District of Columbia (DC) lease form
Quick answer
DC does not mandate a written lease, but nearly all landlords use one because DC's tenant-protection laws are among the strongest in the country. Every DC lease must include the RAD Form 3 housing provider disclosure, a copy of the DC Tenant Bill of Rights, rent control status, and mold and lead-paint disclosures. Violations of required disclosure rules can void lease terms and expose landlords to significant penalties.
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Landlords must provide the completed DHCD RAD Form 3 to every applicant or tenant before or at lease signing, disclosing code violations, surcharges, and rent control status.
A copy of the Tenant Bill of Rights, published by the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate, must be provided to every tenant at or before lease signing.
Landlords must disclose in writing any known mold contamination on the property within the past three years, unless a licensed professional has fully remediated it.
The lease must disclose the financial institution holding the security deposit, the deposit amount, and the current applicable interest rate.
For properties built before 1978, landlords must provide the EPA lead-paint disclosure form and the 'Protect Your Family' pamphlet before lease signing.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: DC Code Title 42, Ch. 32 (Landlord and Tenant) and Rental Housing Act (DC Code 42-3501 et seq.). Confirm current requirements or consult an attorney before finalizing a lease.
District of Columbia lease FAQ
DC law does not require a written lease, but any tenancy without one defaults to month-to-month status. A written lease is essential given DC's extensive tenant-protection requirements and the documentation burden on landlords.
RAD Form 3 is the DHCD Housing Provider's Disclosures form that every DC landlord must give to applicants and tenants before or at lease signing, regardless of whether the unit is rent-controlled or exempt.
Rent control applies to most DC rental units built before 1975 and not otherwise exempt. Units built after 1975, owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, and federally subsidized units are typically exempt. The lease must state the unit's rent control status.
Omitting required disclosures such as RAD Form 3 or the Tenant Bill of Rights can render specific lease clauses void, expose the landlord to fines, and in some cases give the tenant grounds to terminate the lease without penalty.
