District of Columbia State Laws — Complete Reference
All 100+ District of Columbia laws that vary from federal or other state law — plainly explained, sourced to official District of Columbia codes and agency guidance, and reviewed by District of Columbia-licensed attorneys. Free to read.
What makes District of Columbia law distinctive
The District of Columbia is a federal district, not a state. DC has home rule under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (1973) but Congress retains ultimate legislative authority. The DC Code spans 50 titles. DC has some of the country's strongest tenant protections including the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which gives tenants right of first refusal when a landlord sells.
DC has a graduated 4%–10.75% personal income tax (top rates above New York's), 8.25% corporate franchise tax, and 6% sales tax. Cannabis possession is legal (up to 2 oz) but retail sale remains prohibited due to Congressional appropriations restrictions. DC has home rule but no voting representation in Congress. DC is a common-law jurisdiction.
What makes District of Columbia law distinctive
- Not a state — federal district with limited home rule; no voting rep in Congress.
- Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) — right of first refusal when landlord sells.
- Rent control — capped at CPI + 2% for covered units under the Rental Housing Act.
- Cannabis possession legal, retail prohibited — Congressional appropriations block retail.
- Highest minimum wage in the US — $17/hr as of 2024.
- Strong gun laws — assault weapons ban, high-capacity magazine restriction.
- Common-law jurisdiction — not community property.
All 100 District of Columbia law topics
Filter as you type. Published pages open the full District of Columbia guide with sources, key facts, agency contact, and FAQ.
Housing & Real Estate
15 topicsBusiness & Employment
20 topicsVehicles & Driving
15 topicsFamily & Personal
12 topicsCannabis & Substances
7 topicsFirearms & Self-Defense
7 topicsConsumer Protection
10 topicsPets & Animals
4 topicsRecreation & Outdoors
8 topicsOther
2 topicsRecent District of Columbia law changes
We monitor District of Columbia legislation, agency guidance, and court decisions weekly and publish updates as things change.
State Law Weekly — District of Columbia Roundup
Top District of Columbia law changes this week: statutory amendments, agency guidance updates, and notable court decisions. Digest edition.
Read the update →Q3 2026 District of Columbia Law Roundup
Comprehensive summary of major District of Columbia law changes in Q3 across housing, employment, business, consumer, and family law.
Read the update →District of Columbia 2026 Legislative Session — What Passed
The bills that became District of Columbia law this session, organized by topic. What changed, when it takes effect, and who's affected.
Read the update →Notable District of Columbia Court Decisions — Q2 2026
Recent appellate and supreme court rulings from District of Columbia that change how existing laws are interpreted or applied.
Read the update →District of Columbia State Agency Guidance Updates — May 2026
Regulatory guidance updates from District of Columbia state agencies covering business, professional licensing, and consumer matters.
Read the update →State Law Weekly — Week of May 5
Top District of Columbia law changes this week: pending legislation, effective-date reminders, and enforcement updates.
Read the update →Compared to neighboring states
See how District of Columbia compares to its neighbors on the topics that matter for movers and multi-state operations.
Comparing US laws to other countries?
See the United States country profile on our companion site for international legal comparisons and cross-border considerations.