14 DCMR § 14-4799
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
4799.1 As used in this chapter, all words and phrases will carry the interpretations defined in § 103 of the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980, D.C. Law 3-86. In addition, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed: Act - the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980, D.C. Law 3-86, and the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Emergency Act of 1980, D.C. Act 3-248. Annual rent increase - the annual automatic rent adjustment pursuant to § 206 of the Rental Housing Act of 1977 (D.C. Law 2-54), as amended, and its successor; or such increase as allowed pursuant to § 212 of the Rental Housing Act. Conversion and Sale Regulatory Office - the office within the Department of Housing and Community Development with primary responsibility for administering the Act. Director - the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development Low income elderly person - any person who qualifies for a statutory tenancy pursuant to § 4710.6. Nonprofit cooperative - any low-yield housing cooperative as defined in § 202(b) of the Act, which is assisted by a District of Columbia or Federal Program.
Section 14-4799 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations establishes the official definitions that govern how terms are interpreted throughout the chapter on rental housing conversion and sale. Key terms—such as 'Act,' 'annual rent increase,' 'Director,' 'low income elderly person,' and 'nonprofit cooperative'—are given specific, bounded meanings that apply whenever those words appear in the chapter. The definitions also incorporate by reference the meanings set out in § 103 of the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980, D.C. Law 3-86.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 § 14-4799 should be aware that terms used throughout the chapter carry precise regulatory meanings, not their everyday definitions. For example, 'annual rent increase' refers specifically to adjustments authorized under § 206 or § 212 of the Rental Housing Act of 1977, and 'Director' refers to the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Compliant operators generally consult these definitions before interpreting their obligations under any related provision in the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 § 14-4799, tenants benefit from knowing that terms used in the chapter—such as 'low income elderly person' and 'nonprofit cooperative'—have specific legal meanings that may affect eligibility for certain protections or rights. For instance, whether someone qualifies as a 'low income elderly person' is determined by the criteria in § 4710.6, which could be relevant to statutory tenancy rights. Tenants who believe a term has been misapplied to their situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the definitions alongside the relevant chapter provisions.
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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