7800.1 Either party to the dwelling lease agreement may terminate the lease in accordance with the terms of the lease and applicable local and federal law.

7800.2 The Lessee's rental assistance is tied to his or her tenancy.

7800.3 When the Lessee vacates the public housing unit, their rental assistance is terminated.

7800.4 DCHA has the authority to terminate the lease based on the Lessee's failure to comply with HUD regulations, for serious or repeated violations of the terms of the lease, and for other good cause in accordance with the provisions of the lease and the regulations at 24 CFR § 966.4(l)(2).

7800.5 There is no time limitation on bringing an action based on a breach of the lease.

7800.6 For the purposes of this section, Lessee shall have the same definition as in Chapter 67.

7800.7 This Chapter provides the regulations that govern voluntary termination of the lease by the Lessee and the mandatory and voluntary termination of the lease by DCHA. It is presented in four parts:

(a) Section 7801, Termination by Tenant specifies DCHA requirements for voluntary termination of the lease by the Lessee;

(b) Section 7802, Termination by DCHA-Mandatory, specifies when termination of the lease by DCHA is mandatory, including nonrenewal of the lease for noncompliance with community service requirements;

(c) Section 7803, Termination by DCHA – Other Authorized Reasons specifies DCHA's options for lease termination for which HUD allows DCHA to terminate the lease.

(d) Section 7804, Notification Requirements, specifies requirements for disclosure of criminal records to the Lessee prior to termination, the requirements for timing and content of written notices for lease termination, and notification of the post office when eviction is due to criminal activity. This part also discusses record keeping related to lease termination.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 007351 (May 15, 2026).