D.C. Code tit. 2, ch. 14 § 2-1403.15
Enforcement of order.
Operative Text
(a) The decision and order of the Commission shall be served on the respondent, with notice that, if the Commission determines that the respondent has not, after 30 calendar days following service of its order, corrected the unlawful discriminatory practice and complied with the order, the Commission will certify the matter to the Attorney General, and to such other agencies as may be appropriate for enforcement. (b) (1) When the Commission certifies a matter to the Attorney General for enforcement, the Attorney General shall, in the Attorney General's sole discretion, assess the matter to determine whether the order may be enforced. (2) If the order is enforceable, the Attorney General shall institute, in the name of the District, civil proceedings, including the seeking of such restraining orders and temporary or permanent injunctions as are necessary to obtain complete compliance with the Commission's orders. [(3)] If civil proceedings instituted pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection do not result in securing such compliance, the Attorney General may institute criminal action. (c) No enforcement action shall be instituted pending review as provided in § 2-1403.14 . (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any person of rights in the criminal justice process.
D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.15 establishes a multi-step process for enforcing orders issued by the D.C. Office of Human Rights Commission against parties found to have engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices. After an order is served, the respondent has 30 calendar days to correct the violation and comply; if they do not, the Commission may refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil or, if necessary, criminal enforcement. Enforcement is paused if the order is under judicial review, and the provision preserves any existing rights a person may have in the criminal justice process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to a Commission order under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.15 are generally expected to correct any identified discriminatory practice and demonstrate compliance within the 30-calendar-day window following service of the order. Operators who document their corrective steps and maintain records of compliance actions are better positioned to show that the matter does not need to be escalated to the Attorney General. If the Commission certifies the matter for enforcement, the Attorney General has authority to pursue civil proceedings and, if those prove insufficient, criminal action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under D.C. Code § 2-1401.01 et seq. § 2-1403.15, tenants who have obtained a favorable Commission order have a structured enforcement mechanism available if a respondent fails to comply within 30 calendar days of being served. The Commission can refer non-compliant matters to the D.C. Attorney General, who may pursue civil proceedings — including injunctions — and potentially criminal action to secure full compliance. Tenants navigating this process may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with D.C. human rights enforcement procedures.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation