Two ways to rent in Washington D.C.
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Washington, D.C.? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. D.C. residential tenancies are governed by the Rental Housing Act in Title 42, Chapter 35 of the D.C. Code and the housing rules in Title 14 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations.
Washington D.C.lease rules & requirements
Security deposit
In D.C. a security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent and may be charged only once. It must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a District financial institution. Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must either return the deposit plus interest or give written notice of intent to withhold; if withholding, the balance and an itemized statement of deductions must follow within 30 more days (D.C. Code 42-3502.17).
Late fees
D.C. caps a late fee at 5% of the monthly rent under D.C. Code 42-3505.31. The fee can be charged only if the lease states the maximum amount, and only after a 5-day grace period (or any longer grace period in the lease). A landlord cannot charge interest on a late fee or impose it more than once for the same late payment.
Landlord entry & notice
A D.C. landlord must give at least 48 hours' written notice before entering for inspections, repairs, or showings, except in an emergency. Stating the 48-hour notice and the permitted reasons for entry in the lease keeps expectations clear for both sides.
Required disclosures
D.C. landlords must give tenants a Rent Administrator (RAD) disclosure packet covering items such as housing-code violations, rent-control status, surcharges, and any nonrefundable fees. The landlord must also disclose where the security deposit is held and its interest rate, and provide the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended with at least 30 days' written notice. Note that D.C. is a just-cause jurisdiction, so a landlord generally needs a legally recognized reason to end a tenancy even after the term.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A D.C. residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under D.C. law (Rental Housing Act, D.C. Code Title 42, Chapter 35, and 14 DCMR Chapter 3).
How to write a Washington D.C. lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late fee (5% max) after the 5-day grace period.
- 4
Set the security deposit (one month's rent max) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (RAD packet, deposit account and interest rate, lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Washington D.C. lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Washington D.C. lease agreement FAQ
Does a Washington D.C. residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in D.C. doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Washington D.C.?
Yes. A D.C. security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent and may be charged only once. It must be kept in an interest-bearing escrow account at a District financial institution, with the interest belonging to the tenant.
How long does a D.C. landlord have to return the deposit?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must either return the deposit plus interest or give written notice of intent to withhold. If withholding, the balance and an itemized statement of deductions must follow within 30 more days. Bad-faith violations can expose the landlord to treble damages.
How much can a late fee be in Washington D.C.?
No more than 5% of the monthly rent, and only after a 5-day grace period. Under D.C. Code 42-3505.31 the lease must state the maximum late fee, and the landlord cannot charge interest on it or impose it twice for the same late payment.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Washington D.C.?
At least 30 days' written notice from either party. Keep in mind that D.C. requires just cause, so a landlord generally needs a legally recognized reason to end the tenancy, not just the 30-day notice.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Yes. A D.C. landlord must give at least 48 hours' written notice before entering for repairs, inspections, or showings, except in an emergency. Stating this in the lease keeps it clear for both sides.
What must a Washington D.C. lease disclose?
The Rent Administrator (RAD) disclosure packet covering housing-code violations, rent-control status, surcharges, and nonrefundable fees; where the security deposit is held and its interest rate; and the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
Is this Washington D.C. lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.