Breaking a Lease in District of Columbia
District of Columbia rules on breaking a lease for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (or parent/guardian of a minor victim) is released from the lease by giving written notice plus either a civil protection order or documentation signed by a qualified third party (police officer, DCHA police officer, health professional… D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.07, 42-3505.08
The rules in District of Columbia
| Ending a lease: domestic violence | A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (or parent/guardian of a minor victim) is released from the lease by giving written notice plus either a civil protection order or documentation signed by a qualified third party (police officer, DCHA police officer, health professional, or domestic violence counselor) showing the offense was reported. The request must be made within 90 days of the reported incident. Release takes effect 14 days after the landlord receives the notice and documentation (or earlier if the unit is re-rented); the tenant owes only prorated rent to that date, despite any lease penalty, plus any rent already past due. Victims may also require the landlord to change the locks within 5 business days (tenant reimburses cost). Victim status is also a protected class (§ 2-1402.21). Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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Related questions
- Can I break my lease because of domestic violence?
- Can I break my lease for military orders, medical reasons or a death?
District of Columbia vs. neighboring states
| State | Ending a lease: domestic violence | Ending a lease: military, medical, death |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (or parent/guardian of a minor victim) is released from the lease by giving written notice plus either a civil protection order or documentation signed by a qualified third party (police officer, DCHA police officer, health professional, or domestic violence counselor) showing the offense was reported. The request must be made within 90 days of the reported incident. Release takes effect 14 days after the landlord receives the notice and documentation (or earlier if the unit is re-rented); the tenant owes only prorated rent to that date, despite any lease penalty, plus any rent already past due. Victims may also require the landlord to change the locks within 5 business days (tenant reimburses cost). D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.07, 42-3505.08 | Not verified yet |
| Maryland | A tenant who is, or whose legal occupant is, a 'victim of abuse' may end future lease liability with written notice of intent to vacate, sent by first-class mail or hand delivery, stating the victim status. The notice must include one of these: a protective order, a peace order based on abuse, or a qualified third party's report signed within the past 60 days with the alleged abuser's name and description redacted. The tenant has 30 days to move out and owes rent only from the notice date until move-out, up to 30 days. A tenant who leaves sooner must send a signed, notarized notice of vacating by first-class mail or hand delivery; the landlord must then inspect and confirm the rent owed or refund due. If the tenant has not left within 30 days, the landlord may treat them as a holdover or treat the notice as withdrawn. The abuser's liability does not end. Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-5A-02, 8-5A-03 | Military: an active service member, or the member's spouse, who receives a change of assignment owes no more than rent then due plus 30 days' rent after giving written notice and proof, plus repair costs for damage. A change of assignment includes PCS orders, temporary duty over 90 days, orders to move on base, and release from active duty. Medical: a tenant owes no more than 2 months' rent after moving out if, before vacating, they give written notice with a move-out date and a certification from a Maryland-licensed physician or psychologist, on letterhead or a prescription form. The certification must state that a medical condition restricts mobility, requires a move for a higher level of care, or is a mental disorder making continued residence unfeasible. The medical rule does not apply if the lease already has an early-termination clause requiring 1 month's notice or less and charging 2 months' rent or less. Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-212.1, 8-212.2 |
| Virginia | Yes. A tenant who is a victim of family abuse, sexual abuse or criminal sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking may terminate if, during the current lease, the victim obtained a qualifying protective order (and gives notice while it is in effect), or a perpetrator was convicted or charged (warrant, summons, information or indictment) for such a crime against the victim. The tenant serves written notice of termination effective 28 days after service, with a copy of the order or charging/conviction document. Rent is owed through the effective date; no liquidated damages. Co-tenants remain liable; if the perpetrator is the remaining sole tenant, the landlord may terminate and pursue the perpetrator for damages. Va. Code § 55.1-1236 | Military: members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard on full-time duty (or NG civil service technicians) may terminate upon permanent change of station orders, temporary duty orders over 3 months, discharge/release, orders to government quarters, or a stop-movement order of 30+ days preventing occupancy. Written notice effective no sooner than 30 days after the next rent due date, with a copy of orders or a commanding officer's letter before the termination date; no liquidated damages. Tenant death: a lease with a sole tenant still residing is deemed terminated on the date of death; the estate remains liable for actual damages subject to mitigation. Va. Code § 55.1-1235; § 55.1-1256(C) |
More District of Columbia rental law
- District of Columbia Security Deposit Law
- District of Columbia Eviction Laws
- District of Columbia Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- District of Columbia Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
- Squatters' Rights in District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Rental Fee Rules
- District of Columbia Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- District of Columbia Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- District of Columbia Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- District of Columbia Landlord Selling the House
- District of Columbia Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- District of Columbia Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All District of Columbia landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in District of Columbia
Compare breaking a lease in all 50 states and DC →
Breaking a Lease in District of Columbia FAQ
Can a domestic violence survivor break a lease in District of Columbia?
A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (or parent/guardian of a minor victim) is released from the lease by giving written notice plus either a civil protection order or documentation signed by a qualified third party (police officer, DCHA police officer, health professional, or domestic violence counselor) showing the offense was reported. The request must be made within 90 days of the reported incident. Release takes effect 14 days after the landlord receives the notice and documentation (or earlier if the unit is re-rented); the tenant owes only prorated rent to that date, despite any lease penalty, plus any rent already past due. Victims may also require the landlord to change the locks within 5 business days (tenant reimburses cost). (D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.07, 42-3505.08)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.