Tenant screening disclosure
Tenant screening disclosure rules and regulations for landlords in District of Columbia.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Washington D.C. Required Lease Disclosures
Official Law Citation: The requirement to provide residential tenants with specific rights documentation is mandated by various sections of the District of Columbia Code, notably requiring the Tenant Bill of Rights per D.C. Code § 42-3502.22(b)(1)(L) and comprehensive unit disclosures under D.C. Code § 42-3502.22.
Primarily established by the Rental Housing Act of 1985 and subsequent amendments, the District enforces a comprehensive set of mandatory tenant disclosures. Handing a tenant the keys without providing the correct standardized pamphlets and addendums can invalidate an eviction attempt, expose the landlord to fines from the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), and trigger significant civil liabilities.
Crucial District-Mandated Disclosures
Before or immediately at the time a lease is signed, a D.C. landlord must provide the following:
1. D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights Package
Per D.C. Code § 42-3502.22(b)(1)(L), landlords must provide the prospective tenant with a complete copy of the Washington D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights Package published by the Office of the Tenant Advocate (§ 42-3531.07(8)). This comprehensive package includes the Bill of Rights pamphlet and the voter registration packet developed by the D.C. Board of Elections (per § 42-3502.22(b)(1B)). The tenant must acknowledge receipt of this document.
2. Rent Control and Base Rent Disclosure
For properties subject to Rent Stabilization (generally units built before 1976), the landlord must execute a specific disclosure (often RAD Form 3) per D.C. Code § 42-3502.22(b)(1)(A)-(E) outlining:
- The unit's rent-controlled or exempt status.
- The current, legally registered rent for that exact unit.
- A 3-year rent history (provided upon request).
- Whether the property claims a specific exemption from Rent Control.
3. Move-in Inspection Report
Per 14 DCMR § 310.2, a landlord cannot legally retain a portion of a security deposit for damages unless they provided the tenant with a copy of the inspection report within five (5) business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) after the inspection.
Structural and Safety Disclosures
1. Federal Lead-Based Paint
If the residential property was constructed prior to 1978, federal law mandates the landlord attach an EPA-approved Lead Hazard Information pamphlet, explicitly disclosing any known presence of lead-based paint on the premises.
2. D.C. Lead Disclosure Form
Beyond the federal mandate, D.C. Code § 8-231.04 and 42 U.S.C. § 4852d require landlords of pre-1978 properties to provide the Federal Lead Warning Statement, the EPA "Protect Your Family" pamphlet, and the D.C. Lead Disclosure Form. Providing these statutory forms is mandatory for pre-1978 buildings.
3. Mold and Indoor Air Quality
Per D.C. Code § 42-3502.22(b)(1)(K), landlords must disclose information known about indoor mold contamination in the unit or common areas within the previous 3 years.
4. Bed Bugs
Prior to lease signing, a landlord must provide notice of any bedbug infestation in the building within the previous 120 days using the form promulgated by the Department of Buildings, pursuant to D.C. Code § 42-3551.02(b).
Automate Your Addendums
Forgetting the D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights package or the local Lead Warning Statement can instantly destroy a landlord's legal standing in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Landager allows you to integrate mandatory D.C. disclosure packets directly into the digital signature workflow, guaranteeing every tenant receives and signs off on every statutory mandate.
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, required forms storage, and compliance tracking - making it easy to stay compliant with District of Columbia regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must District of Columbia landlords provide to tenants?
District of Columbia landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the District of Columbia landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
The District of Columbia operates one of the most rigorously regulated, tenant-friendly rental environments in the United States. Navigating the D.C. rental market requires landlords to intimately understand strict Rent Control (Rent Stabilization) caps, exhaustive eviction protections, and the powerful Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the District of Columbia eviction process and how long does it take?
The District of Columbia eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in District of Columbia. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the District of Columbia security deposit rules and return deadlines?
District of Columbia has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the District of Columbia rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
District of Columbia has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether District of Columbia has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check District of Columbia state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the District of Columbia lease requirements for rental properties?
District of Columbia recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under District of Columbia law.
Read the complete guide▶What are District of Columbia landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
District of Columbia landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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