D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3255
Fines and penalties.
Operative Text
Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this chapter, or the rules.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3255, civil fines, penalties, and fees are authorized as sanctions against anyone who violates the provisions of the housing chapter or its associated rules. The law establishes that financial consequences can follow any infraction, though the specific amounts are set through the rulemaking process rather than stated directly in this section. This provision serves as the general enforcement backbone for the broader statutory scheme found at D.C. Code § 42-3251 et seq.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Code § 42-3251 et seq. should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3255 authorizes civil fines, penalties, and fees for any infraction of the chapter or its implementing rules. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough familiarity with both the statutory requirements and the administrative rules that accompany them, since violations of either can trigger financial sanctions. Keeping accurate records and promptly addressing any identified compliance gaps are practices commonly associated with operators who avoid enforcement actions under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3255 establishes that civil fines, penalties, and fees can be imposed on parties who violate the housing provisions found at D.C. Code § 42-3251 et seq. or the rules issued under that chapter. Tenants who believe a landlord has committed an infraction covered by this chapter may have grounds to report the violation to the relevant District of Columbia enforcement authority. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with D.C. housing law can help tenants understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under this provision.
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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