Washington DC Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on [[Agreement Date]] by and between [[Landlord Name]] ("Landlord" or "Housing Provider") and [[Tenant Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"). Landlord and Tenant agree as follows.

1. Definitions "Premises" means the dwelling unit and any included furnishings, parking, or storage identified in Section 2. "Rent" means all amounts payable by Tenant under this Agreement. "Lease Term" means the period described in Section 3. Words importing the singular include the plural.

2. Premises Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at [[Property Address]] (the "Premises"), Washington, DC. Included parking: [[Parking Included or "None"]]. Storage: [[Storage Included or "None"]]. Furnishings and appliances included: [[Furnishings and Appliances or "Standard kitchen appliances and window treatments if present"]]. Tenant has inspected the Premises and accepts it in its present condition except as noted in the Move-In Inventory and Condition Checklist attached as Exhibit A.

3. Term The Lease Term begins on [[Lease Start Date]] and ends on [[Lease End Date]]. If no end date is specified, the tenancy shall be month-to-month after the initial term. Holding over is governed by Section 27.

4. Rent Tenant shall pay monthly Rent of [[Monthly Rent Amount]], due in advance on the [[Rent Due Day]] of each month, payable to Landlord at the address or account designated by Landlord without demand, deduction, or offset. The first month's rent is due upon execution of this Agreement. Prorated rent for partial months shall be calculated on a 30-day basis.

5. Late Charges and Returned Payments Rent is late if not received by the due date (or within any grace period required by law). Tenant shall pay a late fee of [[Late Fee Amount]] or the maximum permitted by DC law, whichever is less. A fee of [[Returned Check Fee]] applies to any dishonored payment. Late fees must comply with applicable DC regulations.

6. Security Deposit Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of [[Security Deposit Amount]]. Under DC Code § 42-3502.17, the security deposit for most residential tenancies in the District of Columbia is limited to one (1) month's rent. Landlord shall hold the deposit in accordance with DC law, which may require placement in an interest-bearing account or trust account in some circumstances. The deposit secures Tenant's performance and may be applied to unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning to restore the move-in condition. Landlord shall return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any deductions, within forty-five (45) days after Tenant vacates the Premises and returns all keys. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the right to withhold and potential liability for double damages and attorney's fees.

7. Utilities and Services Tenant shall be responsible for payment of [[Tenant Paid Utilities]] and shall place such utilities in Tenant's name effective on the Lease Start Date. Landlord shall be responsible for [[Landlord Paid Utilities]]. Tenant shall not allow utility service to be disconnected. Landlord is not liable for interruptions beyond Landlord's reasonable control.

8. Occupants and Guests The Premises shall be occupied only by the Tenant(s) named above and any additional permitted occupants listed here: [[Additional Occupants or "None"]]. Guests staying more than [[Guest Limit Days]] consecutive days or [[Total Guest Days]] days in any calendar month require Landlord's prior written consent.

9. Use of Premises Tenant shall use the Premises solely as a private residence in compliance with all applicable laws, zoning, and building regulations. Tenant shall not conduct any illegal activity or business from the Premises. Tenant shall not create a nuisance or interfere with the quiet enjoyment of neighbors or other tenants.

10. Pets Pet policy: [[Pet Policy]]. No animals are permitted without Landlord's prior written consent except service animals or emotional support animals as required by applicable fair housing laws. Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, noise, or waste caused by any permitted animal.

11. Smoking Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is [[Smoking Policy, "prohibited inside the Premises and within 25 feet of entrances" or as stated]].

12. Maintenance, Landlord Obligations Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition in compliance with the housing code and DC Code § 42-3501.06. Landlord shall keep in good repair the structural components, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, and provided appliances, and shall comply with all applicable health and safety laws.

13. Maintenance, Tenant Obligations Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and safe; properly use all systems, appliances, and fixtures; promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions; replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, and batteries in smoke/CO detectors as needed; and pay for repairs of damage caused by Tenant's negligence or misuse or that of Tenant's guests or invitees. Tenant shall not make alterations without prior written consent.

14. Landlord's Right of Entry Landlord may enter the Premises to inspect, make repairs, supply services, show the Premises to prospective tenants or purchasers, or as otherwise permitted by law, upon at least 48 hours' written notice (or 24 hours where permitted) during reasonable hours, except in case of emergency or with Tenant's consent. DC law governs entry notice requirements.

