DC eviction process in 2026: notices, court filing, judgment, writ, and the costly mistakes that turn an eviction into a counterclaim.
DC evictions require a written notice to cure or vacate, a Landlord and Tenant Branch filing, a hearing, a judgment for possession, and a writ of restitution executed by the US Marshals. Self-help eviction — changing locks, shutting off utilities — is illegal and exposes you to treble damages.
No. DC blocks nonpayment eviction filings when the past-due rent is under a statutory threshold (currently $600). You can still pursue other remedies but cannot use the L&T branch.
STAY DC and successor programs can pay back rent on the tenant’s behalf. Cooperating with the application is often faster than litigating.
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