Complete guide to Washington DC fair housing laws, 21 protected classes, discrimination prevention, and landlord compliance requirements under the DC Human Rights Act.
Washington DC recognizes 21 protected classes under the DC Human Rights Act, significantly more than the 7 federal protected classes. DC protections include source of income, political affiliation, matriculation status, family responsibilities, and more.
No. DC's source of income protection prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants who pay rent using housing vouchers (Section 8), SNAP benefits, Social Security, child support, or any other lawful income source.
DC Human Rights Act civil penalties are capped by statute (§ 2-1403.13): up to $10,000 for a first violation, up to $25,000 with one prior violation in the past 5 years, and up to $50,000 with two or more priors in the past 7 years — plus compensatory damages and attorney fees. The DC Office of Human Rights can also require policy changes and training.
No. DC prohibits discrimination based on national origin, which includes citizenship or immigration status. Landlords cannot ask about immigration status on applications or use it as criteria for housing decisions.
DC’s exemptions are narrower than the federal “Mrs. Murphy” rule (§ 2-1402.24): renting to up to 4 families is exempt only where the tenant would share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner-occupant, plus owner-occupied two-family buildings where the families live independently. Religious organizations have a narrow exemption for units used for religious purposes, and qualifying 55+ senior housing is exempt under federal law. Source of income protection has NO exemptions.
File complaints with the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) within one year of the discriminatory act. You can file online, by mail, or in person. OHR investigates complaints and can impose remedies including fines, damages, and injunctive relief.
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