DC Required Lease Disclosures: What Renters Must Know

Understanding which disclosures landlords must provide in District of Columbia can help you avoid surprises and ensure a safe, transparent rental experience. Whether you're about to sign your first lease or renew your current agreement, knowing about DC-required lease disclosures is essential for every renter.

What Is a Lease Disclosure?

A lease disclosure is information the landlord must legally provide to a renter before or at the time of signing a residential lease. In the District of Columbia, certain disclosures are meant to ensure safety, transparency, and full understanding of your rental obligations.

Key Disclosures Required in DC Residential Leases

Below are the main disclosures DC landlords must provide. Some apply to all rentals; others depend on property age or specific circumstances.

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Required for buildings built before 1978. Landlords must provide the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA form), a copy of the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet, and any known reports about lead paint hazards.
• Rent Control Exemption Status: Landlords must disclose in writing whether the rental unit is subject to DC rent control. If exempt, you should receive the RAD Form 2: Certificate of Exemption from Rent Control from the DC Rental Accommodations Division.
• Tenant Rights Notice: Landlords must provide the official DC Tenant Bill of Rights, which outlines your protections, how to file a complaint, and information on DC housing programs. Download it from the Office of Tenant Advocate website.
• Disclosure of Ownership and Management: You have the right to know the landlord's name, address, and contact information, as well as for any managing agent handling the property.
• Mold Disclosure: Landlords must disclose any knowledge of mold contamination in the unit as required by the DC Code § 42–3505.03a: Mold Disclosure and Remediation.
• Installation of Smoke Detectors: The landlord must certify that required smoke detectors are installed and in working order. Learn more from the DC Fire and EMS Department.
• Housing Code Complaints: Notice of how to file a housing code complaint, including contact details for the DC Department of Buildings (File Housing Code Complaints).

Many of these disclosures are required before lease signing or at renewal. Read documents carefully and ask for official forms if anything is missing.

Official Lease Disclosure Forms in DC

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA):
  When and How Used: If you're renting a unit in a pre-1978 building, your landlord must provide this form and the informational brochure before you sign the lease. Example: Before lease signing, the landlord hands you the EPA form along with the "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.
  Download Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA)
• RAD Form 2: Certificate of Exemption from Rent Control:
  When and How Used: If a rental unit is exempt from rent control, your landlord must provide this certificate. Example: Upon lease renewal, you receive the form specifying the unit's rent control status.
  See RAD Form 2 Documentation
• Tenant Bill of Rights Notice:
  When and How Used: Provided by landlords to all tenants at lease signing or renewal, outlining rights and complaint processes.
  Access Tenant Bill of Rights Notice (OTA)

DC Tenant Rights Law and Tribunal

DC renters are protected under the Rental Housing Act of 1985. If disputes arise over disclosures, rent, or repairs, you can contact the DC Rental Housing Commission, which handles official disputes and appeals related to residential tenancies in the District.

Renter Tips for Disclosures

What to Do If a Required Disclosure Is Missing

If your landlord hasn't provided a required disclosure:

• Politely request the missing document in writing.
• If you do not receive it, contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate or the Rental Housing Commission for advice or to file a complaint.
• If health or safety is at risk (such as no smoke detector or lead paint warnings), report directly to the Department of Buildings.

These steps help protect your rights and ensure your living situation is safe and lawful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my DC landlord does not give me a required lease disclosure?
   You should request the document in writing. If the landlord does not comply, contact the DC Office of Tenant Advocate or file a complaint with the Rental Housing Commission for help.
2. Are lead paint disclosures required for all DC rentals?
   No, only for buildings constructed before 1978. However, if you are unsure of your building's age, you can ask your landlord for written confirmation or check DC property records.
3. How do I confirm if my rental is under rent control?
   Your landlord must notify you in writing and provide RAD Form 2 if exempt. Otherwise, most DC rentals are generally subject to rent control unless exempt under the law.
4. Do I have to sign disclosure forms before moving in?
   Yes. In DC, required disclosures—especially about lead paint and rent control—must be received before or simultaneous with lease signing to be legally compliant.
5. Where can I get help with a rental disclosure complaint?
   You can contact the Office of Tenant Advocate at ota.dc.gov or the Rental Housing Commission for guidance and dispute resolution.

Conclusion: What Every Renter Should Remember

• Ask for and keep all required lease disclosures for your records.
• Know that DC law protects your right to clear, transparent information about your rental.
• For help with missing disclosures, contact the DC Office of Tenant Advocate or Rental Housing Commission.

Staying informed about required disclosures creates a safer, fairer rental experience for everyone involved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Rental Housing Commission: Handles rental housing disputes and appeals.
• Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA): Offers counseling, advocacy, and help with lease disputes.
• Department of Buildings – File a Housing Code Complaint: Report housing conditions and safety violations.
• Rental Housing Act of 1985: Official DC rental housing legislation.

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1. Rental Housing Act of 1985, D.C. Code Title 42, Chapter 35
2. DC Tenant Bill of Rights Notice (Office of Tenant Advocate)
3. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rules
4. DC Rental Housing Commission
5. DC Department of Buildings – Filing Complaints

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