DC Landlord Disclosure Requirements Before Move-In

Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures District of Columbia published: June 21, 2025 Flag of District of Columbia

Before you sign a lease or hand over any rent in the District of Columbia, it's important to understand what your landlord is required to tell you. These disclosures protect your health, safety, and wallet, and are part of strong DC renter protections. Here’s what you need to know before move-in so you’re not caught off guard.

Key Landlord Disclosures Required in DC

District of Columbia law sets out several mandatory disclosures your landlord must provide before or at the start of your tenancy. These disclosures ensure you have crucial information about the rental unit and building. Common requirements include:

  • Disclosure of Housing Code Violations: Landlords must inform you in writing about any housing code violations from the past 12 months that are currently uncorrected or affect your health and safety. This is required under the DC Housing Code.
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: If the rental was built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to provide you with an EPA-approved pamphlet on lead poisoning and any known information about lead-based paint or hazards in the property. This helps protect families, especially those with children, from health risks.
  • Rent Control Status: The landlord must tell you if the unit is exempt from rent control. Most DC rentals are covered unless owned by a small landlord or a recent construction. You should receive a copy of the "DC Rent Control Fact Sheet."
  • Condo or Cooperative Conversion Notice: If the unit is being converted to a condominium or cooperative, you have the right to proper disclosure and notice under DC law.
  • Mold Disclosure: Landlords must inform you of any known presence of indoor mold contamination under DC's Air Quality Amendment Act.
  • Bedbug Infestation Disclosure: If there has been a bedbug infestation in the unit or building within the past 120 days, landlords must notify new tenants in writing (see Bedbug Control Act).

These required notifications help you make an informed decision and hold landlords accountable to District standards. Always ask for these in writing and keep copies for your records.

Key Forms and Official Notices

Several official forms help ensure these disclosures happen properly.

  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Lead Disclosure Form): Used for all rentals built before 1978. Your landlord should give you this form, indicating any known lead hazards and share the EPA lead hazard pamphlet. Example: You're moving into a 1940s apartment, and your landlord gives you this form before you sign the lease. See the official EPA Lead Disclosure Form.
  • DC Housing Code Violation Disclosure: Landlords provide this in writing—usually as a letter or lease addendum—that lists any current uncorrected housing code violations affecting the unit or common areas. Example: If the building had a fire code violation that’s still pending, your landlord must tell you before you move in. For more info, visit the Department of Buildings Housing Code Enforcement page.
  • Rent Control Exemption Notice: If your unit is exempt from rent control, your landlord will issue a notice or addendum indicating exemption status and provide the required DC Rent Control Fact Sheet (Form: Fact Sheet, updated 2023). Example: If renting a condo from an owner renting only one unit, you’ll typically get this exemption notice.
  • Bedbug Disclosure Form: Given if the apartment or building has had bedbugs during the last 120 days. For details, see the DC Health Bedbug Information page.
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Which Department Handles Landlord-Tenant Matters?

The main government body for landlord-tenant disputes in DC is the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD), part of the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). For legal hearings or disputes, the Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA) assists tenants, and the DC Superior Court Landlord & Tenant Branch is responsible for legal resolution.

Relevant DC Tenancy Legislation

The primary laws that outline these requirements are found in:

Reviewing these statutes helps renters understand their protections under DC law.

What to Do if Your Landlord Doesn’t Provide Required Disclosures

If you suspect your landlord hasn't met these requirements:

Keep all provided disclosures and communication—they are your proof if issues arise in the future.

FAQ: DC Landlord Disclosures for Renters

  1. What disclosures are DC landlords required to give before I move in? DC landlords must tell you in writing about any uncorrected housing code violations, possible lead-based paint hazards, rent control status, past bedbug infestations, condo conversions, and known mold issues.
  2. If my landlord didn’t provide disclosures, can I break my lease? If essential disclosures are missing, especially those that impact health or safety, you may be able to terminate the lease or seek remedies through the Office of Tenant Advocate or the DC courts. Always get legal advice first.
  3. Are all DC apartments under rent control? No. While most are, exemptions exist for small landlords and recent constructions. You should receive documentation about your unit’s rent control status.
  4. Where do I report if disclosures are missing? Start by contacting the landlord in writing. If not resolved, reach out to the Office of Tenant Advocate or the Rental Accommodations Division.
  5. Is there a required form for bedbug disclosures? There is no single form—written notice is sufficient, but some landlords use a template available from DC Health.

Key Takeaways for DC Renters

  • Landlords must give you all disclosures in writing before move-in, including any code violations, lead, mold, and pest issues.
  • Keep records of all forms and communications to protect your rights.
  • For missing disclosures, seek help from DC’s Office of Tenant Advocate or the Rental Accommodations Division.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. "DC Code § 42-3502.22 (Disclosure Requirements)", Official D.C. Disclosure Requirements
  2. "EPA Lead Disclosure Rule", EPA Lead Disclosure Rule Information
  3. "Bedbug Control Act", Bedbug Disclosure Requirements
  4. "Rental Housing Act and Rent Control", DC Official Code Title 42, ch. 35
  5. "Air Quality Amendment Act (Mold)", Indoor Mold Disclosure
  6. "DC Housing Code Violation Reporting", Housing Code Enforcement
  7. "DC Rent Control Fact Sheet (2023)", Rent Control Details

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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