14 DCMR § 14-704
FOUNDATIONS, STRUCTURAL MEMBERS, AND EXTERIOR WALLS
Operative Text
704.1 Foundations and structural members shall provide a safe, firm, and substantial base and support for the structure at all points. 704.2 Exterior walls shall be structurally sound and free of cracks and holes through which rodents or the elements can enter the buildings. 704.3 Masonry walls shall be kept pointed. 704.4 All exterior surfacing materials shall be kept securely fastened in place. 704.5 All exterior wood surfaces shall be kept painted, varnished, shellacked, or covered with other preservative, unless the wood is customarily used in its natural state.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-704, residential buildings in the District of Columbia must have foundations and structural members that are safe, firm, and substantial, and exterior walls that are structurally sound and free of gaps that could allow rodents or weather to enter. Masonry walls must be kept pointed, and all exterior surfacing materials must remain securely fastened. Exterior wood surfaces must be protected with paint, varnish, shellac, or another preservative unless the wood is of a type customarily left in its natural state.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Compliance with D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-704 generally means property operators conduct regular inspections of foundations, load-bearing members, and exterior walls to identify cracks, holes, or deteriorating mortar joints before they worsen. Exterior cladding and fasteners should be checked periodically to confirm nothing has loosened, and any exposed wood surfaces should be maintained with an appropriate protective finish. Keeping detailed maintenance records of pointing, painting, and structural repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance during housing inspections.
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. § 14-704 establishes tenants' right to occupy a building whose exterior structure is sound, sealed against rodents and the elements, and properly maintained. If a tenant observes crumbling mortar, holes in exterior walls, peeling or absent protective coatings on wood, or loose cladding, these conditions may constitute housing code violations that can be reported to the District's housing inspection authority. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand how documented violations under this section can be raised in housing proceedings or used to support other remedies available under D.C. law.
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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