Common Lease Addendums DC Renters Should Review

Renting an apartment or home in the District of Columbia means signing a lease, but many leases come with extra pages called addendums. These addendums add special rules or clarify landlord and tenant responsibilities. Understanding what to look for in these documents is key to protecting your rights in Washington, D.C.

What Is a Lease Addendum?

A lease addendum is a written document attached to a rental agreement. It changes or adds terms beyond the standard lease. Addendums become part of your binding contract, so you must carefully review and understand each one before you sign.

Essential Lease Addendums DC Renters Should Know

The District of Columbia’s laws require or strongly encourage certain addendums, while others are optional but common. Always ask your landlord or property manager to explain any addendum you receive.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

• Required by federal law for rentals built before 1978.
• Gives you information on possible lead paint hazards.
• Form to expect: Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards (HUD/EPA/CDC Form)
• Use: Must be provided before you sign the lease, so you’re aware of lead risks—especially important for families with young children.

Rent Control Disclosure

• Many DC units are covered by rent control laws. If your unit is exempt, landlords must give you the Rent Control Registration/Exemption Certificate.
• This addendum explains whether your rent can increase and under what circumstances.
• Practical tip: If your lease or landlord claims exemption, ask for this form for your records.

Tenant Bill of Rights Addendum

• Landlords must provide the official District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights with your lease.
• Details your basic protections, including fair notice, habitability, and eviction rules.
• Practical example: If you didn’t receive this with your lease, you can download it and request a copy from your landlord for your file.

Disclosure of Ownership and Agent Information

• Required by D.C. law: Landlords must tell you the name, address, and phone number for the property’s owner and management agent.
• Look for this as an addendum included at lease signing. It helps if you ever need to make formal complaints.

Other Common Addendums in DC

• Pet Addendums: If pets are allowed, this may set size, breed, or number limits and outline pet deposit requirements.
• Subletting/Assignment Addendums: These explain rules if you want someone else to live in or take over your lease.
• Smoke-Free Addendums: Some buildings have smoke-free policies that are spelled out in a separate addendum.

Important Forms for District of Columbia Renters

• Tenant Bill of Rights Form: Mandatory, provided by the landlord. Access here. Use: Gives you an overview of your rights in DC rentals.
• Lead Disclosure Form: Required for older buildings. Learn about your rights and how to use this form.
• Rent Control Registration/Exemption Certificate: Needed if your unit is not subject to rent control. Find the certificate here. Useful for confirming if your rent is regulated.
• Tenant Petition Form (Form RAD-TP 06/07): Used to file complaints about unlawful rent increases or lease matters. Download here. Action: Complete and submit to the Rental Accommodations Division if your landlord violates your rights.

The main agency overseeing renter-landlord issues in DC is the Rental Housing Commission, part of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

What Protections Do DC Laws Offer?

Rental protections in DC come from the Rental Housing Act of 1985 and related laws. These set out how leases, addendums, rent increases, and evictions must work.

• Most addendums can’t override your legal rights—if an addendum tries to dodge rent control, habitability, or notice requirements, it may not be enforceable.
• Some addendums are required by law for your safety, like the lead disclosure.
• If you receive a confusing or unfair addendum, you can get advice or file a complaint through the Rental Housing Commission or the Rental Accommodations Division.

Summary: DC law limits how much landlords can limit your rights through lease addendums and gives you strong protections when you sign a rental contract.

FAQs About Lease Addendums in DC

1. What is a lease addendum and do I have to sign it in DC?
   A lease addendum is an extra document added to your lease agreement. In DC, you should not sign any addendum until you fully understand it, and you cannot be forced to sign one that removes or limits your legal rights.
2. Can a landlord change the lease with a new addendum after I move in?
   Changes require your consent—any new addendum is only valid if you agree and sign. Your landlord must follow proper notice rules under the Rental Housing Act.
3. What should I do if an addendum seems illegal or unfair?
   Get advice from the Rental Housing Commission or a local tenant advocacy group before signing. You can also file a petition if you believe your rights are threatened.
4. How do I check if my building is under rent control?
   Ask your landlord for the Rent Control Exemption Certificate or contact the Rental Accommodations Division for assistance.
5. Can addendums cover things like pets or smoking?
   Yes—pet and smoke-free addendums are allowed, but they can’t override your health and safety rights or DC rental standards.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Rental Housing Commission – Handles disputes, appeals, and rental regulations.
• Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) – File petitions or get help with rent control matters.
• Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) – Free help for DC renters, lease reviews, and education.
• Tenant Rights and Protections in DC – Read an official summary of your rights as a renter.

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1. [1] District of Columbia Rental Housing Act of 1985, Title 42, Chapter 35
2. [2] Rental Housing Commission, DC Department of Housing and Community Development
3. [3] Tenant Bill of Rights, Office of the Tenant Advocate
4. [4] HUD Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
5. [5] Rent Control Registration/Exemption Certificate, DHCD

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