District of Columbia Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our District of Columbia law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes District of Columbia landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
District of Columbia lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 1 month's rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 45 days |
| Interest on deposits | required (deposits held 12+ months) |
| Landlord entry notice | 48 hours |
| Late fee cap | 5% of monthly rent |
| Rent grace period | 5 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 5 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 4 disclosures required |
District of Columbia lease law guides
- District of Columbia Security Deposit Limit1 month's rent
- District of Columbia Deposit Return Deadline45 days
- District of Columbia Deposit Interest Rulesinterest required (deposits held 12+ months)
- District of Columbia Landlord Entry Notice48 hours
- District of Columbia Late Fee Laws5% of monthly rent
- District of Columbia Rent Grace Period5 days
- District of Columbia Prohibited Lease Clauses5 restricted clause types
- District of Columbia Required Disclosures4 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under District of Columbia law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rights under DC lawLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 5 prohibited clause types in District of Columbia, with statute citations →
Disclosures District of Columbia landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Security Deposit Location
- Move-Out Inspection
All 4 required disclosures in District of Columbia, explained with citations →
Check Your Lease Against District of Columbia Law
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District of Columbia lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
- Generally 45 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in District of Columbia?
- Yes — District of Columbia law requires interest on held security deposits for deposits held 12+ months. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in District of Columbia?
- Generally at least 48 hours. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in District of Columbia?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at 5% of monthly rent. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia generally provides a 5-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia law restricts 5 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights under dc law; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Security Deposit Location (Name and address of financial institution holding deposit, and prevailing interest rate); Move-Out Inspection (Must offer inspection within 3 business days before/after termination. Conditions can apply — see the District of Columbia required disclosures guide for details.
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.