How Long Does an Eviction Take in DC? The Legal Steps and Minimum Waits
A DC eviction is a case in the Landlord and Tenant Branch with a notice before it and a Marshal after it. Here are the steps in order and the minimum waits the law sets for each.
What are the steps of a DC eviction?
A DC eviction is a court case in the Landlord and Tenant Branch of the Superior Court. In order:
- A notice that fits the ground: 10 days for unpaid rent of at least $600, 30 days to correct a violation, 30 days to vacate after a court finds an illegal act (D.C. Code 42-3505.01).
- A complaint for possession, verified under oath, with a valid rental registration and license (16-1501).
- A summons served at least 14 days before the initial hearing (16-1502(a)).
- An initial hearing, or a default judgment if the tenant does not appear.
- A writ of restitution, which may issue two days after a default or judgment, with the U.S. Marshal’s 3-day notice to the tenant (Rules 14 and 16).
How long is each wait?
The notice is 10 or 30 days. After filing, the tenant must be served at least 14 days before the hearing. After a default or judgment the writ may issue two days later, and the Marshal gives 3 days’ notice. The DC eviction timeline calculator adds them for your dates. The rules set no trial date: the court calendar does.
Can a tenant stop the case by paying?
In a nonpayment case the tenant has the right to remain if the total balance of unpaid rent is paid in full, and after a judgment for possession the court rules let the tenant redeem the tenancy by paying the amount stated in a notice to the tenant of the payment required to avoid eviction (Rule 14-II). Ask the clerk how it works in your case.
What about rent during the case?
Any party to a case based on nonpayment may ask for a protective order that requires the defendant to deposit the monthly rent in the court registry through the end of the case; the court issues a preliminary order and sets a hearing on defenses such as housing code violations or a dispute over the rent amount (16-1502a).
Can the landlord skip any step?
No. See self-help evictions in DC. Only the Marshal can carry out an eviction. A federal 30-day notice may apply to a covered dwelling (15 U.S.C. 9058(c)).
What is the legal minimum for an unpaid-rent case?
In the example table below, a 10-day notice served on day 0 allows a filing on day 10; the summons is served at least 14 days before the hearing; if the tenant does not appear the court may enter a default; the writ follows two days later and the Marshal’s notice three days after that. The calculator gives the exact dates. It is a minimum, not what to expect.
An example schedule for an unpaid-rent eviction
| When | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | A 10-day notice of past due rent is served |
| Day 10 | Earliest day to file the complaint |
| Filing day | The summons is served; the hearing is set at least 14 days later |
| Initial hearing | Default judgment if the tenant does not appear |
| 2 days later | The writ of restitution may issue |
| 3 days after | The Marshal’s notice period ends; the eviction can be scheduled |
The example assumes no District holiday in the way and that the tenant does not appear or redeem the tenancy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step of a DC eviction?
A notice that fits the ground, such as a 10-day notice of past due rent.
Does a landlord have to go to court to evict in DC?
Yes. Only a writ of restitution executed by the U.S. Marshals can remove a tenant.
How long before the hearing must a tenant be served?
At least 14 days.
How long after a judgment can a writ issue?
Two days after a default or judgment.
Can I stop the eviction by paying the rent?
You may remain if the full balance is paid, and nonpayment judgments can be redeemed by paying the stated amount.
Official sources
- D.C. Code 42-3505.01: recovery of possession of a rental unit
- D.C. Code 16-1501: complaint for possession
- D.C. Code 16-1502: service of summons
- D.C. Superior Court Landlord and Tenant Rules
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited District of Columbia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed District of Columbia attorney.