14 DCMR § 14-702
ROOFS AND CHIMNEYS
Operative Text
702.1 The roof shall be maintained so it does not leak, and all rain water shall be drained and conveyed from the roof so that it does not cause wet walls or ceilings. 702.2 Each smoke pipe and each chimney shall be adequately supported, free from obstruction, and maintained in such condition that there will be no leakage or backing up of noxious or dangerous gases. 702.3 Each chimney shall be reasonably plumb. 702.4 The total area of all flue openings shall not exceed the net area of the chimney flue. 702.5 Unrequired openings in chimneys shall be closed with masonry. 702.6 All flue openings in chimneys shall be supplied with flue crocks, or metal or masonry thimbles.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-702 establishes structural and functional standards for roofs, chimneys, and smoke pipes in residential properties in the District of Columbia. Under this provision, roofs must remain watertight and drain rainwater in a way that prevents wet walls or ceilings, while chimneys and smoke pipes must be properly supported, unobstructed, and free from gas leakage or backdraft. The rule also specifies that chimneys be kept reasonably plumb, that flue openings not exceed the chimney flue's net area, that unused chimney openings be sealed with masonry, and that all active flue openings be fitted with flue crocks or appropriate thimbles.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-702 generally conduct routine inspections of roofs to confirm there are no leaks and that drainage systems direct water away from walls and ceilings. Compliant operators also verify that chimneys and smoke pipes are structurally supported, clear of obstructions, and sealed against gas leakage, and that any unused chimney openings are closed with masonry. Maintaining proper flue sizing and ensuring all active flue openings are equipped with flue crocks or metal or masonry thimbles are additional elements of ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in District of Columbia rental housing are protected by D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-702, which requires landlords to keep roofs, chimneys, and smoke pipes in safe, functional condition. If a tenant notices roof leaks causing wet walls or ceilings, chimney obstructions, or signs of gas backdraft, these conditions may constitute housing code violations that can be reported to the D.C. Department of Buildings or a comparable local enforcement authority. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available remedies, which can include raising a housing code violation as a defense in certain legal proceedings.
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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