D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3405.11
Statutory construction.
Operative Text
The purposes of this chapter favor resolution of ambiguity by the hearing officer or a court toward the end of strengthening the legal rights of tenants or tenant organizations to the maximum extent permissible under law. If this chapter conflicts with another provision of law of general applicability, the provisions of this chapter control.
D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.11 establishes a rule of statutory construction for the District of Columbia's tenant protection chapter: when the law's meaning is unclear, hearing officers and courts are directed to interpret it in the way that most strengthens tenant and tenant organization rights, up to the limits the law allows. Additionally, when this chapter conflicts with other generally applicable D.C. law, the chapter's provisions take precedence. This provision shapes how disputes and ambiguities under the chapter are resolved rather than creating a specific substantive right or obligation on its own.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C.'s tenant protection laws should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.11 directs adjudicators to resolve any legal ambiguity in the chapter in favor of tenants. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough documentation and clear written policies precisely because ambiguous situations are likely to be interpreted against the landlord's position in any hearing or court proceeding. Understanding this interpretive framework can inform how operators structure their practices and communications with tenants under the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3401.01 et seq. § 42-3405.11 is a pro-tenant interpretive rule, meaning that if a hearing officer or court faces an unclear question under D.C.'s tenant protection chapter, the law instructs them to resolve that ambiguity in the direction that best protects tenant and tenant organization rights. Tenants who believe their rights under the chapter have been violated may raise this interpretive principle before a hearing officer or in court, and may also consult a tenant-rights organization for general information about how it applies. Because this provision also establishes that the chapter controls over conflicting general D.C. law, it can be a significant factor in disputes where multiple legal provisions are at play.
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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