D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-2031
Definitions.
Operative Text
For the purposes of this chapter, the term: (1) “District” means the District of Columbia. (2) “Elderly” means any person who is 60 years of age or older. (3) “Person with a disability” means any person who has a medically determined physical impairment, including blindness, which prohibits and incapacitates 75% of that person’s ability to move about, to assist himself or herself, or to engage in an occupation. (4) “Locally assisted housing accommodation for elderly persons or persons with disabilities” means any building that contains 4 or more rental units, receives District housing assistance, and is designated for elderly tenants or tenants with disabilities. The term “locally assisted housing accommodation for elderly persons or persons with disabilities” shall not include facilities receiving other types of District assistance and licensed under § 44-501 et seq. (5) “Common household pet” means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, or turtle, that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes. The term “common household pet” shall not include reptiles, other than turtles.
D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. establishes the key definitions that govern pet and housing rules for elderly residents and residents with disabilities in the District of Columbia. The provision sets out who qualifies as 'elderly' (age 60 or older) and what constitutes a 'person with a disability' (a medically determined physical impairment that incapacitates at least 75% of the person's ability to move, care for themselves, or work). It also defines which housing properties fall under the chapter's scope—buildings with four or more rental units that receive District housing assistance and are designated for these populations—and clarifies that common household pets include domesticated animals like dogs, cats, birds, rodents, fish, and turtles, but explicitly exclude reptiles other than turtles.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating buildings that may qualify as 'locally assisted housing accommodations for elderly persons or persons with disabilities' under D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. should be familiar with how the chapter's definitions determine whether their property falls within its scope. A compliant operator generally reviews whether their building meets the four-or-more-unit threshold, receives District housing assistance, and is designated for the covered populations—and notes that facilities licensed under § 44-501 et seq. are explicitly excluded. When addressing pet policies, operators typically apply the chapter's definition of 'common household pet,' which includes turtles but excludes other reptiles, to evaluate resident requests consistently.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in District-assisted housing designated for elderly or disabled residents may find that D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. and its definitions directly affect their rights, including those related to keeping pets. The definitions of 'elderly' and 'person with a disability' in this provision determine who is protected under the chapter, and the definition of 'common household pet' shapes what animals may be permitted in covered buildings. Tenants who believe their housing situation falls within this chapter's scope and have questions about their rights may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the District of Columbia's housing agencies for 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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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