District of Columbia Habitability / warranty of habitability

What is the warranty of habitability in District of Columbia?

Every D.C. lease or rental agreement includes an implied warranty that the owner will keep the premises in compliance with the D.C. housing code (14 DCMR § 301.1). For rent-controlled units, the rent may not be raised above base rent unless the unit and common areas are in substantial compliance with the housing regulations, and prolonged uncorrected violations can lead the Rent Administrator to roll back rents (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(a)). Regulation text: "There shall be deemed to be included in the terms of any lease or rental agreement covering a habitation an implied warranty that the owner will maintain the premises in compliance with this subtitle."

Verified Source: 14 DCMR § 301.1; D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(a) · last checked 2026-10-23