Landlord Entry Rules in District of Columbia
District of Columbia rules on landlord entry for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: Written notice at least 48 hours in advance (unless the tenant agrees in writing to less), entry only 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays (unless the tenant agrees), and only for a listed reasonable purpose. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51
The rules in District of Columbia
| Landlord entry notice | Written notice at least 48 hours in advance (unless the tenant agrees in writing to less), entry only 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays (unless the tenant agrees), and only for a listed reasonable purpose. No notice needed in an emergency. Email/text notice counts only if the tenant acknowledges it in writing; otherwise paper notice is also required. Court may enjoin improper entry and award damages for breach of quiet enjoyment. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 |
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Related questions
District of Columbia vs. neighboring states
| State | Landlord entry notice |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Written notice at least 48 hours in advance (unless the tenant agrees in writing to less), entry only 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays (unless the tenant agrees), and only for a listed reasonable purpose. No notice needed in an emergency. Email/text notice counts only if the tenant acknowledges it in writing; otherwise paper notice is also required. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 |
| Maryland | Written notice at least 24 hours in advance stating the approximate date/time and specific purpose; entry only 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time or shorter notice. Permitted purposes include repairs/maintenance, inspections, showing the unit, safety, government-ordered work, and responding to a written tenant request. No notice needed in an emergency. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221 |
| Virginia | Landlord must give notice of intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times; at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance not requested by the tenant. No notice needed in an emergency, when impractical, or when the tenant requested the maintenance. Va. Code 55.1-1229 |
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- All District of Columbia landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in District of Columbia
Compare landlord entry in all 50 states and DC →
Landlord Entry Rules in District of Columbia FAQ
Can a landlord enter without notice in District of Columbia?
Written notice at least 48 hours in advance (unless the tenant agrees in writing to less), entry only 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays (unless the tenant agrees), and only for a listed reasonable purpose. No notice needed in an emergency. Email/text notice counts only if the tenant acknowledges it in writing; otherwise paper notice is also required. (D.C. Code § 42-3505.51)
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.