District Of Columbia § 34-1261.01 - Landlord-tenant relationship.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 34-1261.01 — Landlord-tenant relationship., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-1261.01. Landlord-tenant relationship.
34-1261.01No landlord of a residential property shall:
Interfere with the installation, operation, upgrade, or maintenance of cable television facilities upon a property or premises, except that a landlord may require that:
The installation of cable television facilities conform to those reasonable conditions and architectural controls set forth by the landlord as necessary to protect the safety, functioning, and appearance of the property or premises, and the convenience and well-being of tenants;
The cable operator or the tenant or both bear the entire cost of the installation, operation, upgrade, maintenance, or removal of the facilities; or
The cable operator agrees to indemnify the landlord for any damages caused by the installation, operation, upgrade, maintenance, or removal of the facilities.
Demand or accept payment from any tenant or cable operator, in any form, in exchange for permitting access to a property or premises or for permitting cable television service or facilities on or within a property or premises except as provided in rules and procedures established by the Office allowing for adequate compensation.
Discriminate in rental charges or otherwise between tenants who receive cable television service and those who do not.
Rental agreements and leases executed before October 22, 1983, may be enforced notwithstanding this section.
No cable operator shall enter into any agreement with the landlord, owners, lessees, or persons controlling or managing a building or do or permit any act that would have the effect, directly or indirectly, of diminishing, infringing upon, or interfering with the rights of any tenant or other occupant of the building to choose a cable service, Satellite Master Antenna Television, Direct Broadcast Satellite, any other video transmission system, or use or avail himself or herself to master or individual antenna equipment.
In addition to any other lawful remedy available to a tenant, a person aggrieved by an act of a cable operator or a landlord in violation of this section may bring a civil action in the Superior Court and the court may award damages, punitive damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 34-1261.01
What does D.C. Code § 34-1261.01 cover?
Section 34-1261.01 ("Landlord-tenant relationship.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 34-1261.01?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 34-1261.01" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 34-1261.01 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.