National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in District of Columbia?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in District of Columbia finish in about 6 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The District of Columbia eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    10 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    10-day notice of intent to file

    From our guide: “Nonpayment: notice of intent to file, at least 10 days before filing (subsec. (a-1)(1); 30 days before December 31, 2025).”

  2. 2Court case

    14 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Summons served at least 14 days before hearing

    From our guide: “The summons must be served at least 14 days before the initial hearing (§ 16-1502(a); formerly 30 days).”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    21 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Landlord must give 21 days' notice before eviction date

    From our guide: “At least 21 days before the eviction date, notify the tenant by all three of: phone or electronic message (email or text), first class mail, and conspicuous posting at the unit”

What can slow it down

  • Nonpayment cases cannot even be noticed or filed if the unpaid rent is under $600, and the writ itself must issue within 90 days of judgment or default.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full District of Columbia eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

District of Columbia scores 2 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (tenant-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed District of Columbia attorney before acting.