District of Columbia Eviction Notice for Unpaid Rent

What District of Columbia law says

• RAD Form 10 says the tenant must pay or vacate '30 calendar days from when you were served'; it is labeled a Section 501(a-1) 30-day notice under the Rental Housing Act of 1985.
• The form says the total outstanding amount must be $600 or more to issue the notice.
• It must state the unpaid monthly rent, delinquency dates and total owed, attach a rent ledger, and say that failure to pay a late fee is not a basis for eviction.
• Service is by personal service, substitute service, posting (plus first-class mail and a dated photo) or registered mail, with an affidavit of service, in English and Spanish.

Steps for a landlord

• Confirm unpaid rent is at least $600, not counting late fees alone.
• Complete RAD Form 10 with the ledger and required statements.
• Serve it by an allowed method and keep proof of service.
• Wait the full 30 calendar days before filing suit.

What to put in the notice

• The names of the tenants and the address of the rental
• The amount of rent owed and the rental period it covers
• The number of days the tenant has to pay or move out, and the date that period ends
• The date, how the notice was delivered, and who delivered it
• Your name and contact details, with your signature

Things to watch

• The form is the source; the pages we read do not quote the statute text, so check D.C. Code 42-3505.01 or an attorney.
• Only a court can order an eviction.
• Cities and counties can add their own rules, including rent control and extra notice requirements. Check your local rules too.

About this page

We checked this page against the official sources listed below in November 2026. Where an official page did not say something, we say so. Laws change and courts read them differently, so confirm the current rule with the statute, the court or a local attorney before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.