D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1403.07
Injunctive relief.
Operative Text
If, at any time after a complaint has been filed, the Office believes that appropriate civil action to preserve the status quo or to prevent irreparable harm appears advisable, the Office shall certify the matter to the Attorney General, who shall bring, in the name of the District of Columbia, any action necessary to preserve such status quo or to prevent such harm, including the seeking of temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. The appropriate parties shall be notified of such certification and the complainant may initiate independently, or in cooperation with the Attorney General, appropriate civil action to seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.
Under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.07, once a discrimination complaint has been filed with the Office of Human Rights, the Office has the authority to refer the matter to the Attorney General if it determines that court intervention may be needed to maintain the current situation or prevent serious, irreparable harm. The Attorney General can then file suit on behalf of the District of Columbia, seeking emergency court orders such as temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions. Separately, the person who filed the complaint retains the right to pursue such emergency court relief on their own or alongside the Attorney General.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to a complaint filed under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.07 should be aware that the Office of Human Rights can escalate an active complaint to the Attorney General, who may seek emergency court orders to freeze the status quo while the matter is pending. Compliant operators generally avoid taking actions during an open complaint that could be characterized as altering conditions or causing irreparable harm, since such actions may trigger this certification process. Staying informed of all official notices from the Office is an important part of managing an open complaint responsibly.
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. § 2-1403.07 provides that after a complaint is filed, the Office of Human Rights may refer the matter to the Attorney General to seek emergency court relief, such as a temporary restraining order, to protect the situation from worsening while the complaint is resolved. Tenants who have filed a complaint also have an independent right under this provision to pursue such emergency civil action on their own or in coordination with the Attorney General. Those who believe their situation may call for urgent court intervention can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand what options this provision makes available.
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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