District of Columbia Prohibited Lease Clauses
5 restricted clause typesOur District of Columbia law database tracks 5 lease clause types that state law prohibits or restricts (4 illegal, 1 typically unenforceable). Even if you signed a lease containing one, an illegal or unenforceable clause is generally void — you have not waived the underlying right.
Educational information: generated from our District of Columbia law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
Clause types restricted by District of Columbia law
Waiver of implied warranty of habitability
Likely IllegalLegal basis: DC Code Section 42-3502.08
Waiver of tenant rights under DC law
Likely IllegalLegal basis: DC Code Section 42-3502.01
Confession of judgment clause
Likely IllegalLegal basis: DC Code Section 42-3502.01
Late fee exceeding 5%
Often UnenforceableLegal basis: DC Code Section 42-3505.31
Security deposit exceeding one month
Likely IllegalLegal basis: DC Code Section 42-3502.17
Frequently asked questions
- 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.
- Is a lease still valid if it contains an illegal clause in District of Columbia?
- Usually yes — the offending clause is void or unenforceable, but the rest of the lease typically remains in effect. You generally cannot be held to a clause that violates state law even if you signed it.
- Which law prohibits "waiver of implied warranty of habitability" in District of Columbia?
- DC Code Section 42-3502.08.
Check Your Lease Against District of Columbia Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with District of Columbia law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More District of Columbia lease law guides
- District of Columbia rental lease laws — overview
- District of Columbia security deposit limit
- District of Columbia deposit return deadline
- District of Columbia deposit interest rules
- District of Columbia landlord entry notice
- District of Columbia late fee laws
- District of Columbia rent grace period
- District of Columbia required disclosures
Prohibited Lease Clauses in other states
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia for your specific situation.