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How Does a Landlord Terminate a Lease in the District of Columbia?

How Does a Landlord Terminate a Lease in the District of Columbia?

Full question:

I am a landlord in Washington, DC. My tenant's lease expires in one month and there is no notice period written into the lease. Is a 30 day notice sufficient?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Lease Termination
Date: 04/07/2025
State: District of Columbia

Answer:

Please see the following DC statutes to determine applicability:

§ 42-3201. Notice to quit — Unnecessary with lease for certain term;
landlord's right to immediate possession.

When real estate is leased for a certain term no notice to quit shall
be necessary, but the landlord shall be entitled to the possession,
without such notice, immediately upon the expiration of the term.

§ 42-3202. Notice to quit — Month to month or quarter to quarter tenancy;
expiration of notice.

A tenancy from month to month, or from quarter to quarter, may be
terminated by a 30 days notice in writing from the landlord to the tenant
to quit, or by such a notice from the tenant to the landlord of his
intention to quit, said notice to expire, in either case, on the day of
the month from which such tenancy commenced to run.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Do you have to give 30 day notice if a lease is up?

In Washington, DC, if a lease is for a specific term and is set to expire, no notice is required from the landlord to the tenant. The landlord can take possession of the property immediately after the lease ends. However, if the lease were month-to-month, a 30-day written notice would be necessary to terminate the tenancy (D.C. Code § 42-3202). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in DC?

In Washington, DC, if a lease is for a specific term, the landlord does not need to provide any notice for the tenant to move out at the end of that term. If the lease is month-to-month, the landlord must give a written 30-day notice to terminate the tenancy (D.C. Code § 42-3202). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Can a landlord terminate a month-to-month lease in DC?

Yes, a landlord can terminate a month-to-month lease in Washington, DC, but they must provide a written 30-day notice to the tenant. This notice must be given before the end of the rental period to effectively terminate the lease (D.C. Code § 42-3202). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is a 30 day notice to terminate a lease?

A 30-day notice to terminate a lease is a written document that a landlord provides to a tenant, informing them that their month-to-month lease will end in 30 days. This notice is required in Washington, DC, for month-to-month tenancies, allowing the tenant time to vacate the property (D.C. Code § 42-3202). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

How do you write a notice that you are moving out?

To write a notice that you are moving out, include the date of the notice, your name and address, the landlord's name and address, and the date you plan to vacate. Clearly state that you are providing notice to terminate the lease. Sign and date the notice, and keep a copy for your records. If you are in a month-to-month lease, ensure you provide at least 30 days' notice (D.C. Code § 42-3202). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if a tenant stays after lease expires?

If a tenant remains in a property after the lease has expired without a new agreement, they may be considered a holdover tenant. In Washington, DC, the landlord can initiate eviction proceedings to regain possession of the property. However, the landlord may also choose to accept rent for the holdover period, which could create a month-to-month tenancy (D.C. Code § 42-3201). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*