D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3403.02
Relocation payment.
Operative Text
(a) Required. -- If an owner converts a housing accommodation into a condominium or cooperative pursuant to this chapter, the owner shall provide a relocation payment to each tenant who does not purchase a unit or share or enter into a lease or lease option of at least 5 years’ duration. (b) Amount. -- An owner shall pay the tenant only if the tenant provides a relocation expense receipt or a written estimate from a moving company or other relocation service provider. Regardless of the amount on the receipt or written estimates, the owner shall pay no less than $125, but is not required to pay more than $1,000 to the tenant. (c) Method. -- An owner may pay by check or cash to the tenant or person designated by the tenant, and shall pay within 7 days of receipt of the written estimate or receipt, the amount indicated or an amount required by subsection (b) of this section. (d) Entitlement to receive. -- (1) The tenant who bears the cost of relocation is entitled to the payment. If there is more than 1 tenant who bears the cost of relocation from a unit, the owner shall pay the tenants proportionally. (2) The owner is not required to make a relocation payment to a tenant against whom the owner has obtained a judgment for possession of the unit. (3) If an owner does not make a relocation payment as required, the tenant has a private right of action to collect the payment and is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney fees for bringing the action.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3403.02, when a property owner converts a housing accommodation into a condominium or cooperative, tenants who do not buy a unit, acquire a share, or sign a long-term lease of at least five years are entitled to a relocation payment. The payment is triggered when the tenant submits a moving receipt or written estimate from a relocation service provider, and the amount must fall between $125 and $1,000 regardless of the actual documented cost. If the owner fails to make the required payment, the tenant may pursue a private lawsuit to recover the payment along with court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators converting a housing accommodation under D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3403.02 generally track which tenants are not purchasing units, acquiring shares, or signing qualifying long-term leases, as those tenants become eligible for relocation payments. Compliant operators collect the required receipt or written moving estimate from each eligible tenant and issue payment—by check or cash—within 7 days of receiving that documentation, in an amount between $125 and $1,000. Operators also document whether a judgment for possession has been obtained against any tenant, since that circumstance removes the relocation payment obligation for that individual.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3403.02 establishes that tenants who do not purchase a unit or enter a qualifying long-term lease during a condominium or cooperative conversion have a right to a relocation payment from the owner, provided they submit a moving receipt or written estimate from a relocation service provider. If an owner fails to make the required payment within 7 days of receiving that documentation, the law grants tenants a private right of action to recover the payment, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. Tenants seeking to understand their options under this provision may consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization or consulting with a housing attorney familiar with D.C. conversion 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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