DC Renting: Landlords and Tenant Duties

Washington DC is known as the 6th expensive rental market in the country: average 1 bedroom is $1,495 per month. Due to increased demand for rentals and the lack of supply, it is essential that both Landlords and Tenants be aware of their duties and responsibilities under DC Rental Laws.

Rent Control--DC is a rent control city which refers to laws that limit the amounts of rent and the amounts that rent can be increased in any year.

Eviction--The landlord must have a good reason for the eviction such as nonpayment of rent, breach of the rental agreement like pets that aren’t allowed, or illegal activity.

Security Deposit--A landlord cannot charge you more than one month's rent as a security deposit, and it can only be collected once.

Joint Liability--Each tenant is responsible for the full amount to be paid at the beginning of each month. If a roommate moves out, it is the responsibility of the remaining roommates to find another person to pay missing portion of the rent, not the landlord.

First Right of Refusal (aka TOPA)--Landlord has the right to market the property for sale but must first give the current tenant the opportunity to purchase before marketing the property to the general public. The Landlord must provide written notice of intent to sell to tenant. The tenant has 30 days to decide whether to purchase.



Call me at 301-452-4767 if you have any real estate questions.