D.C. Code tit. 7, ch. 10 § 7-1007
Penalties.
Operative Text
(a) Any person or the agent of any person in the District of Columbia who denies or interferes with admittance to or enjoyment of any of the places, accommodations, or conveyances listed in §§ 7-1001 and 7-1002 or otherwise interferes with the rights of a blind person or person with another physical disability under § 7-1001 , § 7-1002 , § 7-1005 , or § 7-1006 shall be imprisoned for not longer than 90 days, or fined not more than $300, or both. (b) A civil fine of $250 may be imposed as an alternative sanction for any infraction of the provisions of this chapter pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 [ § 2-1801.01 et seq.]. Adjudication of any infraction of this chapter shall be pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 [ § 2-1801.01 et seq.]. (c) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2 [ § 2-501 et seq.], may issue rules to increase the fine in subsection (b) of this section.
D.C. Code § 7-1007 establishes penalties for anyone who denies or interferes with the rights of blind persons or persons with other physical disabilities in accessing places, accommodations, or conveyances covered under the District's disability-access statutes. A violation can result in criminal penalties of up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine of up to $300, or both. Alternatively, a civil fine of $250 may be imposed through the District's administrative adjudication process, and the Mayor has authority to increase that civil fine amount through rulemaking.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the District of Columbia are subject to D.C. Code § 7-1007 if they or their agents interfere with the access rights of blind persons or persons with physical disabilities in housing or related accommodations. Compliant operators generally train staff on the access rights established in §§ 7-1001, 7-1002, 7-1005, and 7-1006, and maintain policies that prevent denial of entry or enjoyment to protected individuals. Violations can expose an operator to both criminal prosecution and civil administrative fines, which the Mayor may increase by rule over time.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Blind persons and persons with physical disabilities in the District of Columbia are protected under D.C. Code § 7-1007, which provides enforcement mechanisms against anyone who denies or interferes with their access rights. If those rights are violated, the provision allows for both criminal penalties against the offending party and a civil fine process administered under Chapter 18 of Title 2 of the D.C. Code. Individuals who believe their rights under this chapter have been violated may consider filing a complaint through the District's administrative adjudication process or reaching out to a tenant-rights or disability-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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