District of Columbia
Landlord/Tenant Regulations
District of Columbia residential lease agreements are regulated by the Residential Lease Clarification Amendment Act. [1]
Washington D.C. Residential Lease Requirements
In-writing – Leases that are longer than one (1) year must be in writing. [2]
Required Disclosure Forms Landlord must give to Tenants (6)
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Brochure – Landlords must provide a disclosure form and EPA brochure for properties built before 1978.
- Tenant Bill of Rights – Tenants in D.C. must get a copy of the District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights.
- Rad Form 3 – Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of Housing Provider’s Disclosures.
- Rad Form 5 – Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Notice of Disclosure Forms.
- Voter Registration Form – Landlords must offer tenants a voter registration form.
- Bed Bugs Fast Sheet – If bedbugs were found in the last 120 days, Landlords must inform Tenants in-writing before signing a lease.
Sample Washington D.C. Residential Lease
Right to Sublet
In Washington D.C., Landlords can ban subletting if it’s written in the lease agreement. If it’s allowed with approval, the landlord can set qualifications for the subtenant. A Landlord Consent Form can be used to get approval for subletting.
Short-Term Lodgings Tax
- With Host on Property – Tenant must pay a lodgings tax if the rent term is less than 30 nights or less.
- Without Host on Property (Vacation Rental) – Cannot exceed more than 90 nights per year.
- Hotel / Transient Accommodations Tax – Short-term rentals are credited with a 14.95% transient accommodations tax in Washington D.C.
Sample District of Columbia Sublease Agreement
Sample District of Columbia Room Rental Lease Agreement
District of Columba Rental Lease Laws
Termination Notice Rules
- Month-to-Month Tenancy: 30 days
Increasing Rent
- The Landlord must follow the termination notice period of 30 days before increasing rent.
Sample District of Columbia Month-to-Month Lease
Laws ⚖️
- Application Fee – No limit on the amount.
- Security Deposit Amount – Maximum of one (1) month’s rent amount.[1]
Sources
Sample District of Columbia Rental Application Form
By Type (6)
Residential Lease Agreement – Standard 1-year lease term. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Commercial Lease Agreement – Used for retail spaces, office buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Download: PDF |
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Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – Tenancy at will with renewals every 30 days. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Rent to Own Lease Agreement – A lease that includes an option for the tenant to purchase the property. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Room Rental Lease Agreement Template – Shared living arrangements. A binding contract outlining responsibilities and agreements between co-tenants. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Sublease Agreement – Used to Sublet unit with landlords approval. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
What does the District of Columbia 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
- Security Deposit Law
- Lease Termination
- Landlord’s Access to the Property
- Rent Due Date plus Late Fees
- Required Disclosure Forms
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
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
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form – Landlords must disclose lead-based paint if the property was built before 1978. [6]
- District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights – This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of the tenants.[7]
- RAD Form 3 – This form is used by landlords in rent-controlled buildings to notify tenants of any adjustments in the rent.[8]
- 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]
- Bed Bug Fact Sheet– This form us used to discloses any bed bug infestations on the rental property. [10]
Sample District of Columbia Lease
Most Recent US Home Facts
- Population (2023): 334,914,895
- Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
- Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
- Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Required Disclosure Forms
Notices to Quit
30-day notice to quit if Tenant breaks the lease agreement. The notice must be in writing.
Source: § 42–3202
State Laws ⚖️
Sample District of Columbia 1-Page Lease
This Washington D.C. bill of sale is a legal form that serves as evidence of the transfer of ownership from one person to another. It includes important details about the transaction including both parties involved with a record of the sale.
By Type

Boat Bill of Sale
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Dog / Puppy Bill of Sale
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Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale
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Motorcycle Bill of Sale
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Motor Vehicle (Car) Bill of Sale
Download:
Washington D.C. Bill of Sale Example
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Washington-DC-Bill-of-Sale-1.pdf
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Form Options By Type
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When does a purchase agreement become legally binding?
The purchase and sale agreement becomes legally binding when both parties sign the contract and the buyer gets the notice that the seller has accepted the deal. The buyer can get the notice in-person, by phone, and/or email.
Washington D.C. Residential Purchase and Sale Agreement Sample
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Washington-D.C.-Residential-Real-Estate-Purchase-Agreement-1-1.pdf