D.C. Code tit. 6, ch. 7 § 6-751.01
Definitions.
Operative Text
For the purposes of this subchapter , the term: (1) "Construction Codes" means the most recent edition of the codes published by the International Code Council, or by a comparable nationally recognized and accepted code development organization, as adopted and amended by the Construction Codes Supplement by the District of Columbia pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 6-1409 , and in Title 12 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, or any successor regulations. (2) "Construction Codes Supplement" means the additions, insertions, deletions, and changes to the Model Codes adopted by the District pursuant to § 6-1409 . (3) "Dwelling unit" means a structure, building, area, room, or combination of rooms occupied by a person for sleeping or living. (4) (A) "Owner" means any person, who alone or jointly or severally with other persons, has legal title to a premises, including: (i) An agent, officer, fiduciary, or employee of the owner; (ii) The committee, conservator, or legal guardian of an owner who is non compos mentis or otherwise under a disability or who is a minor; (iii) A trustee, elected or appointed, or a person required by law to execute a trust, other than a trustee under a deed of trust, to secure the payment of money; or (iv) An executor, administrator, receiver, fiduciary, or an officer appointed by a court, or other similar representative of the owner or the owner’s estate. (B) The term "owner" does not include a lessee, sublessee, or other person who merely has the right to occupy or possess a premises.
D.C. Code § 6-751.01 establishes the foundational definitions used throughout the District of Columbia's subchapter on building and housing standards. It clarifies what counts as a 'dwelling unit' (any structure or combination of rooms used for sleeping or living), who qualifies as an 'owner' (those holding legal title, including agents, guardians, trustees, and court-appointed representatives), and what the applicable 'Construction Codes' are (the most recent International Code Council editions as locally adopted). Notably, the definition of 'owner' explicitly excludes lessees and sublessees who merely have the right to occupy a property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 6-751.01, the term 'owner' is defined broadly to encompass not just the titleholder but also agents, officers, fiduciaries, executors, and court-appointed representatives acting on the owner's behalf. Property managers and agents operating under this subchapter should be aware that their actions may carry the same legal weight as those of the titleholder. Understanding these definitions helps operators correctly identify which parties bear responsibility for compliance with the District's Construction Codes as adopted and amended under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 6-751.01 defines the key terms that govern who is responsible for maintaining a dwelling unit under District law, including a broad definition of 'owner' that can extend to agents and property managers—not just the person holding legal title. This means tenants may have recourse against a range of responsible parties, not solely the named titleholder, when conditions in a dwelling unit fall short of the applicable Construction Codes. Tenants who believe their dwelling unit does not meet these standards may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization or the District's relevant housing authority to understand available complaint and enforcement pathways under this subchapter.
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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