District of Columbia eviction process

30 days nonpayment notice.

DC requires a 30-day notice to cure or vacate for nonpayment and lease violations, and a 90-day notice for many no-fault terminations. Just cause is required to evict.

What this means for you: DC's notice periods are among the longest in the country, and eviction generally requires a statutory cause.

Your next step: Paying the rent owed typically stops a nonpayment case. DC offers strong tenant legal-aid resources.

Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).

More District of Columbia rights: District of Columbia security deposit · District of Columbia repairs · District of Columbia entry notice · District of Columbia rent increase.

Eviction in nearby states: Maryland (10 days nonpayment notice) · Virginia (14 days nonpayment notice).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.

Updated July 2026