Section 14-302. VOIDING LEASE FOR VIOLATION OF REGULATIONS

 

302.1The leasing of any habitation which, at the beginning of the tenancy, is unsafe or unsanitary due to violations of this subtitle in that habitation or in the common space of the premises (whether or not those violations are the subject of a notice issued under this subtitle) of which the owner has knowledge or reasonably should have knowledge, shall render void the lease or rental agreement for the habitation.

 

302.2After the beginning of the tenancy, if the habitation becomes unsafe or unsanitary due to violations of this subtitle in that habitation or in the common space of the premises (whether or not the violations are the subject of a notice issued under this subtitle), the lease or rental agreement for the habitation shall be rendered void if both of the following apply:

 

(a)The violations did not result from the intentional acts or negligence of the tenant or his or her invitees; and

 

(b)The violations are not corrected within the time allowed for correction under a notice issued under this subtitle (or, if a notice has not been issued, within a reasonable time after the owner has knowledge or reasonably should have knowledge of the violations).

 

source

The Housing Regulations of the District of Columbia, 5G DCRR § 2902, Commissioners’ Order 55-1503 (August 11, 1955).