General information only, not legal advice. Laws change. Verify requirements with a licensed attorney or the statute before acting. Last reviewed: June 2026.

Notice to Vacate · DC

Washington, D.C. notice to vacate law

Required notice periods for month-to-month tenancies in Washington, D.C., cited to DC Code § 42-3505.01 (eviction/just cause); § 42-3505.54 (tenant notice to vacate).

At a glance

Tenant notice
30 days
Landlord notice
90 days (no-fault termination for covered units)
Just cause required
Yes (D.C. requires landlords to have just cause to terminate any residential tenancy in covered rental units. The 90-day notice applies for no-fault reasons such as owner move-in or sale.)
Statute
DC Code § 42-3505.01 (eviction/just cause); § 42-3505.54 (tenant notice to vacate)
Last reviewed
June 2026

Frequently asked questions

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

In Washington, D.C., a tenant must provide 30 days written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. (DC Code § 42-3505.01 (eviction/just cause); § 42-3505.54 (tenant notice to vacate), last reviewed June 2026.)

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

In Washington, D.C., a landlord must give 90 days (no-fault termination for covered units) written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. (DC Code § 42-3505.01 (eviction/just cause); § 42-3505.54 (tenant notice to vacate).) D.C. requires landlords to have just cause to terminate any residential tenancy in covered rental units. The 90-day notice applies for no-fault reasons such as owner move-in or sale.

Does Washington, D.C. require just cause to end a month-to-month tenancy?

Yes. D.C. requires landlords to have just cause to terminate any residential tenancy in covered rental units. The 90-day notice applies for no-fault reasons such as owner move-in or sale.

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