D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3608
Court costs and attorney’s fees.
Operative Text
The Court may award court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees to a civic association, community association, or resident association that is the prevailing plaintiff in an action brought under this subchapter.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3601 et seq. § 42-3608, a court has the discretion to award court costs and reasonable attorney's fees to a civic association, community association, or resident association that wins a lawsuit brought under this subchapter. This provision does not guarantee such an award but gives the court the authority to grant it when the qualifying association prevails. Individual tenants are not named as eligible recipients under this specific fee-shifting provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3601 et seq. § 42-3608 allows a court to order the losing party to pay court costs and reasonable attorney's fees when a civic, community, or resident association prevails in litigation under this subchapter. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough records of their practices and communications to be prepared if such an association initiates legal action. Understanding this fee-shifting potential is part of assessing the financial exposure associated with litigation brought by organized community groups.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3601 et seq. § 42-3608 establishes that civic associations, community associations, and resident associations that successfully sue under this subchapter may be eligible to recover court costs and attorney's fees at the court's discretion. Tenants who are members of or affiliated with such associations may find it useful to understand how this provision could affect collective enforcement efforts. Those seeking to understand their rights or explore enforcement options may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with District of Columbia housing law.
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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