14 DCMR § 14-3828
COMMISSION PROCEDURES GENERALLY
Operative Text
3828.1 When this chapter is silent on a procedural issue before the Commission, that issue may be decided by using as guidance, first, the Rules of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals or, second, the District of Columbia Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure. 3828.2 Where the Commission determines, after notice and reasonable opportunity to respond, that a party, or a party’s attorney or other representative as authorized by § 3812, has violated an obligation under this chapter or an order of the Commission, the Commission may impose monetary sanctions, including a fine or an award of attorney’s fees in an amount consistent with § 3825.12. 3828.3 A determination that a person has committed a violation under § 3828.2 may be made by the Commission pursuant to a motion of any party or pursuant to an order of the Commission to show cause that sanctions should not be imposed. 3828.4 The Commission, in its discretion, may continue a determination of the amount of attorney’s fees to be imposed as a sanction pursuant to § 3828.2 until after the final disposition of the issues on appeal.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-3828, the Commission that hears housing appeals in the District of Columbia has authority to fill procedural gaps by looking to D.C. Court of Appeals rules or Superior Court civil procedure rules. When a party, attorney, or authorized representative violates a procedural obligation or a Commission order, the Commission may impose monetary sanctions—including fines or attorney's fees—after giving that party notice and a chance to respond. The Commission can act on its own initiative or in response to a motion from any party, and it may defer calculating the exact amount of attorney's fees until after the appeal is fully resolved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who appear before the Commission should be aware that § 14-3828 of D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. gives the Commission broad authority to sanction parties who fail to comply with procedural rules or Commission orders. Compliant operators and their representatives generally follow all Commission directives promptly, respond to any show-cause orders within the time allowed, and ensure that any authorized representative acting on their behalf understands the obligations imposed by this chapter. Monetary sanctions, including attorney's fees, can be assessed against a landlord or their representative if the Commission finds a violation, so careful attention to procedural requirements is a hallmark of responsible participation in Commission proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-3828 provides tenants with a procedural protection: if an opposing party or their representative violates a Commission rule or order during an appeal, the Commission has the power to impose fines or award attorney's fees against that party. Tenants participating in Commission proceedings may raise such violations through a motion, or the Commission may act on its own by issuing a show-cause order. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid providers familiar with D.C. housing regulations can help tenants understand how these procedural safeguards apply to their circumstances.
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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