D.C. Code § 40-303.13: When suit to be commenced.

(a)

(1)

Any person with a lien and who has recorded a valid notice of intent shall only enforce the lien by:

(A)

Filing suit under § 40-303.08 to enforce the lien at anytime within 180 days after the date that the notice of intent is recorded in the land records; and

(B)

Recording, within 10 days of filing suit, a notice of pendency of action in accordance with § 42-1207(b) in the land records.

(2)

Failure to file suit within the 180-day period or to file timely a notice of pendency of action shall terminate the lien.