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Below are FAQs relevant for members with property in the District of Columbia:

1) Question: What are the laws governing snow removal in the District?

Answer: The District requires all property owners to maintain their sidewalks, walkways, and similar areas free of snow and sleet. The District's requirements regarding snow removal are set forth in Section 302.3 of the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and DC Official Code §§ 9-601-9-607.

Section IPMC 302.3 requires property owners to maintain sidewalks, similar areas, free of hazardous conditions.

302.3 IMPC --- All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.

DC Official Code § 9-601 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, handicap ramps and steps abutting their property within the first 8 daylight hours after snow, sleet or ice stop falling. If an owner fails to comply with the law, the Mayor will remove the snow and file suit against the owner to recover the costs. (See DC Official Code §§ 9-605 and 9-606).

DC Official Code § 9-601. Removal from sidewalks by owner or occupant of abutting property.

It shall be the duty of every person, partnership, corporation, joint-stock company, or syndicate in charge or control of any building or lot of land within the fire limits of the District of Columbia, fronting or abutting on a paved sidewalk, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, or otherwise, within the first 8 hours of daylight after the ceasing to fall of any snow or sleet, to remove and clear away, or cause to be removed and cleared away, such snow or sleet from so much of said sidewalk as is in front of or abuts on said building or lot of land.

SNOW REMOVAL LAWS IN THE DISTRICT

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT
SNOW REMOVAL RESOURCES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEARING THE SNOW MOUNDS THAT BLOCK THE ADA-CURB CUTS?

ANSWER: YES. See the DC Department of Transportation's (DDOT) 2009-2010 Snow Guide above. ("Property owners also must clear snow from the ADA-curb cuts; these are part of the sidewalk.")
ARE PROPERTY OWNERS/MANAGERS RESPONSIBLE FOR SNOW REMOVAL FROM ALLEYS?

ANSWER: YES. The District has issued a press release reminding property owners that snow removal from alleys is their responsibility and not the District's. See DDOT and DC Department of Public Works' December 22, 2009 Press Release.
THE IPMC REQUIRES ME TO MAINTAIN PARKING SPACES FREE OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. DOES THIS REFER TO PARKING SPACES ON MY PROPERTY?

ANSWER: YES. Owners with on-site parking must remove snow from these areas. (This will apply, for example, to an apartment building with a parking lot).

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2) Question: Where can I find the rent adjustment of general applicability?

Answer: The Adjustment of General Applicability is published annually in the DC Register. Please click on the links below to access the information for 2010 and prior years.

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3) Question: Where can I access rent control forms?

Answer: The forms are available by visiting the website for the DC Department of Housing and Community Development's Housing Regulation Administration or by clicking on a specific form below:

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4) Question: Where can I find Rental Conversion and Sale Division Forms?

Answer: The forms are available by visiting the website for the DC Department of Housing and Community Development's Rental Conversion and Sale Division or by clicking on a specific document below.

Form Title	PDF Files
Offer of Sale With a Third Party Contract - Single Rental Unit	English*	Spanish*
Offer of Sale Without a Third Party Contract - Single Rental Unit	English*	Spanish*
Right of First Refusal - Single Rental Unit	English*	Spanish*
Offer of Sale With a Third Party Contract - 2-4 Rental Units	English*	Spanish*
Offer of Sale Without a Third Party Contract - 2-4 Rental Units	English*	Spanish*
Right of First Refusal - 2-4 Rental Units	English*	Spanish*
Offer of Sale With a Third Party Contract - 5 or More Rental Units	English*	Spanish*
Offer of Sale Without a Third Party Contract - 5 or More Rental Units	English*	Spanish*
Right of First Refusal - 5 or More Rental Units	English*	Spanish*

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5) Question: How do I calculate the interest for security deposits?

Answer: The Interest on Rental Security Deposits Amendment Act of 2006, which took effect on March 14, 2007, changed the formula for calculating the rate by which interest accrues on security deposits. The 2007 law amended several sections of the DC Municipal Regulations ("DCMR") governing security deposits. Most notably, the new law amended the formula for calculating the interest rate paid on security deposits. Interest shall accrue at not less than the statement savings rate then prevailing on January 1st and on July 1st for each 6-month period (or part thereof) of the tenancy which follows those dates. On those dates, the statement savings rate in the District financial institution in which the escrow account is held must be used. If the housing provider invests the security deposit in an account with an interest rate that exceeds that of the statement savings rate, the housing provider may apply up to 30 percent of the excess interest for administrative costs or other purposes. Please click on the link below to access the regulations governing security deposits in the District of Columbia.

Security Deposit Regulations

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