D.C. Code tit. 42 § 42-3541.04
Filing a complaint with the Office of Human Rights; exclusive remedy.
Operative Text
(a) A person claiming to be aggrieved by a violation of this chapter may file an administrative complaint with the Office of Human Rights within one year after the unlawful discriminatory act, or discovery thereof, in accordance with the procedures set forth in subchapter III of Unit A of Chapter 14 of Title 2 . (b) A person claiming to be aggrieved by a violation of this chapter shall have no private cause of action in any court based on a violation of this chapter .
Under D.C. Code § 42-3541.04, a person who believes they have been harmed by a violation of the District's housing discrimination protections may bring an administrative complaint to the Office of Human Rights, but must do so within one year of the discriminatory act or its discovery. The provision establishes this administrative route as the exclusive remedy, meaning no separate private lawsuit may be filed in court based solely on a violation of this chapter. The one-year window and the procedures governing the complaint process are defined by reference to the Office of Human Rights' established rules under D.C. law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to D.C. Code § 42-3541.04 should be aware that complaints alleging violations of this chapter are channeled exclusively through the Office of Human Rights rather than through civil court. Compliant operators generally maintain clear, documented non-discriminatory policies and practices so that, if a complaint is filed within the one-year window, records are available to demonstrate adherence to the chapter's requirements. Understanding that the administrative process—not litigation—is the designated forum helps operators prepare appropriate internal procedures for responding to any Office of Human Rights inquiry.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under D.C. Code § 42-3541.04, tenants or applicants who believe they have experienced a violation of this chapter have the right to file an administrative complaint with the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights within one year of the discriminatory act or the date they discovered it. Because this provision makes the Office of Human Rights complaint process the exclusive remedy, a court-based private lawsuit is not available for claims arising solely under this chapter. Individuals considering this path may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with the Office of Human Rights' procedures to understand how the complaint and investigation process works.
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
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.