District of Colombia Rental Laws
Your Guide to District of Columbia Rental Laws with helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.
Official Website of the District of Colombia
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the District’s population was 658,893 on July 1, 2014, a 9.5% increase since the 2010 United States Census.
State Rules and Regulations
- Keys Laws Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
- D.C. Residential Landlord and Tenant Code
- Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections:
- D.C. Landlord Tenant Handbook
Important Lease Terms
Security Deposits
- Amount: 1 Month
- Return Deadline: 45 Days
Fees and Notice
- Applications Fees: No Restrictions
- Termination Notice: 30 Days
- Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes and can repair and deduct
Landlord Disclosures
- D.C. Required Landlord Disclosures
- The Lead Disclosure Rule: Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive The Lead Based Paint EPA Disclosure and Lead Based Paint EPA Pamphlet
Real Estate Links
- District of Colombia Real Estate Commission
- D.C. Verify Real Estate Agent License
- Verify RE Agent License Nationwide and Canada
Federal Government
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Housing Act: The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children
Credit Reports
Tenant Screening
Last Updated: April 7, 2020