District of Columbia Move-In Apartment Inspection Guide

Moving into a new rental in the District of Columbia can be exciting, but it’s essential to ensure your new home meets safety and legal standards before you sign the lease. A thorough move-in inspection helps protect your rights, your deposit, and can prevent disputes down the road. This guide explains what DC renters should look for when inspecting a place, what forms matter, and your legal protections backed by local law.

Essential Areas to Inspect in Your New DC Rental

Before committing to a new rental, take time to carefully inspect the entire unit and building. Document any issues in writing and photos, and make sure these are noted in the move-in checklist or condition report.

• Doors and Locks: All exterior doors must lock securely and windows should latch properly
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Each bedroom and common area must have working detectors (required by DC law)
• Appliances: Stoves, refrigerators, and other provided appliances should be clean and functioning
• Plumbing and Water: Faucets, toilets, tubs, and drains should all be in good working order with no leaks
• Heating and Cooling: Ensure the heat, A/C, and any fans work properly
• Pest Evidence: Look for droppings, holes, or other signs of roaches, rodents, or bedbugs
• Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Note holes, cracks, peeling paint, water stains, and mold
• Lighting and Outlets: All lights should work; test electrical outlets with your phone charger

Legal Disclosures and Forms in DC

District of Columbia law requires landlords to provide specific disclosures and inspection opportunities to tenants. Here’s what you should be aware of and how to use the key forms as a renter:

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Form

• Form Name: Move-In/Move-Out Condition Report (no statewide form number; many landlords use their own template)
• When & How: Your landlord must give you a written statement of the property’s condition at move-in and at move-out. You’re entitled to be present for both inspections (DC Code § 42–3505.01).
• Example: Before you sign, schedule a walk-through with your landlord, note any pre-existing damage on the form, and sign with both parties present. If your landlord doesn’t provide a form, you can find an example checklist at the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if built before 1978)

• Form Name: Lead Disclosure Form
• When & How: Required if the property was built before 1978. Your landlord must provide information on the presence of known lead paint, along with a federal pamphlet. Download the official form from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Example: If you’re moving into an older building, request the lead disclosure form before signing the lease.

Tenant Bill of Rights

• Form Name: Tenant Bill of Rights (required disclosure)
• When & How: DC landlords are required to provide the Tenant Bill of Rights, which outlines your legal tenant protections and key contact information, at lease signing. You can access the official document from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Example: Ask your landlord for the latest version at move-in; keep it for future reference.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During Move-In

The main rental law in DC is the Rental Housing Act of 1985. This law ensures the apartment is habitable, safe, and that you receive all required disclosures and proper notice for any rent increases or conditions. Regular move-in inspections protect your rights if there are conflicts about security deposit deductions or needed repairs later.

If you see serious health hazards, like exposed wiring or mold, you can request the landlord fix them before move-in. If issues aren’t resolved, you may contact DC’s Office of Tenant Advocate or file a complaint with the Housing Regulation Administration.

What If the Landlord Won’t Complete the Inspection?

In DC, you have the right to attend move-in and move-out inspections. If your landlord denies the inspection or refuses to document the apartment’s condition, note this in writing, keep copies, and request the inspection form from the DC Department of Housing. This will help protect your security deposit in the future.

Quick Tips for DC Renters Before Signing

• Request all required disclosures and forms from your landlord
• Attend the inspection in person and document all issues
• Keep signed copies of every completed form
• Report unresolved hazards to district housing or tenant advocate offices

Tip: Staying proactive and organized during your move-in walkthrough helps avoid disagreements and ensures you get your full deposit back later!

FAQ: District of Columbia Move-In Inspections

1. What’s included in the official DC move-in checklist?
   The checklist should cover each room’s physical condition, including doors, windows, appliances, smoke detectors, plumbing, and any damages already present at move-in.
2. Must my landlord give me a move-in inspection in DC?
   Yes, DC law requires landlords to provide a written condition statement and let you attend move-in and move-out inspections.
3. Do I need to use the city’s inspection form, or can my landlord use their own?
   Landlords can provide their own form, but it must clearly list the apartment’s condition. You can always request or supplement with the official DC housing inspection form.
4. How do I dispute an issue with my move-in inspection?
   Raise your concern with your landlord in writing. If unresolved, you may file a complaint with the DC Office of Tenant Advocate or Housing Regulation Administration.
5. What happens if pre-existing damage isn’t listed on my inspection form?
   If not documented, you may risk losing part of your deposit for damages you didn’t cause. Always insist that any damage is noted, and take photos as proof.

Key Takeaways for DC Renters

• DC renters have the right to attend move-in inspections and receive written condition reports
• Keep all inspection forms, take photos, and document everything at move-in
• Use official DC forms to support your rights and protect your deposit

Being proactive and informed can help you avoid disputes and feel confident in your new DC rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Housing Regulation Administration (District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development) – Oversees landlord-tenant rules and move-in inspections.
• Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA) – Helps renters understand their rights and file complaints.
• Tenant Bill of Rights (official document) – Know your legal protections.
• DC Rental Housing Act of 1985 (legislation) – Main DC tenant law for habitability and inspections.

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1. District of Columbia Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Code § 42–3501 et seq.)
2. Required disclosures and inspection rules: Housing Regulation Administration.
3. Official DC Housing Inspection Form and resources: DC Department of Housing and Community Development.
4. Lead disclosure information: Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Program.
5. Office of Tenant Advocate: OTA DC.

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