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DC Laws affecting Landlords

Matthew Greeves - Tuesday, February 26, 2019
DC Laws affecting Landlords

It is true that the new DC laws are favorable to tenants than to the landlords. However, why is it good to be a tenant in DC and get access to a professional property manager in Washington DC? What laws lean advantageously towards property management in Washington DC?

Many people have scoured through tenant survival laws and guides available on the DC government website to present some of the biggest surprises and best incentives available to local renters. The following are some of the laws affecting landlord and Washington DC property management company: 

1. Tenants Can Legally Challenge Rent Increases

Yes. There are tenant petition forms for increasing the rent.

2. A Landlord Cannot Sell Housing without Offering It to the Renter First

The tenant living in the apartment gets access to the housing information if the landlord wants to demolish or sell the place. If the landlord passes on this opportunity without the knowledge of the tenants and someone else wants to move in, the renter has three months to look for another place.

3. It's Hard to Evict a Tenant

It can be done, especially if the tenant has stayed in the house for many months without paying rent, but tenants can get a trial through a judge or jury if faced with such threat. Also, if the tenant fixes their behavior within 30 days of receiving a mandatory quit notice, the landlord will have to withdraw that notice. 

4. If a Landlord Has Been Cited For Housing Code Violations in the Past Year, They Must Inform the Renter Before They Move In

This will ensure that the renter is aware of the situation of the house. A reliable Washington DC property manager will provide the necessary information before you moved in. 

5. Walkways Can't Be Gross

The grass must be trimmed, waterproof trashcans are a requirement, and any litter, dirt, insects or rats on the sidewalks have to go. 

6. Peeling Paint Is a Big No-No

This may not appear like a significant issue, but wooden doors, walls, and windows need an effective paint job.

7. The Rooms Cannot Be at Arctic Temperatures

Well, if you want to house penguins in your bathtub, it depends on you. However, if the building does not have a thermostat that the renter has access to, the landlord has to be able to keep all rooms at no less than 68 degrees. 

8. Tenants Are Required to Receive Their Security Deposit Back If They Haven't Torn Up the Place

If there is a hole in the wall, then the landlord is going to keep whatever is needed to fix the hole, such as water damaged floors and broken furnishings. However, landlords must tell departing renters about the status of the deposit within 45 days. 

Also, if the cautious renter has been there for over a year, they can get back the whole amount with interest.