D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3228
Lease held by an infant or person with a mental disability — Renewed lease valid.
Operative Text
Every such surrender, and such lease or leases granted thereupon, shall be, and be deemed as valid and legal, to all intents and purposes, as if such surrender had been made by and on the behalf of a person of full age, or sane mind.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3228, when a lease held by a minor or a person with a mental disability is surrendered and a new lease is granted in its place, that surrender and the resulting lease are treated as fully valid and legally binding — carrying the same legal force as if the transaction had been carried out by an adult of sound mind. This provision removes a potential legal vulnerability that might otherwise arise from the tenant's age or mental status at the time of the transaction. The rule ensures continuity and legal certainty for lease arrangements involving these protected groups.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq. § 42-3228 can generally treat a surrendered lease and any replacement lease involving a minor or a person with a mental disability as legally sound, provided the transaction otherwise complies with applicable law. Compliant operators typically document such lease transitions carefully, noting the circumstances of the surrender and the terms of the renewed agreement. Maintaining thorough records helps demonstrate that the transaction was conducted in good faith and in accordance with the provision's intent.
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. § 42-3228 provides that tenants who are minors or who have a mental disability retain the benefit of a legally valid lease even after a surrender and re-grant of that lease. This means the renewed lease cannot generally be challenged as void simply because of the tenant's age or mental status at the time of the transaction. Tenants or their guardians who have questions about how this provision applies to a particular lease arrangement may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with District of Columbia housing law.
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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