D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3202
Notices to quit.
Operative Text
(a) A commercial tenancy from month-to-month, or from quarter-to-quarter, may be terminated by a 30-day notice in writing from the housing provider to the tenant to quit, or by such a notice from the tenant to the housing provider of the tenant's intention to quit. The notice shall expire on the first day of the first month at least 30 days after the date of the notice. (b) A residential tenancy may be terminated by a 30-day notice in writing only from the tenant to the housing provider of the tenant's intention to quit. The notice shall expire on the first day of the first month at least 30 days after the date of the notice.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3202, the rules for ending a tenancy differ based on whether the space is commercial or residential. For commercial month-to-month or quarter-to-quarter tenancies, either the housing provider or the tenant may end the arrangement by delivering a written 30-day notice to quit, with that notice expiring on the first day of the first month at least 30 days after it is given. For residential tenancies, only the tenant may use this written 30-day notice mechanism to terminate; the provision does not grant housing providers the same unilateral written-notice right to end a residential tenancy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3202 draws a sharp line between commercial and residential tenancies when it comes to termination notices. Operators of commercial month-to-month or quarter-to-quarter spaces generally ensure that any notice to quit is delivered in writing and timed so that it expires on the first day of the first month at least 30 days after the notice date. Housing providers managing residential units should be aware that this provision does not authorize them to terminate a residential tenancy through a simple 30-day written notice to quit — that right under this section belongs solely to the tenant.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3202 gives residential tenants the right to end a month-to-month tenancy by delivering a written notice of their intention to quit, with the notice expiring on the first day of the first month at least 30 days after it is given. Importantly, this same provision does not grant a housing provider the authority to terminate a residential tenancy using this notice mechanism, which may be relevant if a tenant receives such a notice from a landlord. Tenants who believe their rights under this section have been disregarded may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or consulting with a housing attorney to understand available options.
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 Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation