D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3541.01
Definitions.
Operative Text
For the purposes of this chapter , the term: (1) "Applicant" means any person considered for, who requests to be considered for, or who intends to request to be considered for tenancy within a housing accommodation. (2) "Arrest" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-1341(2) . (3) "Conditional offer" means an offer to rent or lease a rental unit to an applicant that is: (A) Contingent on the housing provider's subsequent inquiry into the applicant's criminal record; or (B) Contingent on any other eligibility criteria that the housing provider may utilize. (4) "Conviction" means a verdict or plea of guilty or nolo contendere. (5) "Housing accommodation" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 42-3501.03(14) . (6) "Housing provider" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 42-3501.03(15) . (7) "Inquiry" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-1341(8) . (8) "Pending criminal accusation" shall mean "criminal accusation" as that term is defined in § 32-1341(5) . (9) "Rental unit" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 42-3501.03(33) .
D.C. Code § 42-3541.01 et seq. establishes the foundational vocabulary for the District of Columbia's fair criminal screening rules in housing. Key terms such as "applicant," "conditional offer," "conviction," "arrest," and "pending criminal accusation" are given precise legal meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. For example, a "conditional offer" is defined as an offer to rent that is contingent on a later review of criminal history or other eligibility criteria, and a "conviction" is limited to guilty verdicts or pleas—including nolo contendere—rather than arrests or pending charges.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Housing providers operating under D.C. Code § 42-3541.01 et seq. should familiarize themselves with the chapter's defined terms, as these definitions shape every obligation and restriction that follows in the fair criminal screening framework. The definition of "conditional offer," for instance, determines the point in the rental process at which a housing provider may begin inquiring into an applicant's criminal record. Operators who understand the precise scope of terms like "conviction" versus "arrest" or "pending criminal accusation" are better positioned to structure their screening processes in a manner consistent with the chapter's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3541.01 et seq. sets out definitions that protect applicants throughout the rental screening process, including a clear distinction between an "arrest" and a "conviction"—meaning that an arrest alone does not meet the chapter's definition of a conviction. Tenants and applicants who believe a housing provider has misapplied these terms—for example, by treating an arrest or pending accusation as a conviction—may have grounds to raise a concern under the chapter's broader provisions. Tenant-rights organizations in the District of Columbia can help individuals understand how these definitions apply to their screening experience.
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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