D.C. Code tit. 8 § 8-231.15
Serving of notice; civil penalties.
Operative Text
(a) Any notice or order served upon a respondent or other person pursuant to this subchapter may be personally served, delivered to the respondent’s or other person’s last known home or business address and left with a person of suitable age and discretion residing or employed therein, or mailed to the respondent or other person by first-class mail to the respondent or other person’s last known home or business address. When service is by mail, 5 additional days shall be added to the time period in the notice or order within which the respondent or other person may, or is required to, take any action specified in the notice order. (b) Any violation of this subchapter or implementing rule is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each day of each offense. Each day a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. (c) Civil infraction fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this subchapter or the rules issued under this subchapter pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 [§ 2-1801 et seq.]. Adjudication of any infractions shall be pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 [§ 2-1801 et seq.]. (d) In determining the severity of a civil penalty under subsection (a) of this section, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, gravity, actual or potential harm to the environment, and actual or potential harm to human health, of the violation or violations and, with respect to the violator, ability to pay, any history of prior such violations, the degree of culpability, and such other matters as justice may require. (e) The Attorney General for the District of Columbia may commence appropriate civil action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to secure a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, a permanent injunction, or other appropriate relief to enforce compliance with the provisions of this subchapter. (f) As specified by the Mayor in rulemaking, a person adversely affected by an action taken pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, or the rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter, is entitled to a hearing before the Mayor upon filing with the Mayor, within 15 calendar days of such action, a written request for a hearing. The hearing shall be held in accordance with § 2-509 .
Under D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq. § 8-231.15, notices and orders related to lead-paint and housing safety requirements may be delivered in person, left at a known address with a responsible adult, or sent by first-class mail — with five extra days added when mail is used. Violations of the subchapter can carry civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense. The District's Attorney General may seek court-ordered relief to compel compliance, and anyone adversely affected by an action under this provision has the right to request a hearing before the Mayor within 15 calendar days.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq. § 8-231.15 should be aware that notices and orders issued under this subchapter are legally effective once delivered by any of the specified methods, including first-class mail. Because each day of a continuing violation can be treated as a separate offense carrying penalties up to $25,000, compliant operators generally act promptly upon receiving any notice and document their remediation steps. Operators who believe an action taken against them is unwarranted typically file a written hearing request with the Mayor within the 15-calendar-day window described in the provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Code § 8-231.01 et seq. § 8-231.15 establishes that tenants and other affected parties who receive a notice or order by mail are entitled to five additional days beyond any stated deadline to respond or take required action. The provision also gives anyone adversely affected by an action under this subchapter the right to request a hearing before the Mayor by submitting a written request within 15 calendar days of that action. Tenants who believe their rights under this subchapter have been violated may also contact a tenant-rights organization or consult the District's Attorney General's office, which has authority to seek court-ordered relief to enforce compliance.
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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