14 DCMR § 14-701
GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
Operative Text
701.1 All structures located on a premises including, but not limited to, accessory structures (such as walls, garages, fences, and sheds) shall be maintained in a sanitary and structurally sound condition and in good repair. 701.2 All walkways on private property shall be maintained in good repair, free of holes and safe for walking purposes. 701.3 Material used in making any repair shall be of a quality and kind suitable for the purpose for which it is used, and of a kind normally used by a good mechanic in the appropriate trade. Each repair shall be done in a workmanlike manner. 701.4 Construction details for alterations, additions or other work done as a result of any standard established in this subtitle shall be accomplished under permit and in the manner provided in the Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, or other building regulations of the District of Columbia, as applicable.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-701, all structures on a property—including accessory structures like garages, fences, and sheds—must be kept sanitary, structurally sound, and in good repair. Walkways on private property must be free of holes and safe to use. Any repair work must use appropriate materials and be completed in a workmanlike manner, and certain alterations or additions must be carried out under the proper District of Columbia permits and in accordance with applicable building codes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-701 generally keep all on-site structures—main buildings as well as accessory structures such as walls, garages, fences, and sheds—in a sanitary, structurally sound, and well-maintained condition. Compliant operators ensure that private walkways remain free of holes and safe for pedestrian use at all times. When repairs or alterations are undertaken, operators typically use trade-standard materials, complete work in a workmanlike manner, and obtain the required District permits under the applicable Building, Electrical, or Plumbing Code before beginning construction.
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. § 14-701 establishes that tenants have a right to occupy premises where all structures—including accessory buildings and walkways—are maintained in a safe, sanitary, and structurally sound condition. If a landlord fails to meet these standards, tenants may have grounds to raise the violation as a defense in certain proceedings or to file a complaint with the District of Columbia's housing inspection authorities. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with D.C. housing regulations can help tenants understand the range of options available to them.
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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