Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) Rental Lease Agreement

This Washing D.C. rental lease agreement template is used when renting property and it is a legal contract between the landlord and tenants in exchange for monthly rent payments. Free PDF | WORD Processing | EXCEL | ODT File Formats

Last updated February 19th, 2025

This Washing D.C. rental lease agreement template is used when renting property and it is a legal contract between the landlord and tenants in exchange for monthly rent payments. Free PDF | WORD Processing | EXCEL | ODT File Formats

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Residential-Lease-Agreement

Residential Lease Agreement – Standard 1-year lease term.

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Commercial Lease Agreement

Commercial Lease Agreement – Used for retail spaces, office buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities.

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Condominium-Lease-Agreement-Template

Condominium Lease Agreement – Used for renting condo units.

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Family-Member-Rental-Lease-Agreement-Template

Family Member Rental Lease Agreement – Used by relatives renting from family members.

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Month-to-Month

Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – Tenancy at will with renewals every 30 days.

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Rent-to-Own

Rent to Own Lease Agreement – A lease that includes an option for the tenant to purchase the property.

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Placeholder Image

Roommate Lease Agreement – Shared living arrangements. A binding contract outlining responsibilities and agreements between co-tenants.

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Sublease-Agreement

Sublease Agreement – Used to Sublet unit with landlords approval.

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What does the Washington D.C. Rental Lease Agreement Cover?

This document includes the following laws between the landlord and tenant in Washington D.C.:

Washington D.C. Residential Landlord & Tenant Act

The Washington D.C. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is a guide for landlords and tenants that outlines the legal rights and responsibilities. It covers lease agreements, rent regulations, eviction processes, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolutions. [1]

Security Deposit Requirements

Landlords in Washington D.C. can require a security deposit and must return it within 45 days after the tenant vacates, minus any deductions for damages.

  • 45 Days – Timeframe to return the deposit. [2]
  • Deductions (if any) must be itemized.
  • Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted.

Lease Termination Rules for the Landlord and Tenant

Leases in Washington D.C. may be terminated by either party under the following rules:

  • Landlord’s Ability to Terminate
    • 5-day notice for nonpayment of rent.
    • 30-day notice for material noncompliance with the rental agreement.
  • Tenant’s Ability to Terminate
    • With proper written notice for unsafe conditions or habitability issues.
    • 30 days’ notice to terminate a month-to-month lease. [3]

Landlord’s Access to the Rental Property

Landlords must provide a 24-hour notice before entering the rental unit unless it’s an emergency. [4]

Rent Due Dates and Late Fees

  • Late Fees – Must be written in the agreement.
  • Grace Period – 5-day grace period.
  • NSF Fee – $40 per bounced rent check. [5]

Required Disclosure Forms

  1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form – Landlords must disclose lead-based paint if the property was built before 1978. [6]
  2. District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights – This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of the tenants.[7]
  3. RAD Form 3 – This form is used by landlords in rent-controlled buildings to notify tenants of any adjustments in the rent.[8]
  4. RAD Form 5 – This form notifies tenants of rent changes due to reduced services or increased costs under the city’s Rental Housing Act of 1985.[9]
  5. Bed Bug Fact Sheet– This form us used to discloses any bed bug infestations on the rental property. [10]

Sample Washington D.C. Rental Lease Agreement Templates