D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-231.18a
Enforcement of housing code regulations.
Operative Text
The presence of loose or peeling paint in residential premises in violation of the housing code regulations codified in Title 14 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations which constitutes a lead-based paint hazard under this subchapter, shall be enforced by the Mayor according to the provisions of this subchapter.
Under D.C. Code § 8-231.18a, when loose or peeling paint in a residential property both violates the District's housing code regulations (Title 14 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations) and constitutes a lead-based paint hazard under the same subchapter, the Mayor is responsible for enforcing that condition. This provision connects two regulatory frameworks—housing code standards and lead-based paint hazard rules—so that a single paint condition can trigger enforcement under both. The Mayor's enforcement authority is exercised according to the procedures set out in the broader subchapter (D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq.).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating residential units in the District should be aware that under D.C. Code § 8-231.18a, loose or peeling paint is not merely a housing code matter—if it also qualifies as a lead-based paint hazard under D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq., it becomes subject to the Mayor's enforcement authority under the lead-based paint subchapter as well. Compliant operators generally maintain painted surfaces in intact condition, conduct required assessments, and remediate deteriorated paint in accordance with both Title 14 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations and the lead-based paint hazard rules. Keeping documentation of inspections, risk assessments, and any remediation work is a practice commonly associated with compliance under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 8-231.18a establishes that tenants living in residential premises with loose or peeling paint that rises to the level of a lead-based paint hazard have the protection of mayoral enforcement under the lead-based paint subchapter (D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq.), in addition to any housing code protections. Tenants who observe deteriorating paint conditions may report them to the District's relevant enforcement authorities, and such conditions can also be raised in housing code proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can help explain what documentation to gather and what complaint pathways exist 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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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