Independent Living in District Of Columbia

If your loved one needs Independent Living in District Of Columbia, A Place for Mom can help. With Independent Living facilities in District Of Columbia, we’ll work with you to find the right fit for your family member’s budget, interests, and care needs.

Regulations for independent living facilities on a senior care campus

If a Washington, D.C. independent living community shares the same campus as a senior care facility, the senior care units must be licensed by DC Health. To remain licensed for care, senior care units must follow Washington, D.C. assisted living regulations and memory care regulations.

Regulations for stand-alone independent living facilities

In Washington, D.C., independent living facilities don’t have a standard minimum age, but a minimum age of 55 or 62 is common. In Washington, D.C. independent living facilities must ensure that common areas and residential units are safe and sanitary. Legally, independent living landlords in Washington, D.C. must do the following:^[01]

• Maintain residents’ apartments and all common areas of the building according to the housing code.
• Keep the structure and residential facilities in good repair.
• Provide adequate heat, lighting, and ventilation.
• Do not discriminate against tenants for any reason, including disabilities.

Accommodation and modification laws for seniors with disabilities

Washington, D.C. independent living communities must follow federal antidiscrimination laws, including the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Therefore, they must provide reasonable accommodations and modifications to residents with disabilities.^[02]

An accommodation is a change to an independent living facility’s policy, procedure, or practice that would otherwise restrict residents with disabilities.^[02] Some examples include:

• Designating a parking space for a wheelchair user
• Allowing service animals regardless of a no-pet policy
• Changing the rent due date to accommodate disability payment dates
• Changing activities or programming to enable a resident with a disability to participate

A modification includes a physical change to an independent living facility’s structure that allows residents with disabilities to use and enjoy common areas.^[02] Some examples include:

• Installing easy-to-reach cabinets in units or grab bars in bathrooms
• Putting a ramp at the building’s entrance
• Modifying elevators to fit a wheelchair

In Washington, D.C., the tenant with the disability doesn’t have to cover the cost of reasonable accommodations — it’s the landlord’s job. However, tenants do have to pay for the requested reasonable modifications in their units and common areas, unless other laws apply. The landlord can also require the tenant to pay to undo any modifications made when the tenant moves out.^[02]

Tenant resources in Washington, D.C.

If you are looking for official tenant resources, you can browse government, court, legal, housing, rental assistance, and financial assistance resources listed in this official tenant resource guide. You can also reach out to an Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) case management specialist to help you resolve any disputes with landlords.

Washington, D.C. Department of Health contact information

DC Health
2201 Shannon Place SE
Washington, DC 20020

Phone: 202-442-5955

Email: doh@dc.gov

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The DC Department of Buildings (DOB) inspects rentals in Washington, D.C. They help ensure that independent living buildings and units are healthy and safe.^[03] Tenants can report any suspected violations to the DOB or ask for the most recent inspection report. You can contact the DOB using the information below.

Department of Building Inspections Scheduling Unit

1100 4^th St. SW
Washington, DC 20024

Phone: 202-671-3500

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Thursday 9:30 – 4:30 p.m.