Washington DC Tenant Bill of Rights

The District of Columbia is a tenant-friendly state and every landlord should be sure to read about and understand all of their duties and responsibilities as an owner of rental property.

There was an act that became effective on December, 17th, 2014 known as “The Tenant Bill of Rights Amendment Act”. This act basically made sure that all tenants except those under rent control have specific rights and they are to be notified of these rights. Even though a lease is not a requirement; it is a wise practice. With or without a lease, this ”District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights” disclosure (which is provided by the Office of the Tenant Advocate in the District of Columbia) must be provided to all tenants who are not excluded from the this law such as those that are under rent control.

This document is provided to all of the tenants on the lease or whom are renting from the landlord. It includes a myriad of rights including those under the subjects of:

• The lease itself,
• Security deposits,
• Information disclosure,
• How receipts for rental payments are to be handled,
• Rent increases,
• The landlord’s responsibility to maintain the property,
• Lead paint information
• Mold
• The right to quiet enjoyment
• The no discrimination policy
• The tenant’s right to organize an association of sorts
• Sale and conversion of the rental unit
• Assistance for relocation under certain circumstances and
• Eviction

At the bottom of the form are helpful resources for your tenant, however the provided sources and informative resources can also be beneficial to the landlord as well. Make sure that you have each and every tenant sign the form in acknowledgement. Copies should be given to each tenant and of course, the landlord should also save one for their files.

Washington Rental Forms and Templates

We know that the Lease Agreement isn’t the only form that Landlords need. That’s why we have forms for the entire Landlord Lifecycle - from move in to move out and everything in between!

• Washington Rental Application Disclosure: This form is required any time a Landlord charges a screening fee or an application fee.
• Washington Smoke-Free Lease Addendum: This Washington-specific form establishes a no-smoking policy for rental units and provides all rules regarding smoking anywhere on the property.
• Tenant Welcome Letter: This customizable Welcome Letter helps Landlords share key information with renters and ensures they’re ready to take good care of their new home from day 1.
• Rent Ledger: The rent ledger makes it EZ for Landlords to stay organized and provides key documentation should a Tenant ever miss any rent payments.
• Washington 10 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate: This Notice is used for Tenants that violate a Lease Agreement for reasons other than nonpayment of rent.
• Washington 14 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate: This Notice is for Tenants that have missed rent payments.

• Washington Landlord/Tenant Rights Summary: This pamphlet serves as a good resource for Landlords and highlights some key Landlord-Tenant laws.
• Washington State Landlord/Tenant Act: This resource summarizes the state’s Landlord and Tenant laws in a way that is readable and EZ to understand.

State-Specific Forms