Notice of Entry — District of Columbia

What this District of Columbia letter does

A notice of entry tells your tenant in writing when you intend to enter the unit and why. It is required by law before non-emergency entries and serves as the paper trail if any dispute arises about whether notice was given.

How District of Columbia handles this

D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 requires at least 48 hours' advance written notice before a landlord enters a rental unit for non-emergency purposes.

Statute last reviewed June 2026. Moving, or curious how District of Columbia compares? See the 50-state table →

What to expect after you send it

Most tenants will accommodate a properly noticed entry. If the tenant objects, propose an alternate date in writing. Repeated objections or refusals to allow legally noticed entries may themselves be a lease violation.

Sample Notice of Entry letter — District of Columbia

Bracketed fields are placeholders — the generator fills them from your answers and applies the correct statutory citations for your jurisdiction.

[YOUR NAME (LANDLORD / MANAGER)]
[YOUR MAILING ADDRESS]

July 24, 2026

[TENANT FULL NAME]
[TENANT ADDRESS]

Re:  Notice of Entry
     [RENTAL-UNIT ADDRESS]

Dear [TENANT FULL NAME]:

This is written notice, given pursuant to D.C. Code § 42-3505.51, which requires at least 48 hours' advance written notice, that I will enter the above rental unit on [date] between [ENTRY TIME WINDOW].

Purpose of entry: [PURPOSE OF ENTRY]

I will make reasonable efforts to be brief and to leave the unit as I found it. If the proposed date or time is materially inconvenient, please contact me promptly to arrange an alternative.

You are not required to be present, but you may attend if you wish.

Sincerely,



[YOUR NAME (LANDLORD / MANAGER)]

Download this template (Word) — free, no signup

Common mistakes to avoid in District of Columbia

• Giving too little notice. When in doubt, give more.
• Sending notice only by text. Send it in writing (paper or email) and keep a copy.
• Treating ordinary inspections as emergencies. Emergencies are limited to genuine threats to life or property.
• Entering outside normal business hours without explicit tenant consent.

If your letter is ignored

• Conduct the entry within the time window stated. Be brief and respectful.
• Leave the unit in the condition you found it. If you take photos, share them with the tenant.
• Document the entry: date, time, who entered, what was done.

How to generate your District of Columbia letter

Five steps, usually under ten minutes total.

1. Sign in or create an account. Only your email and a password are required — no card until you unlock your finished letter.
2. Click "Start my letter". On any Notice of Entry page, click the Start button. We create a draft you can come back to.
3. Fill in your facts. Names, addresses, dates, and amounts. Plain-language prompts guide every field. Save as a draft if you need to gather information.
4. Click Finalize. Traquor renders your letter with your state's statutory citations and notice periods where they apply.
5. Print or save as PDF. Your finalized letter is in a clean paper layout. Use your browser to print or save as a PDF, then mail, email, or hand-deliver.

More Landlord letters for District of Columbia

• Rent DemandDistrict of Columbia →
• Lease Violation NoticeDistrict of Columbia →
• Notice to QuitDistrict of Columbia →
• Lease Non-RenewalDistrict of Columbia →

See all letters available in District of Columbia →