You have laid the foundation for tenancy (renting) by planning, budgeting, and searching real estate websites to gauge what you can afford in the District of Columbia (D.C.). Now you are ready for the 10 Steps to Tenancy. Before starting your housing search, remember these steps to avoid frustration, scams, and wasting money on rental applications.
| 10 Steps to Tenancy (Renting) |
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1. Contact a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor
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2. Know What You Can Afford, Your Credit and Scores
Why: You should know how much you can spend on housing at this stage. Your credit scores must meet the landlord's requirements. |
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3. Identify Your Needs
Why: In a competitive housing market with limited affordable and accessible housing, you do not want to have unrealistic housing wants you cannot afford. Your housing search should focus on “needs”, not “wants” to increase your affordable housing opportunities. |
4. Inquire about Subsidies
Why: If your income is not enough, subsidized housing or a rent subsidy program may help. Remember, these programs are limited; therefore, apply as early as possible and, if there is a waiting list, add your name and contact information, and follow up for updates. |
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5. Know Your Rights
Why: To avoid being discriminated against and or exploited. |
6. Use Resources to Search and Find
Why: If your income is not enough and you need subsidized housing or a rent subsidy, use community resources and affordable housing websites to help you find affordable and accessible housing. |
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7. Submit Rental Application and Verification Process
Why: You found a rental; the next step is to submit a rental application to the landlord or property manager. The application will require your personal information, such as employment history, income, permission to review your credit, etc., to determine if you meet the landlord's screening criteria.
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8. Walk-Thru
Why: Before signing a lease, you want to conduct a final walk-thru with the landlord to inspect the rental unit and request needed repairs or changes. You want to address any visible concerns before signing a legally binding agreement. D.C. Department of Building (DOB) has housing code standards that landlords must adhere to. Please review the links below before signing a lease in D.C. |
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9. Sign Residential Lease, Security Deposit and Renters Insurance
Why: Get it in writing! A residential lease can be oral (verbal agreement), but a written one is highly recommended and more enforceable. If you must take your landlord to court, the burden of proof is on you. It will be your word against the landlord if you do not have a written and signed residential lease. Once you sign a residential lease, you are legally committed to the terms stated in the lease. D.C. law prohibits a security deposit exceeding one month's rent, which must be deposited in an interest-bearing account. There are other lease requirements the landlords must adhere to, summarized in the links below. If funds are available, there are programs to assist with the first month's rent and security deposit, but you must meet the eligibility requirement. Some landlords ask tenants to obtain renter’s insurance. No law in D.C. requires tenants to have renter’s insurance. However, it would be best to consider it for peace of mind. It is also known as tenant’s insurance, and the monthly cost is relatively inexpensive compared to homeowner's insurance. Renter’s insurance covers a tenant's personal property damaged or destroyed by theft, fire, and other disasters. It also provides additional, standard coverage. For more information on renter’s insurance, see the link below: |
10. Move-In and Tenant’s Responsibilities
Why: Now it is time to move. If you need to hire a moving company, check if the company is licensed (see links below) because moving scams are rising. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported that 15,198 complaints were filed with the BBB against moving companies in 2022. Some moving companies' scams include taking deposits and the movers do not show-up; movers provide an estimate, steal the consumer’s belongings, and demand additional money to deliver them to the consumer’s home. BBB recommends that consumers take inventory (and pictures) of all their items before handing them to movers. Take a picture of the mover’s ID and license plate. You also want a signed contract with your agreed-upon terms. Before you move in, make sure to: submit a change of address at the post office; update your address with prescription delivery and auto-delivery services; place utilities in your name and turn on; schedule cable and internet set-up; test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and, gather boxes for packing. To have a successful tenancy, you must follow the requirements stipulated in your signed residential lease. The landlord also has responsibilities to follow via the signed residential lease. If you have issues or problems with your landlord or the rental during your tenancy, use the links below to contact the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate. -------------------------- |
