District Of Columbia § 47-1372 - Notice to certain persons.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 47-1372 — Notice to certain persons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47-1372. Notice to certain persons.
47-1372The plaintiff shall send written notice of the action to:
Notwithstanding the provisions of , all persons having a recorded interest, recorded claim, or recorded lien, including a recorded judgment, who have not been made a defendant in the action and, if the real property is the common areas owned by or legally dedicated to a homeowners association, to the homeowners association governing the real property, at the last reasonably ascertainable address; and
Each commercial tenant of the real property whose identity is known to the plaintiff at the commercial tenant’s last reasonably ascertainable address.
A purchaser of the real property, or an assignee of a certificate of sale, if the purchaser has recorded the certificate of sale and any assignee has recorded the assignment, as prescribed by , within 4 months after the date of the tax sale to the plaintiff; provided, that the purchaser or assignee shall file an attachment with the certificate of sale or assignment indicating his mailing address; provided further, that the assignee shall file the certificate of sale if the certificate was not filed by the purchaser.
Foreclosure of the right of redemption shall not extinguish the amount to which the purchaser or assignee is entitled under this chapter.
This section shall not apply to residential tenants.
The notice under subsection (a) of this section shall be:
Sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service; and
Accompanied by a copy of the summons and a copy of the complaint.
The plaintiff shall file in the action:
The return receipt from the notice; or
If the return receipt has not been returned, the proof of mailing and an affidavit stating that the notice provisions of subsection (b) of this section have been complied with, or an affidavit stating that the address of the holder of the subordinate interest is not reasonably ascertainable.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the plaintiff shall send written notice of the action to any commercial tenant of the real property whose occupancy of the real property is reasonably ascertainable by the plaintiff, whether or not the commercial tenant’s identity is known:
By first-class mail, postage prepaid, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, addressed to the commercial tenant by name if the identity of the commercial tenant is known to the plaintiff, or addressed to “occupant” if the identity of the commercial tenant is not known;
To each separately leased area of the real property that the plaintiff can reasonably ascertain is occupied;
In an envelope prominently marked on the outside with the phrase “Notice of Action to Foreclose”; and
Accompanied by a copy of the complaint.
The notice shall include the following statement in conspicuous, bold-faced print:
“If the unpaid taxes, together with costs and expenses, are not paid, the court may enter a judgment foreclosing the right of redemption that would terminate your lease and right to occupy the real property. You have the right to pay the unpaid taxes, together with costs and expenses, and avoid lease termination and eviction. A judgment foreclosing the right of redemption could be entered within the next 90 days and at that time you could be evicted or required to vacate the real property.”
If the filing under subsection (c) of this section is made before the entry of final judgment, the failure of a person under subsection (a)(1) of this section to receive the notice shall not invalidate the sale.
In addition to the notice required by subsection (a) of this section, the plaintiff shall provide notice of the action by posting a copy of the summons on a place on the premises of the real property where it may be conveniently read.
Subject to and (4), after entry of a judgment foreclosing the right of redemption and at least 30 days before taking possession of the real property, the plaintiff shall give any commercial tenant of the real property written notice of the plaintiff’s intention to obtain possession of the real property and that the commercial tenant shall vacate the real property within 30 days after the notice.
During the 30-day period immediately following entry of the judgment foreclosing the right of redemption, the plaintiff may apply for, process, and obtain, but not execute upon, a writ of possession of the real property.
The notice under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be sent:
By first-class mail, postage prepaid, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, addressed to the commercial tenant by name if the identity of the commercial tenant is known to the plaintiff, or addressed to “occupant” if the identity of the commercial tenant is not known;
To each separately leased portion of the real property that the plaintiff can reasonably ascertain is occupied; and
In an envelope prominently marked on the outside with the phrase “Notice of taking possession of real property.”
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 47-1372
What does D.C. Code § 47-1372 cover?
Section 47-1372 ("Notice to certain persons.") 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 § 47-1372?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 47-1372" (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 § 47-1372 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.