How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in District of Columbia?
At least 48 hours' written notice (or shorter if the tenant agrees in writing), between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays, except emergencies.
The District of Columbia requires at least 48 hours' written notice before entry, or a shorter period if the tenant agrees in writing. Entry is between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and not on Sundays or federal holidays, except in emergencies.
Worked example for District of Columbia
Example: You want to enter a unit at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026. At least 48 hours' written notice is due by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Entry is between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and not on a Sunday or a federal holiday. If the tenant agrees in writing to shorter notice, that shorter period controls. No notice is required in an emergency.
District of Columbia timelines and limits
Notice
At least 48 hours' written notice, or shorter if the tenant agrees in writing
Hours
Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and not on Sundays or federal holidays
Emergency
No notice required
District of Columbia FAQ
How much notice does a D.C. landlord have to give before entering?
At least 48 hours' written notice, or a shorter period if the tenant agrees in writing, under D.C. Code § 42-3505.51.
When can a D.C. landlord enter?
Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and not on Sundays or federal holidays, except in emergencies.
This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.
Related District of Columbia rules
Lockouts and utility shutoffs
A tenant who keeps paying the rent owed may be evicted only on the grounds the law allows, and at the time of an eviction the landlord must change the locks in the presence of the U.S. Marshals. A housing provider may not remove an evicted tenant's belongings except under the statute's storage rules. The D.C. Court of Appeals has held self-help eviction unlawful (Mendes v. Johnson, 1978); that point comes from case law, not the Code.
Housing providers may not retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights, including through eviction attempts, rent increases, service cuts, harassment or refusal to renew. If the tenant made a repair request, complained to an agency, joined a tenant organization or did certain other acts within the 6 months before the action, retaliation is presumed. The housing provider must rebut it with clear and convincing evidence.
If a rental building is cited for a housing code violation that seriously threatens tenants' health, safety or security, and the owner fails to fix it in time after notice, the court can appoint a receiver to make repairs.
The Mayor (through DC's housing inspectors) may inspect rental housing for code compliance at reasonable hours; a tenant's own unit needs the tenant's permission, an administrative search warrant, or an emergency. Statute text: "(a) Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, for the purpose of determining whether any housing accommodation is in compliance with applicable housing rules or construction code rules, the Mayor may enter upon and into any housing accommodation in the District, during all reasonable hours, to inspect the same; provided, that if a tenant of a housing accommodation does not give permission to inspect that portion of the premises under the tenant’s exclusive control, the Mayor shall not enter that portion of the premises unless the Mayor has: (1) A valid administrative search warrant pursuant to subsection (d) of this section which permits the inspection; or (2) A reasonable basis to believe that exigent circumstances require immediate entry into that portion of the premises to prevent an imminent danger to the public health or welfare." (D.C. Code § 42–3509.08).
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