14 DCMR § 14-705
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Operative Text
705.1 Each window shall be fully supplied with window panes which are without open cracks or holes. 705.2 Each window sash shall be in good condition and shall fit reasonably well within its frame. 705.3 Each window, other than fixed windows, shall be capable of being easily opened and held in open or closed position by window hardware. 705.4 Each door, transom, side light, skylight, door hinge, and door latch shall be in good condition. 705.5 Each exterior door, when closed, shall fit reasonably well within its frame and shall be equipped with a lock which will permit easy egress without a key but will prevent entrance to the multi-unit dwelling without a key unless the door is opened from the inside, electrically or otherwise, by one (1) of the tenants or by an employee of the building owner. 705.6 All windows, doors, and their frames shall be constructed and maintained in relation to each other and to wall construction to do the following: (a) Exclude rain completely from entering the structure: and (b) Exclude wind substantially from entering the structure. 705.7 Each basement hatchway shall be constructed and maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, and surface drainage water into the dwelling.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-705, residential windows and doors must be kept in good working order, with intact panes, properly fitting sashes and frames, functional hardware, and adequate weatherproofing to keep out rain and wind. Exterior doors must be equipped with locks that allow occupants to exit freely but restrict unauthorized entry, and basement hatchways must be maintained to block rodents and water. The rule applies to all windows, doors, skylights, transoms, and related components throughout a dwelling unit or multi-unit building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-705 generally conduct routine inspections to confirm that window panes are crack-free, sashes open and close smoothly, and all door hardware—including hinges, latches, and locks—functions properly. Compliant operators also verify that exterior doors fit their frames securely and carry locks permitting keyless egress while restricting outside entry, and that basement hatchways are sealed against pests and water intrusion. Maintaining weathertight seals around all windows and door frames is part of ongoing building upkeep under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in properties covered by D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-705 have a right to windows with intact panes, operable hardware, and doors with functioning locks that allow free exit. If windows are broken, doors fail to latch, or gaps allow rain or wind into the unit, tenants may document the conditions in writing and notify the landlord, and can also file a complaint with the District's housing inspection authority. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can explain additional options, such as raising housing code violations as a defense in certain proceedings.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation