District of Columbia Residential Lease Agreement Template

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [Effective Date]
• Document Version: 2024.1-DC
• Jurisdiction/Scope: District of Columbia (Strictly subject to DC Rental Housing Act of 1985, DC Tenant Protection Act, and DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act)

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OFFICIAL NOTICE & LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This is a legal document. Execution of this Residential Lease Agreement creates legally binding obligations. This template is drafted to comply with District of Columbia statutory requirements as of the effective date. However, local ordinances, tenant protection laws, and rent control regulations are subject to frequent legislative and judicial modification. Parties are strongly advised to retain independent legal counsel licensed in the District of Columbia to review this document prior to execution.

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1. PARTIES & DEFINITIONS

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [Date] by and between:

• Landlord: [Landlord Full Legal Name / Business Entity Name], having a principal place of business/residence at [Landlord Address] ("Landlord"), and
• Tenant(s): [Tenant 1 Full Legal Name] and [Tenant 2 Full Legal Name] (jointly and severally, "Tenant").

Defined Terms:

• Premises: The real property located at [Street Address, Unit Number], Washington, DC [Zip Code], including the following personal property/appurtenances: [List any included appliances, parking spaces, or storage units].
• Lease Term: Commencing at 12:00 PM on [Lease Start Date] and expiring at 11:59 PM on [Lease End Date] (the "Term").
• Monthly Rent: [Written Amount] USD ($[Numeric Amount]), due on or before the first (1st) day of each calendar month.
• Security Deposit: [Written Amount] USD ($[Numeric Amount]), not to exceed the equivalent of one (1) month’s rent pursuant to DC law.
• Notice Address for Landlord: [Landlord Notice Address or Email].
• Notice Address for Tenant: The Premises, or [Alternative Tenant Email/Address].

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2. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

SECTION 1: RENT & PAYMENT MECHANICS

1. Payment Obligations: Tenant shall pay Monthly Rent to Landlord without demand, deduction, or offset, on or before the first (1st) day of each calendar month. Payments shall be made via [Accepted Payment Methods, e.g., Electronic ACH, Portal, or Check] to [Payment Account Details or Address].
2. Late Fees & Grace Periods: Pursuant to DC Code § 42-3505.31, Landlord shall not assess a late fee until rent is at least five (5) days late. The late fee shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the monthly rent installment, or an actual administrative cost calculation, whichever is lower.
3. Returned Payments: If any payment is dishonored or returned for insufficient funds, Tenant shall pay a returned payment fee of $[Amount, max statutory limit] in addition to any applicable late fees.

SECTION 2: SECURITY DEPOSIT

1. Holding & Escrow: Landlord shall hold the Security Deposit in an interest-bearing escrow account in a financial institution regulated by the District of Columbia or the Federal Government, in accordance with DC Official Code § 42-2802.
2. Deductions & Return: Within thirty (30) days after the end of the tenancy and surrender of the Premises, Landlord shall return the Security Deposit plus statutory interest (if applicable), minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent, damage to the Premises beyond normal wear and tear, or actual costs of cleaning/repairs directly attributable to Tenant's breach. An itemized statement of deductions shall accompany the return.

SECTION 3: USE & OCCUPANCY

1. Permitted Use: The Premises shall be used exclusively as a private residential dwelling for Tenant and the following authorized occupants only: [List names of minor children or other approved occupants].
2. Subletting & Assignment: Tenant shall not assign this Agreement, sublet all or any portion of the Premises, or grant any license to use the Premises without Landlord’s prior express written consent. Any unauthorized transfer shall be voidable at Landlord's option.

SECTION 4: STATUTORY DC DISCLOSURES

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Housing built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Tenant acknowledges receipt of the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
2. DC Tenant Bill of Rights: Landlord certifies that a copy of the District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights was provided to Tenant prior to the execution of this Agreement.
3. RAD Form / Rent Control Status: Landlord discloses that the Premises [ ] IS / [ ] IS NOT subject to the rent control provisions of the District of Columbia Rental Housing Act of 1985. [If applicable, attach RAD Form 1].
4. Habitability & Housing Code: Landlord warrants that the Premises complies with the District of Columbia Housing Maintenance Code (14 DCMR).

SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, & ALTERATIONS

1. Tenant Obligations: Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition, promptly notifying Landlord in writing of any structural defects, water leaks, or maintenance needs. Tenant shall replace HVAC filters monthly and light bulbs as needed.
2. Landlord Obligations: Landlord shall maintain the structural elements, roof, plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and common areas in compliance with applicable DC housing codes.
3. Alterations: Tenant shall not paint, wallpaper, or make structural alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent.

SECTION 6: DEFAULT & TERMINATION

1. Default by Tenant: Failure to pay rent when due, failure to cure any material breach of this Agreement within statutory cure periods after written notice, or abandonment of the Premises constitutes an immediate default.
2. Remedies: Upon default, Landlord may pursue all legal and equitable remedies available under DC law, including eviction proceedings through the DC Superior Court. Tenant expressly waives self-help evictions; Landlord shall only regain possession via lawful judicial process.

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3. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT BLOCK

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this District of Columbia Residential Lease Agreement as of the Effective Date written above.

LANDLORD:

Signature: __________________________________________________
Printed Name: [Landlord Printed Name]
Title: [Title/Capacity, if applicable]
Date: __________________

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TENANT(S):

Signature: __________________________________________________
Printed Name: [Tenant 1 Printed Name]
Date: __________________

Signature: __________________________________________________
Printed Name: [Tenant 2 Printed Name]
Date: __________________

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4. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Mandatory Disclosures Attachment: Prior to signing, ensure the DC Tenant Bill of Rights, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if pre-1978 build), and RAD Form (Rent Control status) are formally attached and initialed by all Tenants.
2. Complete All Blanks: Review and replace all bracketed placeholders [...] with precise factual data. Do not leave blank fields relating to rent, dates, or security deposits.
3. Execution & Counterparts: Both Landlord (or authorized agent) and all adult Tenants must sign and date the signature block. This agreement may be executed in electronic counterparts (e.g., DocuSign), which together shall constitute one original document.
4. Escrow & Deposit Receipt: Landlord must deposit funds into a compliant DC financial institution escrow account and provide Tenant with written notice of the banking institution's name and account location within thirty (30) days of receipt, pursuant to DC regulations.