# D.C. Code § 16-1103: Contents of complaint; adverse possession

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1103

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 16-1103
- **Heading:** Contents of complaint; adverse possession
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1103

## Text

In his complaint in ejectment, the plaintiff shall:
(1) describe the premises claimed with reasonable certainty; and
(2) set forth distinctly the nature and quantity of the estate claimed by him in the premises.
It is sufficient for the plaintiff to state, in addition, that:
(1) he was possessed of the premises, and while he was so possessed the defendant entered wrongfully into possession thereof, and withholds the possession of the premises from the plaintiff, or wrongfully detains possession; or
(2) the defendant is wrongfully exercising acts of ownership over the premises.
However, except as provided by this chapter, acts of ownership do not amount to an adversary possession, so as to make it necessary for the plaintiff to sue in order to avoid the bar of the statute of limitations.

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 16-1101 § 16-1101. Parties defendant; joint tenants and tenants in common.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1101.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1102 § 16-1102. Failure of tenant to give notice to landlord.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1102.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1103 § 16-1103. Contents of complaint; adverse possession.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1103.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1104 § 16-1104. Proof necessary.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1104.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1105 § 16-1105. Legal title in mortgagee or trustee; possession.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1105.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1106 § 16-1106. Performance of contract by vendee as precluding vendor from recovery.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1106.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1107 § 16-1107. Several judgments against defendants occupying distinct parcels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1107.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1108 § 16-1108. Recovery of less than is claimed.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1108.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1109 § 16-1109. Recovery of mesne profits and damages; separate count.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1109.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1110 § 16-1110. Recovery, by landlord, of furniture, arrears in rent, and damages; separate counts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1110.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1111 § 16-1111. Separate action for rent or damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1111.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1112 § 16-1112. Expiration of title pending suit; damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1112.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1113 § 16-1113. Defense of adverse possession; enclosure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1113.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1114 § 16-1114. Verdict; judgment; costs; future actions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1114.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1103. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.