Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Washington, DC

Sharing your rental with a new roommate can help with costs and make living in Washington, DC more affordable. Before you invite someone to officially join your home, it’s important to understand the rules under DC housing law, follow your lease, and work with your landlord to ensure your rights are protected.

When Can You Add a Roommate in DC?

In the District of Columbia, most tenants can add a roommate, but there are rules you must follow. Your lease agreement is the first place to check: many leases require landlord consent or have specific restrictions about subletting or adding occupants. DC law often allows at least one unrelated roommate, but rules can change if you live in subsidized or special housing.

Your Lease Agreement

Always review your current lease for clauses about guests, roommates, or subtenants. Look for sections titled “Occupancy Limits,” “Subletting,” or “Additional Residents.” Many leases in DC require you to get written landlord approval before adding someone to the lease.

DC Law on Roommates

Roommate rights in the District of Columbia are set out in the DC Rental Housing Act and governed by the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission^[1]. These rules protect tenants from unreasonable denials or retaliation from landlords when requesting to add a qualified roommate, provided it doesn’t violate occupancy laws or lease terms.

The Process: How to Add a Roommate

To officially add a roommate in DC, most renters must follow this procedure:

• Notify your landlord in writing of your request to add a roommate, including your roommate's name and other required details.
• Your landlord may require an application or screening for the new roommate (such as a credit or background check).
• Once approved, sign a new lease or addendum including the new roommate as a tenant or occupant.

Always keep records of all communications for your protection.

Official Forms for Roommate Addition

While there is no single, universal "Roommate Addition" form for all DC rentals, your landlord may use their own form, or you can use a lease addendum. Common steps/forms include:

• Lease Addendum: An addendum modifies your original lease to name the new roommate. Your landlord should provide this, or you can request one.
• Rental Application: The new roommate may be asked to complete your landlord’s standard rental application so the landlord can conduct screenings.
• Occupancy Limits Form (if required): For rent-controlled or subsidized housing, you may need to complete additional forms. Check with DC’s Rental Housing Commission.

Example: If you rent in a rent-controlled apartment, and your lease says additional tenants must be approved by the landlord, you’d have your potential roommate submit a rental application. If approved, both of you sign a lease addendum stating the new terms and names of all tenants.

How Long Does the Landlord Have to Respond?

While specific timeframes may not be in all leases, DC law expects landlords to respond to reasonable roommate requests in a timely fashion and not to withhold approval unreasonably. If you feel approval is being denied unfairly, you can seek help from the Rental Housing Commission or consult the Office of the Tenant Advocate.

Important Considerations Before Adding a Roommate

Before formally adding a roommate, consider the following to avoid legal and financial headaches:

• Ensure you follow all lease requirements and DC housing laws
• Verify that adding a roommate does not violate city occupancy limits (usually, two people per bedroom)
• Both parties should understand and agree on rent responsibilities and house rules
• If you’re in public or subsidized housing, additional restrictions may apply—check with your housing provider or the Rental Housing Commission

What If There’s a Dispute or the Landlord Says No?

If you believe your landlord is unreasonably blocking the process, DC law offers protection. The Rental Housing Commission can mediate disputes. In some cases, you may file a tenant petition with the Commission if you feel your rights are being denied.

How to Petition the Rental Housing Commission

• Visit the Rental Housing Commission website
• Obtain the appropriate petition form (such as for discriminatory or retaliatory actions)
• Submit supporting documents, such as emails or letters showing your request and the landlord’s response

1. Can my landlord increase the rent if I add a roommate?
   

   If you are in rent-controlled housing, adding a roommate does not automatically allow your landlord to raise your rent. However, for market-rate leases, the rent could be renegotiated when a new lease or addendum is signed. Always check your lease and consult official resources before agreeing to changes.

2. Do I need to update my lease if my roommate isn’t paying rent directly?
   

   Even if your new roommate is just sharing living space, most leases require that all long-term occupants be disclosed and, in many cases, officially added. Having an updated lease protects both you and your roommate’s rights.

3. What happens if the new roommate damages the apartment?
   

   Once your roommate is on the lease, they share responsibility for the apartment’s condition. This means you both can be held responsible for property damage, unpaid rent, or lease violations.

4. Where do I go if my landlord refuses my roommate for no reason?
   

   If your landlord is unreasonably refusing your request, you can contact the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission or the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate for guidance and dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission – Oversees tenant-landlord disputes and petitions
• DC Office of the Tenant Advocate – Provides assistance and support for renters
• DC Rental Housing Act – Full legislation on tenant and landlord rights
• DC Rental Application Form

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1. District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission (official tribunal for DC residential tenancies)
2. DC Rental Housing Act
3. DC Office of the Tenant Advocate

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