What Is a Washington, DC Lease Agreement?
A Washington, DC lease agreement defines the terms of a living arrangement and the duties of landlords and tenants. This contract must follow the state lease laws to protect the parties involved. Having a binding lease ensures that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.
Legal Templates offers a free Washington, DC lease agreement template with state-compliant terms. Use our forms to meet proper landlord-tenant requirements.
Washington, DC Residential Lease Laws Overview
Lease agreements vary according to state and local laws, as well as the preferences of the landlord and tenant. It’s important to consider the lease laws and ensure your terms meet these requirements. View the table below for an overview of the most important Washington, DC lease laws.
| Topic | Regulations | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | Maximum of Consumer Price Index percentage plus 2%, capped at 10% or 5% for elderly or disabled tenants | Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Law 6-10) |
| Late Fees | Maximum of 5% of the monthly rent | DC Code § 42–3505.31(a) |
| Grace Period | 5 days after the due date | DC Code § 42–3505.31(d) |
| Security Deposit | No more than 1 month's rent | DC Code § 14-308 |
| Landlord License | Required for all landlords | DC Code § 42–3502.05(B) |
Washington, DC Lease Agreements- By Type
Many types of living arrangements and properties require a lease document. Having a specific form helps you define and meet the requirements for your lease’s specific purpose. Consider the following types of lease agreements in Washington, DC to find the one that meets your needs.
Washington, DC Standard Lease Agreement
Enables a landlord to rent their property to a tenant for a fixed term.
Washington, DC Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Allows for short-term leasing with automatic monthly renewals.
Washington, DC Commercial Lease Agreement
Used for renting commercial spaces to businesses.
Washington, DC Room Rental Agreement
Determines the rules and responsibilities for tenants sharing a rental unit.
Washington, DC Sublease Agreement
Allows for a secondary leasing arrangement while maintaining the original tenant's connection with the landlord.
Washington, DC Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Offers tenants the unique opportunity to secure ownership of the property in the future.
Rent Payment Laws in Washington, DC
Landlords in DC must limit their annual rent increases to no more than 2% over the Consumer Price Index (CPI_W) percentage and no more than 10%. For elderly or disabled tenants, it may not be more than a 5% increase. If the property becomes vacant, the landlords may raise the rent once per year by up to 10% or to match the market for comparable properties, with an increase of no more than 30%.
For late or unpaid rent, DC implements a limit of 5% of the monthly rent for late fees. In addition, the landlord must offer a five-day grace period for tenants to make payments before sending a 30-day notice to quit.
Washington, DC Security Deposit Regulations
Washington, DC also regulates the amount and handling of security deposits. Under DC law, landlords cannot charge more than one month’s rent for a deposit, and must provide a receipt for all deposit payments. These payments must also be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a financial institution within the state. When the tenancy ends, the landlord must pay the accumulated interest from this account to the tenant.
At the end of the lease, DC requires the deposit to be returned within 45 days of the end date. If the landlord uses any funds from the deposit for repairs, they must present an itemized list of each expense.
Washington, DC Lease Repair and Entry Guidelines
Landlord entry and property repair terms should be incorporated into the lease agreement and must meet the DC guidelines. Landlords must give 48 hours’ notice when entering the tenant’s property for maintenance or inspection purposes.
Other responsibilities are split between the property owner and the tenant. Landlords must keep plumbing, utilities, heating, air conditioning, hot water, smoke alarms, locks, roofs, structural elements, and appliances in good working order. The tenant assumes responsibility for any damage they cause if it affects health and safety factors in the property.
Required Disclosures in Washington, DC
Disclosures offer important information to the tenant before they agree to a lease contract. Washington, DC lease laws mandate a few key disclosures to promote transparency and protect tenants. Required disclosures include the following documents:
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for properties built before 1978
- District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights
- Voter Registration Packet from the Board of Elections with the latest voter registration form
- Receipt for any cash payment made to a landlord.
- RAD Form 3
- RAD Form 5
Lease Termination in Washington, DC
When either party wants to terminate a lease agreement in Washington, DC there are certain protocols and notice periods they must follow. For month-to-month or long-term leases, a 30-day notice can signal the end of the lease. If a tenant leaves personal property after an eviction, the landlord must keep or store the items for at least seven days before disposing of them.
Sample Washington, DC Lease Agreement
Legal Templates’s free Washington, DC lease agreement sample includes compliant terms, formatting, and sections. Use our downloadable form to create a lease contract that works for everyone involved. Our forms are available in PDF and Word format.
