Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
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How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in District of Columbia?
Short answer
Nonpayment: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing; no case for less than $600
Notice: At least 10 days before filing a nonpayment eviction case (only if at least $600 is owed)
Before filing for possession for unpaid rent, give the tenant a notice of intent to file at least 10 days ahead, listing the amount owed with a ledger, only if at least $600 is unpaid. Deliver it by certified mail or tracked delivery and by hand delivery or posting on the door.
"A housing provider shall provide the tenant with notice of the housing provider's intent to file a claim against a tenant to recover possession of a rental unit for the non-payment of rent at least 10 days before filing the claim;" code.dccouncil.gov
"the housing provider shall not issue such notice if the amount of rent that the tenant has failed to pay is less than $600." code.dccouncil.gov
"By certified mail or delivery service providing delivery tracking confirmation, return receipt requested; and" code.dccouncil.gov
Nonpayment: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing; no case for less than $600 Verified
Deadline: At least 10 days before filing a nonpayment eviction case (only if at least $600 is owed)
Before filing for possession for unpaid rent, give the tenant a notice of intent to file at least 10 days ahead, listing the amount owed with a ledger, only if at least $600 is unpaid. Deliver it by certified mail or tracked delivery and by hand delivery or posting on the door.
Who it covers: Send by certified mail (or tracked delivery, return receipt) and by hand delivery or posting on the door; attach a ledger; use the statutory wording. Late fees cannot be the basis for eviction. The unit must be licensed and registered first.
"A housing provider shall provide the tenant with notice of the housing provider's intent to file a claim against a tenant to recover possession of a rental unit for the non-payment of rent at least 10 days before filing the claim;" code.dccouncil.gov
"the housing provider shall not issue such notice if the amount of rent that the tenant has failed to pay is less than $600." code.dccouncil.gov
"By certified mail or delivery service providing delivery tracking confirmation, return receipt requested; and" code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1), current version (after the RENTAL Act, D.C. Law 26-80, Dec. 31, 2025). The earlier permanent codification said 30 days, and the statutory notice wording still tells the tenant they have 30 days to pay; get legal advice on timing. Quoted from code.dccouncil.gov's current version.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction