No, squatting is illegal in Washington, D.C., as it constitutes criminal trespass under D.C. Code § 22-3302. Property owners may pursue eviction through civil court or criminal charges if squatters occupy their premises without consent. The D.C. Council’s 2023 amendments to the eviction process, effective 2026, streamline removal for unauthorized occupants, reinforcing protections for landlords.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Washington D.C.
- Criminal Trespass Statutes: D.C. Code § 22-3302 criminalizes knowingly entering or remaining on private property without permission, with penalties including fines up to $300 and/or 90 days imprisonment for first offenses.
- Civil Eviction Protocols: Landlords must file a Tenant Eviction case in D.C. Superior Court under the Tenant Bill of Rights, even if occupants claim adverse possession or lease disputes. The 2026 reforms shorten timelines for squatter removal post-judgment.
- Adverse Possession Barriers: D.C. requires 15+ years of continuous, exclusive, and hostile possession (D.C. Code § 12-301) to claim title—practically unfeasible for squatters due to stringent documentation and court scrutiny.