(a) For the purposes of this section, “commercial lease” means a lease for nonresidential real property.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, no estate of inheritance, or for life, or for a longer term than 1 year, in any real property, corporeal or incorporeal, in the District of Columbia, or any declaration or limitation of uses in the same, for any of the estates mentioned, shall be created or take effect, except by deed signed and sealed by the grantor, lessor, or declarant, in person or by power of attorney or by will.
(c) Commercial leases for a longer term than 1 year in any real property in the District of Columbia may be signed on behalf of the owner of real property by an authorized agent.
(Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1267, ch. 854, § 492; June 30, 1902, 32 Stat. 531, ch. 1329; June 11, 1992, D.C. Law 9-116, § 2, 39 DCR 3186; Apr. 27, 1994, D.C. Law 10-110, § 2(a), 41 DCR 1023.)
1981 Ed., § 45-306.
1973 Ed., § 45-106.
This section is referenced in § 42-401.
Effective date of deeds, see § 42-401.
Statute of frauds, see §§ 28-3501, 28-3503.
Structure District of Columbia Code
Chapter 3 - Conveyable Estates and Methods of Conveyance
§ 42–301. Present or future and vested or contingent interests conveyed by deed or will
§ 42–302. Perpetuities — Charitable uses excepted. [Repealed]
§ 42–303. Perpetuities—Chattels real. [Repealed]
§ 42–304. Perpetuities—Effect upon estates created by deed or will. [Repealed]
§ 42–305. Title conveyable by anyone claiming such
§ 42–306. Deed or will necessary for more than one-year term or for limitation upon such
§ 42–307. Perpetuities; pensions and employee trusts excepted. [Repealed]