1. (a) In this chapter:

   1. (1) "Amendment" means a document that removes an unlawful restriction.
   2. (2) "Document" means a record recorded or eligible to be recorded in land records.

   3. (3) "Governing instrument" means a document recorded in land records that:

      1. (A) Establishes a governing body responsible for management of common areas or facilities used by more than one owner of a property interest affected by the document; and
      2. (B) Requires contribution, enforceable by a lien on a separate property interest, of a share of taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance, or improvement of, or services or other expenses for the common benefit of, the real property described in the document.
   4. (4) "Index" means a system that enables a search for a document in land records.
   5. (5) "Land records" means documents and indexes maintained by a recorder.
   6. (6) "Owner" means a person that has a fee interest in real property.
   7. (7) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.

   8. (8) "Record" when used as a noun means information:

      1. (A) Inscribed on a tangible medium; or
      2. (B) Stored in an electronic or other medium and retrievable in perceivable form.
   9. (9) "Recorder" means the District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds.
   10. (10) "Remove" means to eliminate any apparent or purportedly continuing effect on title to real property.

   11. (11) "Unlawful restriction" means a prohibition, restriction, covenant, or condition in a document that purports to interfere with or restrict the transfer, use, or occupancy of real property:

       1. (A) On the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, or other personal characteristics; and
       2. (B) In violation of other law of the District or federal law.

Emergency Legislation

For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 102 of Unlawful Restrictions in Land Records Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 (D.C. Act 25-476, May 29, 2024, 71 DCR 6682).

History

Aug. 14, 2024, D.C. Law 25-201, § 102