D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-2035
Rules.
Operative Text
Within 180 days of March 16, 1989, the Mayor shall promulgate proposed rules, in accordance with subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2 , to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The proposed rules shall include guidelines, applicable to owners and tenants of locally assisted housing accommodations, on keeping common household pets, pet size, types of pets, potential financial obligation of tenants, and standards of pet care. The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 45-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the regulations, in whole or in part, by resolution within the 45-day review period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved.
Under D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. § 8-2035, the Mayor of the District of Columbia was directed to draft and publish proposed rules governing pet ownership in locally assisted housing within 180 days of March 16, 1989. Those rules were required to address topics such as allowable pet types, size limits, tenant financial responsibilities, and pet care standards. The proposed rules then had to go through a 45-day Council review period, after which they would be considered approved if the Council took no action to approve or disapprove them.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and managers of locally assisted housing accommodations in D.C. should be aware that D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. § 8-2035 established the framework under which the Mayor was required to issue rules governing pet policies in their properties. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the resulting regulations covering pet size, type, tenant financial obligations, and care standards, and incorporate those requirements into their lease terms and property policies. Reviewing the rules promulgated under this provision helps operators understand what pet-related restrictions and allowances apply to their locally assisted housing units.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 8-2031 et seq. § 8-2035 established the requirement that the Mayor issue rules protecting the rights of tenants in locally assisted housing to keep common household pets, subject to guidelines on pet size, type, financial obligations, and care standards. Tenants who believe a landlord's pet policy conflicts with the rules promulgated under this provision may have grounds to raise that conflict as a defense or to seek guidance from a tenant-rights organization familiar with D.C. housing law. Consulting the District's official regulations and local tenant advocacy resources can help tenants understand how the rules developed under § 8-2035 apply to their housing situation.
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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