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As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. is a great place to consider whether you are a property investor looking for your next rental unit or a renter looking to relocate. With a rich history, thriving job market, and top-of-the-line education, D.C. provides many incentives for property investors – read below for guidance on Washington, D.C. landlord-tenant law.
Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Washington D.C. voting information here.
When it comes to Washington, D.C. rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:
Below are brief answers for some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in Washington D.C.:
Renters are able to withhold rent if their landlord fails to make repairs.
Evicting a tenant in Washington, D.C. can take anywhere from two to eight months, depending on the reason for eviction.
Washington, D.C. is not considered a landlord-friendly state because of rent control laws and more tenant-friendly laws compared to elsewhere in the U.S.
There are seven reasons a landlord may file for eviction in DC. The seven reasons include violation of the lease agreement, demolition of the unit, renovation of the unit, discontinuance of use, owner’s personal use, sale of the unit, and illegal activity. Depending on the violation, the landlord must give the tenant notice and anywhere from 30 to 180 days to cure their violation.
If the tenant fails to cure or quit, then the landlord may file a complaint with the court, which costs $15. After the complaint is filed, it will be served to the tenant at least seven days before the hearing.
If the court rules in favor of the landlord, then a writ of restitution will be issued within two days. The tenant will have three days to move out.
Landlords must give a 30-day notice before asking a tenant to vacate the property.
TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources along with official state statutes in order to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are always in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should be sure to do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Washington D.C. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.
Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.
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