14 DCMR § 14-801
RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS AND LANDLORDS
Operative Text
801.1 If there are more than five (5) families residing in any multiple dwelling in which the owner does not reside, the owner(s) or lessee(s) of the building, when required by the Director, shall place in that building a janitor, housekeeper, or some other responsible person who shall reside in, and have charge of, the building. 801.2 In those portions of premises occupied for residential purposes which are vacant, used as common space, or are not under the exclusive control of a tenant, the owner or licensee shall be responsible for the observance of the provisions of this chapter.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-801, two distinct owner responsibilities are established for residential buildings in the District of Columbia. First, when a building houses more than five families and the owner does not live there, the Director may require that a janitor, housekeeper, or other responsible on-site person be placed in charge of the building. Second, for any part of a residential property that is vacant, used as common space, or not under a tenant's exclusive control, the owner or licensee bears responsibility for compliance with the applicable housing regulations in that chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating multi-family buildings in the District should be aware that D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-801 can require them to designate a responsible on-site person—such as a janitor or housekeeper—when more than five families reside in a building where the owner does not live. Compliant operators also maintain oversight of all common areas, vacant units, and spaces not exclusively controlled by a tenant, ensuring those areas meet the housing standards set out in the chapter. Keeping clear records of on-site management arrangements and routine inspections of common spaces are practices generally associated with meeting these obligations.
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. § 14-801 establishes that owners—not tenants—are responsible for the condition of common areas, vacant spaces, and any part of the building not under a tenant's exclusive control. If a tenant observes that common areas are poorly maintained or that no responsible on-site person is present in a qualifying building, that may reflect a potential violation of this provision. Tenants can explore options such as contacting the D.C. Department of Buildings, raising the issue with a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting a housing attorney to understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available.
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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