Lease Template Updated November 9, 2024
A residential lease agreement in District of Columbia is a vital legal document that clearly defines rental terms, payment details, property rules, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It protects the landlord's interests while ensuring compliance with District of Columbia laws.
Our form includes:
Parties Identification
Lease Term
Rent Payment Terms
Security Deposit
Maintenance Responsibilities
State-Specific Disclosures
State-Specific Notices
These disclosures and addenda ensure compliance with state laws and protect both landlords and tenants.
Disclosure |
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Landlord's Name and Address
<p>The D.C. Official Code, Title 42, Chapter 35 (Rental Housing Act of 1985) states that landlords must provide tenants with the name and contact details of both the property owner and any managing agent. </p>
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Landlord's Name and Address
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The D.C. Official Code, Title 42, Chapter 35 (Rental Housing Act of 1985) states that landlords must provide tenants with the name and contact details of both the property owner and any managing agent. |
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Lead Paint - Know Presence
<p>Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed.</p>
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Lead Paint - Know Presence
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Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed. |
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Lead Paint - No Know Presence
<p>Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978.</p>
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Lead Paint - No Know Presence
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Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978. |
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Condition of the Premises
<p>Landlords are obligated to maintain rental units in a safe and habitable condition, complying with all applicable housing codes. This includes ensuring that structural elements, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems are in good working order.</p>
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Condition of the Premises
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Landlords are obligated to maintain rental units in a safe and habitable condition, complying with all applicable housing codes. This includes ensuring that structural elements, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems are in good working order. |
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Late/Returned Fees
<p>Landlords may impose late fees for overdue rent payments; however, these fees must be reasonable and clearly outlined in the lease agreement.</p>
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Late/Returned Fees
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Landlords may impose late fees for overdue rent payments; however, these fees must be reasonable and clearly outlined in the lease agreement. |
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Mold Disclosure
<p>Landlords must disclose any known mold contamination that existed within the previous three years in the rental unit or common areas. If mold is discovered, landlords are required to remediate it in accordance with District regulations.</p>
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Mold Disclosure
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Landlords must disclose any known mold contamination that existed within the previous three years in the rental unit or common areas. If mold is discovered, landlords are required to remediate it in accordance with District regulations. |
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Smoking
<p>Landlords are encouraged to specify smoking policies within the lease agreement, indicating whether smoking is permitted on the premises and, if so, any restrictions or designated areas.</p>
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Smoking
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Landlords are encouraged to specify smoking policies within the lease agreement, indicating whether smoking is permitted on the premises and, if so, any restrictions or designated areas. |
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Security Deposit Disclosure
<p>Washington, D.C. law does not impose a statutory limit on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the lease termination or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later. Deductions from the security deposit must be itemized and provided in writing to the tenant.</p>
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Security Deposit Disclosure
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Washington, D.C. law does not impose a statutory limit on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the lease termination or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later. Deductions from the security deposit must be itemized and provided in writing to the tenant. |
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Flood Hazard Disclosure
<p>Washington, D.C. law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks.</p>
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Flood Hazard Disclosure
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Washington, D.C. law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks. |
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Radon Disclosure
<p>Washington, D.C. does not require radon disclosures.<br>However, if a landlord is aware of elevated radon levels, it is prudent to inform tenants to ensure transparency and safety.</p>
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Radon Disclosure
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Washington, D.C. does not require radon disclosures. |
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Bed Bugs Disclosure
<p>While Washington, D.C. law does not explicitly require landlords to disclose bed bug infestations, they are obligated to maintain rental properties free from pests, including bed bugs.</p>
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Bed Bugs Disclosure
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While Washington, D.C. law does not explicitly require landlords to disclose bed bug infestations, they are obligated to maintain rental properties free from pests, including bed bugs. |
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Addenda |
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Pet Agreement
<p>Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits.</p>
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Pet Agreement
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Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits. |
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Medical Marijuana
<p>Washington, D.C. permits the use of medical marijuana for qualifying patients under specific conditions. Landlords should clearly articulate their policies regarding the use and possession of medical marijuana on the premises within the lease agreement, ensuring compliance with District laws while addressing property rules.</p>
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Medical Marijuana
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Washington, D.C. permits the use of medical marijuana for qualifying patients under specific conditions. Landlords should clearly articulate their policies regarding the use and possession of medical marijuana on the premises within the lease agreement, ensuring compliance with District laws while addressing property rules. |
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Shared Utilities
<p>Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities.</p>
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Shared Utilities
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Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities. |
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
<p>Landlords must install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in rental units that contain fuel-burning appliances or have an attached garage. This measure is crucial to enhance tenant safety and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.</p>
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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Landlords must install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in rental units that contain fuel-burning appliances or have an attached garage. This measure is crucial to enhance tenant safety and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. |
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The D.C. Official Code, Title 42, Chapter 35 (Rental Housing Act of 1985) states that landlords must provide tenants with the name and contact details of both the property owner and any managing agent.
Landlord Requirements:
In addition to Title X federal requirements, Washington, D.C. enforces the D.C. Lead-Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act, which mandates additional disclosures and **lead abatement procedures for rental properties where lead-based paint hazards exist. </p>
Landlord Requirements:
The lease must document the property’s condition to protect both parties, as per D.C. Code § 42-3503.04. This ensures clarity on pre-existing issues and responsibilities during and after the lease.
Landlord Requirements:
Explore lease agreement forms from other states to ensure compliance and simplify rentals.