behavior and may assess appropriate damages against the housing provider for breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment of the premises. (3) Upon the allegation of a housing code violation by a tenant, a tenant may not unreasonably prevent the housing provider from accessing the unit for assessment and abatement of the alleged violation and must provide access to the unit within 48 hours of the written request by the housing provider for access.
D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 establishes the conditions under which a housing provider may enter a rental unit during a tenancy. Entry is generally permitted only for a defined 'reasonable purpose' (such as inspections, repairs, or showing the unit), during weekday hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and after at least 48 hours of written notice to the tenant — though the tenant may agree in writing to shorter notice or different hours. Emergency situations allow entry without advance notice. If a housing provider violates these access rules or repeatedly makes unreasonable entry demands, a court may issue an injunction and award damages for breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3505.51, compliant housing providers document their entry notices in writing — including email or text — at least 48 hours in advance and schedule visits between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on non-Sunday, non-federal-holiday days, unless the tenant has agreed in writing to alternative arrangements. Operators keep records of all notices sent and any written tenant acknowledgments, and they limit entry to the enumerated reasonable purposes such as inspections, repairs, or showing the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. When a tenant has alleged a housing code violation, housing providers are entitled to written access within 48 hours of their written request, and documenting that request is a standard practice for maintaining compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 gives tenants the right to receive at least 48 hours of written notice before a housing provider enters their unit, with entry limited to defined reasonable purposes and weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding Sundays and federal holidays). If a housing provider enters without proper notice or repeatedly makes unreasonable demands for access, a court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin that conduct and award damages for breach of the right to quiet enjoyment — tenants can raise a violation of this section as a basis for such a court action. Tenant-rights organizations in the District of Columbia can help tenants understand how this provision applies to their circumstances and what documentation to gather when access disputes arise.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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