D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3304
Penalties.
Operative Text
Any wilful or malicious violation of this chapter by any owner, agent, lessor, manager or any electric company, electricity supplier, gas company, or natural gas supplier shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3304, any willful or malicious violation of the utility-related obligations set out in D.C. Code § 42-3301 et seq. can result in criminal penalties for the responsible party. Those penalties may include a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both. The provision applies to owners, agents, lessors, managers, electric companies, electricity suppliers, gas companies, and natural gas suppliers alike.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Code § 42-3304 makes clear that willful or malicious failures to comply with the utility obligations in D.C. Code § 42-3301 et seq. can expose owners, agents, lessors, and managers to criminal liability—not merely civil consequences. Operators who maintain documented, good-faith compliance practices with the chapter's utility-related requirements are generally better positioned to demonstrate that any lapse was neither willful nor malicious. Keeping thorough records of utility service arrangements, notices, and communications is a common practice among compliant property managers operating under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3304 provides that willful or malicious violations of the utility protections in D.C. Code § 42-3301 et seq. are punishable as criminal offenses, which means enforcement is not limited to civil remedies. Tenants who believe an owner, agent, or utility supplier has deliberately violated the chapter's requirements may have grounds to report the conduct to the appropriate District of Columbia authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can help residents understand what conduct may rise to the level of a willful or malicious violation under this provision and what reporting options may be 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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