A Washington D.C. lease agreement is a binding document between a landlord and a tenant, written in accordance with the state’s landlord-tenant laws. The landlord agrees to rent all (or a portion of) their property to a tenant for a fee, and the tenant agrees to the lease agreement’s terms and conditions.
By Type
Room Rental Agreement
Determines the rules and responsibilities for tenants sharing a rental unit.
Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Offers tenants the unique opportunity to secure ownership of the property in the future.
Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Allows for short-term leasing with automatic monthly renewals.
Sublease Agreement
Allows for a secondary leasing arrangement while maintaining the original tenant's connection with the landlord.
Laws
Overview
Rent Control: Yes.
Limit on Late Fees: Yes.
Late Fees in Rental Agreement: Yes.
Grace Period: Yes.
License Required for Landlord: Yes.
Required Lease Disclosures
Washington D.C. imposes certain requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a lease or rental agreement, in accordance with Title 42, Chapters 32-36A – Code of the District of Columbia and Title 14, Chapter 14-3 – District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.
Before entering into a lease agreement, the landlord must disclose to the tenant the following information:
- Disclosure of Lead-Based Hazards. Lead-based hazards (for properties built before 1978).
- District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights. Given to the tenant before signing the lease agreement (§ 42–3502.22(b)(1)(L)).
- Voter Registration Packet from the Board of Elections with the latest voter registration form.
- Receipt. Tenants must receive receipts for any cash payment they make to their landlord (§ 14-306).
- RAD Form 3 must be filled out by the landlord with details on the condition and safety of the property.
- RAD Form 5 ensures that disclosure forms and documents for the rental unit are always accessible to the tenant.
Security Deposit
Landlords in Washington D.C. can’t charge more than one month’s rent for a security deposit (§ 14-308). They must return a tenant’s deposit within 45 days of the end of the lease (§ 14-309).
Landlord Right of Entry
A landlord must provide a tenant 48 hours’ written notice to enter the property for work or inspection purposes (§ 8–231.06).
Sample
You can download a free Washington D.C. lease agreement template in PDF and Word format.
