D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3506.01
Conversion.
Operative Text
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall convert and the Mayor shall not permit the conversion of any housing accommodation or rental unit into a hotel, motel, inn, or other transient residential occupancy unit or accommodation.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3506.01, no housing accommodation or rental unit in the District of Columbia may be converted into a hotel, motel, inn, or any other form of transient residential occupancy. This prohibition applies regardless of other laws that might otherwise permit such a conversion, and the Mayor is expressly barred from authorizing it. The rule is designed to protect the existing stock of residential housing from being repurposed for short-term or transient use.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3506.01 should be aware that converting a housing accommodation or rental unit into a hotel, motel, inn, or similar transient lodging arrangement is categorically prohibited in the District of Columbia. Compliant operators generally refrain from seeking or acting on any permit or approval that would reclassify a residential unit for transient occupancy purposes. Those considering changes to the use of a residential property typically consult with legal counsel familiar with D.C. housing law before taking any steps toward reclassification.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. § 42-3506.01 provides tenants with a meaningful protection: the residential unit they occupy cannot lawfully be converted into a hotel, motel, inn, or other transient lodging facility. If a tenant believes their landlord is attempting such a conversion, they may consider reaching out to the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options. Tenants may also explore whether this prohibition can be raised as a defense or basis for a complaint in relevant administrative or judicial proceedings.
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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