D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-231.02
Prohibitions.
Operative Text
(a) All dwelling units, common areas of multifamily properties, and child-occupied facilities constructed prior to 1978 shall be maintained free of lead-based paint hazards. (b) No person shall apply a lead-based paint or glaze to any surface, including the interior and exterior surfaces, of any residential, public, or commercial building, bridge, or other structure or superstructure, or on any paved surface. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the District government may deny any license, registration, or permit relating to the use or occupancy of a child-occupied facility or dwelling unit to an owner of that property if the owner is in violation of this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 8-231.02 establishes three core prohibitions related to lead-based paint in the District of Columbia. Pre-1978 dwelling units, common areas of multifamily properties, and child-occupied facilities must be kept free of lead-based paint hazards at all times. Additionally, no person may apply lead-based paint or glaze to any surface of any residential, public, or commercial structure. The District government also retains authority to deny licenses, registrations, or permits tied to a property's use or occupancy if the owner is found to be in violation of this subchapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Code § 8-231.02 are generally expected to conduct ongoing maintenance of pre-1978 dwelling units, multifamily common areas, and child-occupied facilities to ensure they remain free of lead-based paint hazards. Compliant operators do not apply lead-based paint or glaze to any interior or exterior surface of any structure. Owners should be aware that the District government may deny licenses, registrations, or permits related to property use or occupancy if a violation of this subchapter is found, making proactive compliance a standard part of property management practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under D.C. Code § 8-231.02, tenants living in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities have a right to a living environment free of lead-based paint hazards. If a tenant believes their landlord is failing to maintain the property in compliance with this provision, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the District of Columbia's relevant housing or environmental health authorities, or raising the violation as a defense in housing proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can provide information about available remedies and how this subchapter's protections may apply to a given situation.
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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