D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3531.15
Liens.
Operative Text
(a) The amount for which an owner has been found liable, including any other charges, costs, penalties, and interest, shall be a continuing and perpetual lien in favor of the District upon all real and personal property belonging to the person named in the notice and shall have the same force and effect as a lien created by judgment. Interest shall accrue as provided in subsection (f) of this section. (b) The lien shall attach to all property belonging to the owner during the period of the lien, including any property acquired by the owner after the lien arises. (c) The lien shall have priority over any other lien, except a lien for District taxes and District water charges; provided, that the lien shall not be valid as against any bona fide purchaser, or holder of a security interest, mechanic's lien, or other such creditor interested in the property, without notice, until notice of the lien is filed with the Recorder of Deeds. The lien shall be satisfied by payment of the amount of the lien to the agency that issued the notice. (d) For reasonable cause shown, the Chief may abate the amount owed by the owner pursuant to this chapter . (e) (1) As additional means for collection, the Chief may enforce payment of the fines, expenses, costs, penalties, interest, or other charges imposed against the real property in the same manner and under the same conditions that real property tax liens are enforced pursuant to Chapter 13A of Title 47 . (2) Proceeds collected from a sale pursuant to Chapter 13A of Title 47 shall be credited to the Emergency Housing and Relocation Assistance Fund established by § 42-3531.16 . (f) Interest on an amount due pursuant to this section shall be at the rate of 1 1/2% per month, and shall be prorated if interest is owed for a portion of a month.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3531.15, when a property owner is found liable for violations under the relevant chapter, the total amount owed — including penalties, costs, and interest — automatically becomes a lien against all of that owner's real and personal property, including property acquired after the lien arises. This lien carries the same legal weight as a court judgment lien and takes priority over most other liens, except those for District taxes and water charges. Interest accrues at 1.5% per month on any unpaid balance, and the District may ultimately enforce the lien through the same tax-sale mechanisms used to collect delinquent real property taxes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to a liability finding under D.C. Code § 42-3531.15 should be aware that the resulting lien attaches broadly — covering all current and future real and personal property — and accrues interest at 1.5% per month until satisfied. Compliant operators generally resolve outstanding amounts promptly by paying the issuing agency directly, since the lien is discharged only upon full payment to that agency. Operators who believe the amount is excessive may seek abatement by demonstrating reasonable cause to the Chief, and should ensure any lien is properly released with the Recorder of Deeds to protect future property transactions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3531.15 is primarily directed at property owners, but tenants may find it relevant when evaluating whether a landlord's outstanding liabilities could affect the property they occupy or a potential sale. The lien mechanism — including the possibility of tax-sale enforcement — can serve as a significant incentive for owners to resolve housing-related violations. Tenants seeking to understand how outstanding liens against their building may affect their housing situation can consult the District's Recorder of Deeds records or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation