Complete guide to Washington DC landlord fee regulations. Learn about the $50 application fee cap, 5% late fee limit, security deposit rules, and tenant screening restrictions.
No. DC caps rental application fees at $50 as of 2022, indexed to CPI-U annually by the Rental Housing Commission — the published cap is $54 for calendar year 2026. The cap includes all screening costs (background check, credit history review, rental history). Charging more than the current published cap is a violation.
No. Under DC Law § 42–3505.10, you cannot deny an applicant based solely on their credit score or lack of credit history. You can review their credit history for rental-relevant information (like past rent payments), but cannot set minimum credit score cutoffs.
A credit score is a number (like 650). Credit history is the detailed record of payments, debts, and financial behavior. DC law allows you to review credit history for rental-relevant factors (prior rent payments, evictions for nonpayment) but prohibits denying applicants based solely on their credit score.
Late fees can only be charged after a 5-day grace period. If rent is due on the 1st, you cannot assess late fees until the 6th. The maximum late fee is 5% of monthly rent—no exceptions.
You can require first month's rent upfront, but the security deposit is capped at one month's rent. 'Last month's rent' would need to be part of the security deposit cap, effectively limiting you to first month + one month security deposit.
You can only charge the applicant $50 maximum, even if your actual screening costs exceed that amount. Consider using more cost-effective screening services or absorbing the difference.
No. DC law prohibits considering evictions that are 3+ years old, or eviction filings that didn't result in a judgment for the landlord. Similarly, lease breach allegations from 3+ years ago cannot be considered.
Yes. Security deposits must be held in an interest-bearing account at a DC financial institution, and ALL interest at the account’s statement savings rate accrues to the tenant — there is no admin-fee deduction (14 DCMR 311). You must return the deposit, or send an itemized written notice of intent to withhold, within 45 days after the tenancy ends (14 DCMR 309).
No. Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits charging pet fees, deposits, or rent for verified service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). You can request verification for ESAs but cannot charge any pet-related fees.
Tenants can sue for damages. For security deposit violations, a bad-faith withholding exposes you to treble damages — up to 3x the amount withheld — plus attorney fees (§ 42-3502.17). For other fee violations, you may face OAG enforcement, fines, and restitution orders.
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