D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3509.08
Inspection of rental housing.
Operative Text
(a) Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, for the purpose of determining whether any housing accommodation is in compliance with applicable housing rules or construction code rules, the Mayor may enter upon and into any housing accommodation in the District, during all reasonable hours, to inspect the same; provided, that if a tenant of a housing accommodation does not give permission to inspect that portion of the premises under the tenant’s exclusive control, the Mayor shall not enter that portion of the premises unless the Mayor has: (1) A valid administrative search warrant pursuant to subsection (d) of this section which permits the inspection; or (2) A reasonable basis to believe that exigent circumstances require immediate entry into that portion of the premises to prevent an imminent danger to the public health or welfare. (b) Any person who shall hinder, interfere with, or prevent any inspection authorized by this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding $100, by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 3 months, or both. (c) The Mayor may apply to a judge of the District of Columbia for an administrative search warrant to enter any premises to conduct any inspection authorized by subsection (a) of this section. (d) A judge may issue the warrant if the judge finds that: (1) The applicant is authorized or required by law to make the inspection; (2) The applicant has demonstrated that the inspection of the premises is sought as a result of: (A) Evidence of an existing violation of the housing regulations, codified in Title 14 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, the construction codes, codified in Title 12 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, or other law; or (B) A general and neutral administrative plan to conduct periodic inspections relating to issuance or renewal of housing business licenses or for conducting fire or life safety inspections; (3) The owner, tenant, or other individual in charge of the property has denied access to the property, or, after making a reasonable effort, the applicant has been unable to contact any of these individuals; and (4) The inspection is sought for health or safety-related purposes. (e) Not Funded. (f) Not Funded.
D.C. Code § 42-3509.08 authorizes the Mayor (or designated inspectors) to enter rental housing during reasonable hours to check compliance with housing and construction codes. If a tenant withholds permission to inspect areas under their exclusive control, entry into those areas is only permitted with a valid administrative search warrant or when exigent circumstances pose an imminent danger to public health or welfare. Anyone who obstructs an authorized inspection under this provision may face a fine of up to $100, up to three months of imprisonment, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3509.08, compliant property operators generally cooperate with authorized inspectors who arrive during reasonable hours to assess housing and construction code compliance. Refusing or obstructing an inspection can result in criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Operators who understand the warrant process outlined in this section—which requires evidence of a violation or a neutral inspection plan—are better positioned to respond appropriately when inspectors seek access.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3509.08 gives tenants meaningful protections: inspectors generally cannot enter areas under a tenant's exclusive control without the tenant's permission, a valid administrative search warrant, or an emergency involving imminent danger to public health or welfare. Tenants who believe an inspection was conducted improperly may consider raising this provision as a defense in any related proceeding or filing a complaint with the relevant District agency. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can help explain how these protections apply in various circumstances.
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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