D.C. Month-To-Month Eviction

[dcgtown]

My question involves an eviction in the state of: Washington D.C.

I had a month to month rental agreement and while out of town my landlord notified me that there was issue with my rent payment. I never received the correspondence.

It is now the 20th of August. I came home late last night and went to bed. My landlord came by today to serve me a "Notice of Termination" because of failure to pay rent.

"effective immediately" is the language used. "I will allow you until 12:00pm tomorrow, August 21, 2010 to remove your personal belongings" is what the document says.

She says she's legally allowed to change the locks on the premises today.

Just looking for some guidance and to know whether or not it is her legal right to change locks today without filing eviction proceedings.

Beyond that I plan on paying the rent due today but am afraid about not having a place to go.

Thank you in advance

[Mr. Knowitall]

Read this. D.C. doesn't permit self-help eviction. Here's a sample letter to inform a landlord of proper procedure.