D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3404.02a
Registration of a tenant organization.
Operative Text
In a housing accommodation of 5 or more units, the tenants may form and register the tenant organization with the Mayor, pursuant to § 42-3404.11 , at any time; provided, that this section shall not be construed to alter the time periods within which a tenant organization may exercise the rights afforded by this chapter. A tenant organization may file a petition for relief pursuant to § 42-3405.03 or § 42-3405.03a .
Under D.C. Code § 42-3404.02a, tenants living in a housing accommodation with five or more units are permitted to form a tenant organization and register it with the Mayor at any time, following the procedures set out in § 42-3404.11. Registration does not change or extend the specific deadlines that govern when a tenant organization may exercise rights under the broader chapter. Once registered, a tenant organization has the ability to seek formal relief by filing a petition under § 42-3405.03 or § 42-3405.03a.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing buildings of five or more units in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3404.02a expressly permits tenants to form and register a tenant organization with the Mayor at any point during a tenancy. A compliant operator generally stays informed about whether a registered tenant organization exists at their property, since such an organization carries standing to file petitions for relief under § 42-3405.03 or § 42-3405.03a. Keeping accurate records and maintaining open communication channels can help operators respond appropriately if a registered organization exercises its statutory rights.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3404.02a gives tenants in buildings with five or more units the right to come together, form a tenant organization, and register it with the Mayor at any time under the process described in § 42-3404.11. Registration is an important step because it enables the organization to file a petition for relief through § 42-3405.03 or § 42-3405.03a if tenants believe their rights under the chapter have been violated. Tenants interested in forming or joining such an organization may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider for guidance on the registration process and available petition procedures.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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