Washington, D.C. notice to vacate

Frequently asked questions

How much notice must a tenant give to end a month-to-month lease in Washington, D.C.?

30 days. Give it in writing and keep proof of delivery. Verified July 2026 against D.C. Code § 42-3505.01.

How much notice must a landlord give to end a month-to-month tenancy in Washington, D.C.?

No no-fault termination — just cause is required. Notice by ground: lease violation 30 days, owner occupancy 90 days, sale 90 days, renovation 120 days, demolition/discontinuance 180 days. A landlord cannot end a month-to-month merely because it is periodic; strong Rental Housing Act protections apply.

Can a landlord end a month-to-month tenancy without cause in Washington, D.C.?

Not freely — Washington, D.C. restricts no-cause terminations. No no-fault termination — just cause is required. Notice by ground: lease violation 30 days, owner occupancy 90 days, sale 90 days, renovation 120 days, demolition/discontinuance 180 days Confirm with D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 and any local ordinance.

What statute governs notice to vacate in Washington, D.C.?

D.C. Code § 42-3505.01. The source text is at https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.01.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a best-effort summary compiled from a cited source and verified July 2026. Notice rules change and many cities add stricter just-cause or longer-notice ordinances a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.