15. Renter's Insurance Tenant is strongly encouraged (and may be required by Landlord) to maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least [[Renter Insurance Minimum Amount]] throughout the term. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability.

16. Assignment and Subletting Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet the Premises or any portion without Landlord's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

17. Default and Remedies Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay rent when due, breaches any term of this Agreement, or violates law. Landlord may serve appropriate notice to cure or vacate as required by DC law (including pay-or-quit notices where applicable) and pursue all remedies available, including recovery of possession through lawful court process, unpaid rent, damages, and costs. Self-help evictions are prohibited.

18. Holdover If Tenant remains in possession after the end of the Term without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant and shall pay holdover rent at [[Holdover Rate, e.g. 150% of monthly rent or as permitted by law]] and shall be liable for all resulting damages. With consent, the tenancy may convert to month-to-month on the same terms.

19. Surrender At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall remove all personal property, return all keys and access devices, leave the Premises clean and in good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and provide a written forwarding address for the security deposit accounting.

20. Notices All notices shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth in this Agreement or such other address as a party designates in writing. Notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy must comply with DC Code requirements (generally 30 days).

21. Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia, including the Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Code § 42-3501 et seq.) and DC Code Title 42, Chapter 32.

22. Housing Provider Registration and Rent Control Housing Provider Registration Number: [[Housing Provider Registration Number]]

Rent Control Status: [[Rent Control Status]]

If the building was constructed before 1976 and contains five (5) or more units, rent stabilization may apply. The housing provider must comply with all registration, notice, and rent adjustment requirements of the Rental Housing Commission. Tenant may request verification of rent control status and the basis for any adjustments.

23. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978) If the Premises was built before 1978: - Landlord discloses known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. - Landlord has provided the required EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home." - Tenant acknowledges receipt of the pamphlet and disclosure (see attached Lead Disclosure Addendum if separate).

24. Habitability and Housing Code Compliance Landlord represents that the Premises are in habitable condition and comply with the District of Columbia housing code at the commencement of the tenancy. Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any condition that renders the Premises uninhabitable.

25. Indemnification and Liability Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or violation of law, Tenant assumes all risk arising from Tenant's use of the Premises and shall indemnify Landlord against claims arising from the acts or omissions of Tenant, occupants, or guests.

26. Severability, Entire Agreement, Amendments If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect. This Agreement, including all exhibits and addenda, is the entire agreement and supersedes prior agreements. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties. Electronic signatures are permitted.

27. Joint and Several Liability; Attorneys' Fees Each Tenant is jointly and severally liable for all obligations. In any action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs as permitted by law.

28. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Domestic Violence Protections A Tenant who is a qualifying servicemember may terminate early under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act upon proper notice and documentation. Victims of domestic violence or intrafamily offenses may have additional rights to early termination or other protections under DC and federal law.

29. Disclosures and Addenda The following disclosures and addenda are attached or incorporated: - Exhibit A: Move-In / Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist - Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations - Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Pamphlet (if pre-1978) - Any other required notices: [[Other Required Disclosures]]

30. Signatures

LANDLORD / HOUSING PROVIDER

[[Landlord Name]]

Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Lease Start Date]]

Printed Name / Title: [[Landlord Name]]

Housing Provider Registration No.: [[Housing Provider Registration Number]]

TENANT(S)

[[Tenant Name(s)]]

Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Lease Start Date]]

Printed Name: [[Tenant Name(s)]]

Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Lease Start Date]]

Printed Name: [[Co-Tenant Name if applicable]], -

Sources and Legal References (as of June 2026):
- DC Code § 42-3501 et seq. (Rental Housing Act of 1985), including rent stabilization provisions
- DC Code § 42-3502.17 (Security deposits, amount and return)
- DC Code § 42-3501.06 (Landlord obligations; habitability)
- DC Code § 42-3502.08 (Rent adjustments and notices)
- Lead-based paint disclosure requirements (42 U.S.C. § 4852d and DC implementation)
- Rental Housing Commission regulations (14 DCMR)

This is a template, not professional legal advice. Verify all terms, registration numbers, rent control status, deposit handling, disclosure requirements, and current law with the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission, DHCD, or qualified counsel before execution. Requirements may vary for exempt properties or recent legislative changes. Information current as of June 2026.

Tenant Acknowledgment of Receipt of Keys and Documents:
Tenant acknowledges receipt of [[Number of Keys]] keys / access devices and copies of this Agreement and all exhibits and disclosures on the Lease Start Date.