D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-2033
Exception.
Operative Text
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any owner or operator of a locally assisted housing accommodation for elderly persons or persons with disabilities or any local housing authority from requiring the removal from any rental unit any common household pet whose conduct or condition is duly determined to constitute a threat or nuisance to the health or safety of the other occupants of the housing accommodation. The owner or operator of a locally assisted housing accommodation shall regulate pet ownership in accordance with rules established pursuant to § 8-2035 . (b) No pet shall be kept in violation of health statutes or under circumstances constituting cruelty to animals as set forth in § 22-1001 .
D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. § 8-2033 establishes that the broader pet-ownership protections in this chapter do not prevent owners or operators of locally assisted housing for elderly or disabled residents, or local housing authorities, from requiring the removal of a pet that has been formally determined to pose a health or safety threat or nuisance to other occupants. At the same time, the provision sets a floor: no pet may be kept in violation of health statutes or under conditions that constitute cruelty to animals under D.C. law. Operators of locally assisted housing must still regulate pet ownership according to rules established under § 8-2035.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of locally assisted housing accommodations for elderly or disabled residents should be aware that D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. § 8-2033 preserves their authority to require removal of a pet that has been duly determined to be a health or safety threat or nuisance to other occupants. A compliant operator documents the basis for any such determination and ensures that pet policies are developed and applied in accordance with the rules established under § 8-2035. Operators also generally confirm that no pet is kept in conditions that would violate applicable health statutes or animal cruelty provisions under D.C. Code § 22-1001.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. § 8-2033, tenants in locally assisted housing for elderly or disabled residents should understand that a landlord or housing authority may require removal of a pet only when its conduct or condition has been duly determined to constitute a health or safety threat or nuisance to other occupants. Tenants also have an interest in knowing that pets cannot lawfully be kept in conditions amounting to cruelty under § 22-1001 or in violation of health statutes. Tenants who believe a removal demand does not meet the standards set out in this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the rules established under § 8-2035 for further 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.
Effective Timeline
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