Do this today
- Keep the paper. Photograph every page.
- Write the date, time, and how it arrived.
- Look for DC Superior Court — Landlord and Tenant Branch, a case number, or an appearance date.
- If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. Do not guess the deadline.
What were you handed?
| The paper | What it usually is | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord notice | A step before a court case. Not a judgment, and not a lockout. | Date it. Keep the original. Write down how it arrived. Check whether it offers a chance to fix the problem. |
| Court papers | A case has been filed. A court name, case number, or appearance date is running. | Call legal aid the same day. Do not ignore it. Bring the papers and a timeline of how you received them. |
| Lockout or shutoff | Locks changed, belongings moved, or utilities cut on an occupied unit. | Call 211 and legal aid today. In most states a landlord may not do this personally. Police non-emergency can document it. |
Is a notice in Washington, DC the same as being evicted?
No. A written landlord notice is a step. DC Superior Court — Landlord and Tenant Branch is where a possession case is heard. Papers that name a court, a case number, or an appearance date mean a case has been filed — that is same-day legal-aid work. DC law is the whole local stack. Neighboring Maryland and Virginia counties are different jurisdictions.
What should I be careful not to do?
Do not ignore court papers. Do not assume a lockout is lawful because a notice looks official. Do not sign a move-out or cash-for-keys paper you have not read with an advocate. DC Department of Housing and Community Development is not a substitute for legal aid once a case is filed.
Who do I call in DC — 311, DHCD, OTA, or court?
311 opens City requests. DHCD handles much of the rent-stabilization stack. The Office of Tenant Advocate helps tenants navigate. Superior Court is where a possession case is heard. Match the paper to the door.
The Washington, DC layer
DC law is the whole local stack. Neighboring Maryland and Virginia counties are different jurisdictions.
District of Columbia residential tenancy statutes (D.C. Code §§ 42-3201 to 42-3651.08) is the District of Columbia floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Washington, DC questions
Can my landlord in Washington, DC evict me without going to court?
No. Changing locks or shutting off utilities is not how possession is completed. DC Superior Court — Landlord and Tenant Branch is the court. If the paper names it, call legal aid the same day.
How long does an eviction notice last in Washington, DC?
That number is in District of Columbia residential tenancy statutes, and it can depend on the reason, the housing type, and any local ordinance. This site does not reprint it. Open the chapter or call legal aid with the paper in your hand.
Who do I call in DC — 311, DHCD, OTA, or court?
311 opens City requests. DHCD handles much of the rent-stabilization stack. The Office of Tenant Advocate helps tenants navigate. Superior Court is where a possession case is heard. Match the paper to the door.
What number should I call in Washington, DC?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. DC Department of Housing and Community Development does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org