D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3508.03
Deferral or forgiveness of water and sewer fees for rehabilitated vacant rental housing.
Operative Text
(a) Where vacant rental accommodations are being rehabilitated under this subchapter, the Mayor may defer or forgive any outstanding water and sewer fees owed by the property. (b) A project under this section shall be subject to certification by the Mayor that it is in the best interest of the District, and is consistent with the District’s rental property needs in terms of its location, type, and variety of sizes of rental units.
D.C. Code § 42-3508.03 establishes a mechanism by which the Mayor of the District of Columbia may defer or forgive unpaid water and sewer fees on vacant rental properties that are undergoing rehabilitation under the applicable subchapter. This relief is not automatic; the Mayor must first certify that the project serves the District's best interests and aligns with local rental housing needs, including the property's location, unit type, and range of unit sizes. The provision is designed to reduce financial barriers that might otherwise impede the return of vacant rental housing to productive use.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners rehabilitating vacant rental accommodations in the District of Columbia may be eligible for relief from outstanding water and sewer fees under D.C. Code § 42-3508.03. To pursue this benefit, operators generally ensure their project qualifies under the relevant subchapter and seek the required mayoral certification demonstrating that the rehabilitation serves the District's interests and meets local rental housing needs in terms of location, unit type, and size variety. Maintaining thorough documentation of the project's scope, unit mix, and community benefit can support the certification process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3508.03 is primarily directed at property owners and the District government, but it has indirect relevance for tenants by encouraging the rehabilitation of vacant rental units and expanding the availability of rental housing. Tenants in the District who are concerned about whether a rehabilitated property was properly certified under this provision may inquire with the Mayor's office or consult a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Understanding this provision can also be useful context when evaluating the history or regulatory status of a rental property that was recently brought back into service from vacancy.
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
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation