D.C. Code tit. 16 § 16-1102
Failure of tenant to give notice to landlord.
Operative Text
If a tenant, on whom a complaint in ejectment is served, fails to give notice thereof, without delay, to his landlord or the agent of the landlord, he shall forfeit and pay to the landlord the value of three years’ full rent of the premises, to be recovered by a civil action.
Under D.C. Code §§ 16-1102, 16-1110, 16-1111, and 16-1124, when a tenant receives formal legal papers initiating an ejectment proceeding, the law requires that tenant to promptly notify their landlord or the landlord's agent. A tenant who fails to pass along that notice without delay becomes liable to the landlord for a sum equal to three years' full rent for the premises. That liability is enforceable through a civil lawsuit brought by the landlord.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under D.C. Code §§ 16-1102, 16-1110, 16-1111, and 16-1124, landlords have a legal interest in being informed promptly when an ejectment complaint is served on their tenant. Operators who maintain clear, documented communication channels with tenants — including a named agent and a reliable contact address — are generally better positioned to receive such notices in a timely manner. If a tenant fails to provide that notice without delay, the law provides landlords a civil remedy equal to three years' full rent, recoverable through a civil action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code §§ 16-1102, 16-1110, 16-1111, and 16-1124 place an affirmative obligation on tenants who are served with an ejectment complaint to notify their landlord or the landlord's agent promptly. Failing to do so can expose a tenant to a civil claim for damages equal to three years' full rent. Tenants who receive ejectment papers may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand their obligations and options under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.