D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1403.03
Establishment of procedure for complaints filed against District government.
Operative Text
(a) The Mayor shall establish rules of procedure for the filing, mediation, investigation, conciliation, hearing, and final determination of administrative complaints filed against District government agencies, officials, and employees alleging violations of this unit . (b) A person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice on the part of District government agencies, officials, or employees may file an administrative complaint under the rules of procedure established by the Mayor under this section or a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction under § 2-1403.16 . (c) (1) A person who has filed an administrative complaint with the Office against a District government agency, official, or employee may withdraw the complaint by filing a written notice of withdrawal with the Office. A person who withdraws a complainant may only maintain a private cause of action consistent with the provisions of § 2-1403.06 . (2) The Office may fully investigate the circumstances accompanying a complainant's notice of withdrawal. (d) The Office of Human Rights shall have the authority to issue a cease and desist order or impose the remedies set forth in § 2-1403.13(a)(1)(A) - (E) and (F) upon a final administrative determination that a District respondent violated a provision of this unit .
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.03 establishes a framework for handling discrimination complaints made against District of Columbia government agencies, officials, and employees. Under this provision, the Mayor is responsible for creating procedural rules covering every stage of the complaint process, from initial filing through final determination. A person who believes they have experienced unlawful discrimination by a District government actor may pursue either an administrative complaint or a civil court action, and the D.C. Office of Human Rights is empowered to issue cease-and-desist orders and other remedies upon a final finding of a violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although § 2-1403.03 is primarily directed at District government agencies and their personnel rather than private landlords, property owners and managers operating in D.C. should be aware that the broader Human Rights Act framework under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. governs anti-discrimination obligations across housing. Compliant operators generally maintain clear, documented non-discrimination policies and train staff to avoid conduct that could constitute an unlawful discriminatory practice under the Act. Understanding how the Office of Human Rights handles complaints—including its authority to issue cease-and-desist orders—helps operators appreciate the enforcement environment in which they operate.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 2-1403.03, a person who believes they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination by a D.C. government agency, official, or employee has the right to file an administrative complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights or to pursue a civil action in court under § 2-1403.16. If an administrative complaint is filed and later withdrawn, the ability to bring a private cause of action may be limited by the terms of § 2-1403.06, so understanding that distinction is important. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid providers familiar with D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. can help individuals understand the procedural options available to them.
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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