D.C. Code tit. 16 § 16-1503
Judgment and execution for possession.
Operative Text
When, upon a trial in a proceeding pursuant to this chapter, it appears that the plaintiff is entitled to the possession of the premises, judgment and execution for the possession shall be awarded in his favor, with costs; and if the plaintiff becomes nonsuit or fails to prove his right to the possession, the defendant shall have judgment and execution for his costs.
Under D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq. § 16-1503, when a court hears a possession proceeding and finds that the party seeking possession has established their right to it, the court awards a judgment and execution for possession in that party's favor, along with costs. Conversely, if the party seeking possession fails to prove their claim or withdraws (takes a nonsuit), the occupant is entitled to a judgment for their own costs. This provision sets out the two possible outcomes of a possession trial and who bears costs in each scenario.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers pursuing possession proceedings under D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq. § 16-1503 generally ensure they have sufficient evidence to establish their right to possession before trial, since the statute awards judgment and costs only to the party who prevails. Operators who are unable to prove their claim or who withdraw their case may find themselves liable for the defendant's costs. Compliant operators typically work with qualified legal counsel to assess the strength of their evidence before initiating or continuing a possession action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq. § 16-1503 provides that if the party seeking possession fails to prove their right to the premises or takes a nonsuit, the occupant is entitled to a judgment for costs in their favor. Tenants facing a possession proceeding may wish to understand that the burden of proof rests on the party seeking possession, and a failure to meet that burden can result in a favorable outcome for the occupant. Tenants can explore their options by contacting a tenant-rights organization or consulting with a legal aid provider familiar with D.C. housing law.
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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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