Free Washington, DC Eviction Notice Template

A Washington, DC eviction notice is a legal document landlords must serve before starting a court case to remove a tenant. It gives tenants a chance to pay overdue rent, fix a violation, or move out before the landlord can file a lawsuit in DC Superior Court. Eviction notices in Washington, DC, are governed by the District of Columbia Code, Title 16, Chapter 15.

DC law requires different notices depending on the situation. Use Document Genius to select the correct notice type from the dropdown and complete your form quickly.

• 30-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (DC Code § 42-3505.01): Used when tenants fail to pay rent. They have 30 days to pay in full or move out before the landlord can file for eviction, except when the rent is less than $600.00.
• 30-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance (DC Code § 42-3505.01): Served when tenants violate lease terms, such as damaging the property or having unauthorized occupants. They have 30 days to fix the issue or leave.
• 30-Day Lease Termination Notice (DC Code § 42-3202(b) and DC Code § 42–3505.54): Ends a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days’ written notice, even if there’s no violation. The tenant may only provide this notice to quit. In the District of Columbia, the landlord must provide “just cause” to terminate a month-to-month lease.

To prepare a valid notice:

1. Select the correct notice type using the Document Genius form.
2. Enter landlord and tenant information, including rental property details.
3. Include the reason for eviction if required by law.
4. Set the appropriate deadline based on DC Code rules.
5. Sign and date the form before serving it.

Under DC law, landlords can deliver eviction notices by:

• Certified or registered mail
• Personal delivery to the tenant or another adult at the property
• Posting at the property when the tenant cannot be reached

Always keep proof of delivery since the court will require it.

If the tenant doesn’t comply within the notice period:

• File a Complaint for Possession with DC Superior Court
• Pay the filing fee (currently $15)
• Attend the scheduled court hearing
• Request a Writ of Restitution if the court rules in your favor so the US Marshals can remove the tenant if needed

Landlords may need these forms during the eviction process:

• Complaint for Non-Payment of Rent: Starts the eviction case in Superior Court
• Protective Order Information Sheet: Used if either party requests a protective order
• Writ of Restitution: Court order authorizing US Marshals to remove the tenant if they don’t leave voluntarily