D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1403.06a
Notice of right to file civil action.
Operative Text
The Office shall serve a notice of right to file a civil action upon a complainant whenever: (1) The complainant submitted a written notice of withdrawal before the completion of the Office's investigation; (2) The Office dismissed the complaint on grounds of lack of jurisdiction, no probable cause, or administrative convenience; or (3) The Office made a probable cause finding and the complainant filed a written notice of withdrawal on or before the 30th day after the close of discovery before the Commission or a Hearing Examiner.
Under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.06a, the Office of Human Rights is required to issue a formal notice to a complainant informing them of their right to pursue a civil lawsuit in certain circumstances. These circumstances include when the complainant withdraws their complaint before the investigation concludes, when the Office dismisses the complaint for lack of jurisdiction, no probable cause, or administrative convenience, or when a probable cause finding was made and the complainant withdraws within 30 days after discovery closes. This notice preserves the complainant's ability to seek relief through the courts rather than solely through the administrative process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.06a establishes a procedural mechanism that can extend a complainant's ability to bring a civil action even after an administrative complaint is withdrawn or dismissed. A compliant operator generally maintains thorough records of all fair housing and anti-discrimination practices, recognizing that an administrative case closure does not necessarily end a complainant's legal options. Understanding this provision helps operators appreciate that civil litigation may follow an administrative proceeding under certain conditions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.06a gives complainants who have filed with the Office of Human Rights the right to receive a formal notice explaining their ability to file a civil lawsuit under specific circumstances, such as withdrawing a complaint or having it dismissed. This notice is an important procedural protection, as it signals that the administrative process is not necessarily the only avenue for seeking relief. Tenants who receive such a notice may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand what options may be available through the courts.
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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