THIRTY-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR VACATE
(District of Columbia - Nonpayment of Rent)
[// GUIDANCE: This notice is governed by the D.C. Rental Housing Act (D.C. Code §§ 42-3501.01 et seq.) and the D.C. Landlord Tenant Regulations. IMPORTANT: The District of Columbia has strong tenant protections. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must generally provide THIRTY (30) DAYS' notice to cure or vacate. The landlord cannot file an eviction action until the notice period has expired AND the tenant has failed to pay. Additionally, D.C. has rent control for many properties. Verify current requirements with D.C. law before use.]
[// GUIDANCE: D.C. also requires landlords to file eviction cases through the D.C. Superior Court, Landlord and Tenant Branch. Certain pre-filing requirements may apply, including providing information about tenant rights and rental assistance programs.]
NOTICE INFORMATION
Date of Notice: [DATE]
Tenant Name(s): [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)]
Rental Property Address:
[STREET ADDRESS]
Washington, D.C. [ZIP CODE]
[UNIT/APT NUMBER, if applicable]
Rent Control Registration Number (if applicable): [NUMBER]
THIRTY-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR VACATE
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED TENANT(S) AND ALL OTHERS IN POSSESSION:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the District of Columbia Code and applicable regulations, you are hereby required to pay the amount of rent stated below within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the date of service of this notice, or to vacate and surrender possession of the above-described premises.
RENT DUE
| Rental Period | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL RENT DUE | $[TOTAL] |
[// GUIDANCE: Include only unpaid rent. D.C. law may restrict the inclusion of certain fees. Verify what amounts may properly be included in a notice to cure for nonpayment.]
DEMAND FOR PAYMENT OR POSSESSION
You are hereby required within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the date of service of this notice to either:
-
PAY IN FULL the total amount of rent due as stated above; OR
-
VACATE AND SURRENDER possession of the above-described premises to the undersigned Landlord.
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If you fail to pay the full amount of rent owed or vacate the premises within the thirty (30) day period, the Landlord may file a complaint for possession in the D.C. Superior Court, Landlord and Tenant Branch.
Upon commencement of court proceedings, the Landlord will seek:
- A judgment for possession of the premises;
- A judgment for all unpaid rent;
- Court costs and other relief permitted by law.
PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Payment must be made by: [CHECK / MONEY ORDER / CASHIER'S CHECK / CERTIFIED FUNDS / OTHER ACCEPTED METHODS]
Payment must be delivered to:
[LANDLORD NAME OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
[PHONE NUMBER]
[// GUIDANCE: If online or electronic payment is accepted, include portal information here.]
YOUR RIGHTS AS A D.C. TENANT
Right to Cure
If you pay the full amount of rent due within the thirty (30) day notice period, this notice shall be void and your tenancy shall continue according to its terms.
Rental Assistance Programs
You may be eligible for emergency rental assistance. Contact:
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): (202) 888-1286 or stay.dc.gov
- D.C. Department of Human Services: (202) 671-4200
Tenant Right to Organize
Under D.C. law, you have the right to organize with other tenants.
Rent Control
If this property is covered by D.C. rent control (D.C. Code § 42-3502.05), your rent may only be increased in accordance with those provisions.
Prohibited Retaliation
D.C. Code § 42-3505.02 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights.
Warranty of Habitability
Under D.C. law, landlords must maintain rental properties in habitable condition. If there are serious housing code violations, you may have legal defenses.
LEGAL RESOURCES
You have the right to seek legal assistance and to contest any eviction action in court. For legal help, contact:
- Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network: (202) 780-2575
- Bread for the City Legal Clinic: (202) 265-2400
- Legal Aid Society of D.C.: (202) 628-1161
- D.C. Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (202) 737-4700
- Office of the Tenant Advocate: (202) 719-6560
Military Personnel: If you are a servicemember on active duty, you may have additional rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.).
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This notice is made without waiving any rights or remedies of the Landlord, all of which are expressly reserved. Acceptance of partial payment after this notice is served does not waive the Landlord's right to proceed with eviction for the remaining balance unless the Landlord agrees in writing to accept partial payment and waive the breach.
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that a copy of this Thirty-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate was served upon the above-named Tenant(s) on [DATE OF SERVICE] by the following method:
☐ Personal delivery to Tenant
☐ Leaving a copy at the tenant's usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion
☐ Posting on the premises in a conspicuous place AND mailing a copy via first-class mail
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested
[// GUIDANCE: D.C. law has specific service requirements. Personal service is preferred. If personal service cannot be accomplished, alternative methods may be available. Maintain detailed records of all service attempts.]
LANDLORD/AGENT SIGNATURE
Landlord/Authorized Agent Name: [PRINT NAME]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: [DATE]
Address:
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
Telephone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
D.C. Business License Number: [NUMBER]
PROOF OF SERVICE
Server Name: [PRINT NAME OF PERSON WHO SERVED NOTICE]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date of Service: [DATE]
Time of Service: [TIME]
Method of Service: [DESCRIBE METHOD USED]
If Posted and Mailed:
Date Posted: [DATE]
Date Mailed: [DATE]
Location where posted: [DESCRIBE]
NOTICE REGARDING TENANT RIGHTS
(Required under D.C. Law)
IMPORTANT: THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE. YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT ARE BEING AFFECTED.
You are receiving this notice because your landlord claims you owe rent. You have the following rights:
- You have 30 DAYS to pay the rent owed or vacate.
- You have the right to contest this notice and any eviction case filed against you.
- You have the right to seek legal representation.
- You may be eligible for emergency rental assistance.
- If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, you may have additional protections.
For more information about your rights, contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate at (202) 719-6560 or visit ota.dc.gov.
This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of the District of Columbia Code and applicable regulations. D.C. has extensive tenant protection laws, and landlords must strictly comply with all requirements. This template does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed D.C. attorney for guidance specific to your situation.