DC landlord resources
Washington rental market
Rental-market planning in Washington, District of Columbia, with state-law references and operating examples.
Dataset review pending. These supplied references have not been independently verified. Educational information only, not legal, tax or financial advice.
The local rental snapshot
Supplied Zillow Observed Rent Index, 2026-09-30. ZORI describes typical asking rent in its sample, not the rent or income of your property.
- Typical monthly rent
- $2,484
- Metro
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- County in dataset
- District of Columbia
The comparison figure is $2,484. It is the median of the supplied city ZORI figures within District of Columbia, not a statewide household-rent statistic. This location is 0.0% above that comparison.
Operating examples at this rent
- Annual gross, 12 paid months
- $29,808
- One vacant week, annualized
- $573
- Example 3× income threshold
- $7,452
These are calculations, not forecasts or client results. Gross rent excludes vacancy, repairs, taxes, insurance, financing and management. The income threshold is an illustrative policy, not a legal requirement or recommendation. Review local screening restrictions and fair housing obligations before using it.
Deposit limits and notice periods below come from the District of Columbia dataset, not independent Washington ordinances. A rental in this market may be subject to additional municipal rules or exceptions. Confirm the exact address and applicable jurisdiction with the relevant office.
District of Columbia: Security deposits
Security deposit capped at one month's rent (14 DCMR § 308.2).
Deposits held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a DC institution; accrued interest paid to the tenant for tenancies of 12 months or more (14 DCMR §§ 308, 311; DC Code § 42-3502.17).
The uploaded dataset lists a deposit-return period of 45 days. Review the cited rule for the applicable conditions and timing.
District of Columbia: Notices and tenancy endings
DC Code § 42-3505.01(a-1): no nonpayment eviction when unpaid rent is under $600; notice gives 30 days to pay, and provider must give notice at least 10 days before filing.
At least 30 days' notice to vacate; DC generally requires statutory good cause even for month-to-month (DC Code § 42-3505.01). No simple no-cause termination.
Court listed in the supplied dataset: Superior Court of DC, Civil Division, Landlord and Tenant Branch.
District of Columbia: Rent regulation
Rent stabilization under the Rental Housing Act of 1985: covered units limited to the general adjustment plus 2%, capped at 10%/yr (DC Code § 42-3502.08(h)); lower caps for elderly/disabled. Unregistered units presumed subject to rent control.
District of Columbia: Licensing and registration
A Basic Business License with a rental/housing endorsement is required, and each unit must register with the Rental Accommodations Division (DC Code § 42-3502.05).
District of Columbia: Lease disclosures and receipts
Lead paint (federal)
Rent-control/exemption status via RAD registration (§ 42-3502.05)
DC Tenant Bill of Rights
Mold condition/history
Sources supplied for District of Columbia
Dates below are verification dates claimed in the uploaded dataset, not a new review by Calvin's team.
- D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 (deposit interest/penalties)
Dataset verification date: 2026-11-06
- D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 (eviction; nonpayment notice)
Dataset verification date: 2026-11-06
- D.C. Code § 42-3502.08 (rent stabilization; increases)
Dataset verification date: 2026-11-06
- Zillow research data, supplied observation 2026-09-30
Offices listed in the dataset
- DC Office of the Attorney General - Office of Consumer ProtectionAttorney General / Consumer Protection
- DC DHCD - Rental Accommodations Division (RAD)Housing / Rent Control Agency
- DC Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)Licensing