D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-231.06
Tenant provision of access to dwelling unit.
Operative Text
(a) A tenant shall allow access to his or her dwelling unit, at reasonable times, to the unit owner or the owner’s employee or representative to facilitate any work or inspection required under this subchapter following the provision of written notice by the owner at least 48 hours prior to the work or inspection; provided, that entry or inspection of any residential premises shall not be made without the permission of the occupant of the premises unless a warrant is obtained first from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia pursuant to § 11-941 . (b) Notice required by subsection (a) of this section shall include: (1) A description of the general nature and locations of the planned work or inspection by the owner or his employee or representative; (2) Related requirements for containment, occupant protection, and relocation; (3) The expected starting and ending dates of the planned work; and (4) Any other information prescribed by the Mayor. (c) If the owner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Mayor that the tenant refuses to allow access after the owner provides notice of no less than 7 days, the owner shall be exempt from meeting any requirements of this subchapter that are dependent upon such access as long as that tenant occupies that dwelling unit or until the tenant provides written notice of the tenant’s willingness to allow access or otherwise allows access. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the Mayor from ordering the owner to fulfill the tenant’s reasonable conditions for access or take other action to ensure that the ordered work can be completed. (d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (c) of this subsection, if entrance is for the purpose of performing work, the tenant may deny access to any person not properly certified pursuant to § 8-231.10 to perform that work.
D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq. § 8-231.06 establishes a mutual framework for dwelling-unit access related to lead-hazard work and inspections. Owners must give tenants at least 48 hours of written notice that includes the nature of the work, containment and relocation requirements, and expected dates. Tenants are generally expected to allow that access, but they retain the right to refuse entry to anyone who lacks the proper certification required to perform the work, and no entry may occur without the occupant's permission unless a court warrant is obtained.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq. § 8-231.06, compliant property owners and managers provide written notice at least 48 hours before any required work or inspection, and that notice describes the general nature and location of the work, containment and relocation plans, and the expected start and end dates. If a tenant refuses access even after the owner provides at least 7 days' notice, the owner may seek an exemption from the Mayor for requirements that depend on that access, which can remain in effect for as long as the refusing tenant occupies the unit. Owners should also ensure that anyone sent to perform work holds the certifications required under § 8-231.10, since tenants have an explicit right to deny entry to uncertified workers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq. § 8-231.06 gives tenants meaningful protections around access for lead-related work and inspections: an owner must provide written notice at least 48 hours in advance, and that notice must spell out what work is planned, where it will occur, what containment or relocation measures apply, and when the work is expected to begin and end. Tenants have the explicit right under this provision to refuse entry to any worker who is not properly certified under § 8-231.10 to perform the specific work involved. Tenants who believe these access or notice requirements have not been followed may consider contacting the D.C. Mayor's office or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available complaint and enforcement paths.
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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