D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3531.04
Definitions.
Operative Text
For the purposes of this chapter, the term: (1) “Chief” means Chief Tenant Advocate established by § 42-3531.06 . (1A) "Closure order" means any order by a District agency requiring relocation of tenants. (2) “Office” means the Office of the Tenant Advocate established by § 42-3531.05 . (2A) "Owner" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 47-802(5) . (3) Repealed. (4) “Tenant” and “tenant organization” shall have the same meaning as in § 42-3401.03(17) and (18), and shall include any other tenant organization.
D.C. Code § 42-3531.04 establishes the key definitions that apply throughout the chapter governing tenant advocacy in the District of Columbia. It identifies the 'Chief' as the Chief Tenant Advocate, the 'Office' as the Office of the Tenant Advocate, and clarifies what constitutes an 'Owner,' a 'Closure order,' and a 'Tenant' or 'tenant organization' by cross-referencing other sections of D.C. law. These definitions set the shared vocabulary used in all other provisions of the chapter, ensuring consistent interpretation of its requirements and protections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia should be aware that D.C. Code § 42-3531.04 defines 'Owner' by reference to § 47-802(5), meaning the chapter's obligations apply to whoever meets that statutory definition. Compliant operators familiarize themselves with how 'Closure order' is defined—any District agency order requiring tenant relocation—since such orders trigger obligations elsewhere in the chapter. Understanding these foundational definitions helps operators correctly interpret their responsibilities under the broader tenant advocacy framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 42-3531.04 defines who counts as a 'Tenant' and 'tenant organization' under this chapter by incorporating the definitions from § 42-3401.03(17) and (18), and explicitly extends coverage to any other tenant organization. This means a broad range of tenants and organized tenant groups may be entitled to the protections and advocacy resources provided by the Office of the Tenant Advocate established under this chapter. Tenants who want to understand whether they or their organization fall within these definitions can consult the Office of the Tenant Advocate or a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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References In
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