D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3405.04
Notice of rejection.
Operative Text
If the Mayor determines to reject an application by a party pursuant to this chapter, he or she shall notify the applicant of the findings upon which the rejection is based, and that the rejection will be deemed final in 20 days. During the 20-day period, the applicant may petition for reconsideration, and, upon a proper showing of reasonable grounds, shall be entitled to a hearing to contest the particulars specified in the Mayor’s rejection notice. Such notice of rejection shall not take effect during the pendency of a hearing, if requested.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.04, when the Mayor's office rejects an application submitted under the District's tenant opportunity to purchase framework, the applicant must receive written notice explaining the grounds for that rejection. The rejection does not become final for 20 days, and during that window the applicant may seek reconsideration and, if reasonable grounds are shown, a formal hearing. Critically, the rejection is held in abeyance for as long as a requested hearing remains pending.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers involved in transactions governed by D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.04 should be aware that any application rejection issued by the Mayor's office triggers a 20-day window during which the other party may contest the decision. Compliant operators typically track these administrative deadlines carefully and maintain documentation of all submissions and correspondence related to the application. Understanding that a pending hearing suspends the finality of a rejection helps parties plan transaction timelines accordingly.
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. § 42-3405.04 gives tenants or tenant organizations whose applications have been rejected by the Mayor a meaningful opportunity to fight back: the rejection does not become final for 20 days, and a petition for reconsideration filed during that period can lead to a formal hearing if reasonable grounds are demonstrated. While the hearing request is pending, the rejection cannot take effect, preserving the applicant's position in the process. Tenants navigating this process may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with D.C. 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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