District of Columbia Eviction Notice (2026)

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, statutory wording, day counting and service rules.

Updated September 2026≈ 6 minReviewed against D.C. Code § 42-3505.01

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What you'll get

Sample first page of the Eviction Notice. Your answers fill in the blanks; the clauses required in District of Columbia are added automatically.

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What this document covers

Reason: nonpayment, lease violation or unconditional quit
State notice period and day counting
Tenants, occupants and premises
Amount past due and rental periods
Where, when and how rent may be paid
Description of the violation and how to cure
Statutory wording and bold notices your state requires
CARES Act 30-day rule for covered properties
Method of service permitted in your state
Proof of service for the court

District of Columbia rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent	30 days — 30-Day Notice to Pay or VacateSource: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1)
Lease violation	30 days — tenant may cureSource: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(b)
Unconditional quit	30 days — Court determination that tenant performed an illegal act within the unit (30-day notice to vacate); drug haven under § 42-3602Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(c)
Permitted service methods	Personal delivery to the tenant; Delivery to a person of suitable age at the premises + first-class mail; Posting on the entry door + first-class mail; Certified mail, return receipt requestedSource: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1)(3); D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 4
Required content	Notices to vacate must be in English and Spanish (or the tenant's primary language on request), include the Office of the Tenant Advocate contact information, and state the specific ground for eviction. A nonpayment notice must state the total amount owed and that eviction cannot be filed if the balance is paid within 30 days.
Statute	Rental Housing Act of 1985, D.C. Code § 42-3505.01; 14 DCMR Ch. 43

Rules current as of 2026-10-27. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in District of Columbia

Serve the notice exactly as District of Columbia law allows and count the days from the day of service — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks; this generator does the counting for you. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in District of Columbia?

30 days (30-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate), D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1). Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

Personal delivery to the tenant; Delivery to a person of suitable age at the premises + first-class mail; Posting on the entry door + first-class mail; Certified mail, return receipt requested. D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1)(3); D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 4. Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Other names

notice to quit
pay or quit notice
3 day notice
notice to vacate
eviction letter
notice to cure or quit
late rent notice
demand for possession

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.