A Washington, DC standard residential lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant detailing the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved in leasing a house, apartment, condominium, or any other dwelling unit in the state.
This agreement typically includes essential details such as the duration of the lease, the rental amount, payment schedule, security deposit amount, pet policies (if applicable), and provisions regarding termination and renewal of the lease.
Lease Length Considerations
- Leases can be of any length of time as long as the lease term is specific and agreed upon in writing by both the landlord and tenant. For lease terms longer than one year, notarization is required.
- Oral leases typically cannot be for terms longer than one year.
Required Disclosures
- RAD Form 3.
- RAD Form 5.
- Receipt.
- Lead-based paint disclosure.
- Voter registration packet.
- District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights.
For detailed information on necessary disclosures and related laws, visit our Washington, DC lease agreement page.
Security Deposit
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: There is a five-day grace period, after which landlords may charge a late fee if rent is not paid within this time or any longer grace period provided in the lease. [3]
- Maximum Late Fee: Up to 5% of the amount of rent due by a tenant. [4]
- NSF Fee: $25.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Code of the District of Columbia Title 42 Chapters 32-36A, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 14 Chapter 14-3.
- Handbook – Tenant Survival Guide.
