Washington DC Rental Fees & Regulations

Key rental payment and fee regulations in Washington DC that affect how property management companies handle rent collection, delinquency, and compliance.

This page provides a factual, reference-style overview of key rental fee and payment-related regulations in Washington DC. It is designed to help property owners, operators, and industry professionals quickly understand how Washington DC approaches common rental fees, nonpayment, and eviction timelines.

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Nonsufficient Funds (NSFs) Fee Regulations in Washington DC

The table below summarizes common rental fee types and whether Washington DC law places limits or disclosure requirements on them.

Fee Type	Disclosure Requirement	Maximum Fee Allowed
Nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee	Lease disclosure recommended	$15, only for rent-stabilized property

Source: D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-6207.1

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Nonpayment, Late Fees, and Eviction Timelines in Washington DC

This table outlines how Washington DC law treats rent nonpayment, late fees, and the eviction process.

Required Grace Period	Late Fee Regulations	Written Notice Required	Time to Correct or Vacate
None specified by statute	5% of the monthly rent	Yes	At least 30 days

Source: Rental Housing Late Fee Fairness Amendment Act of 2016 (D.C. Law 21-172)

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Maximum Allowable Rental-Related Fees in Washington DC

The following table summarizes maximum limits for other common rental-related charges.

Fee Category	Maximum Allowed
Security deposit	Not specified
Junk fees	Application/screening: Application/screening fees must reflect actual screening costs and are subject to disclosure and refund rules; if the landlord uses a reusable comprehensive tenant screening report they’ve agreed to accept, they cannot charge the prospective tenant a fee to access it. Convenience/processing: No single statewide “convenience fee” ban, but WA tenant-rights materials emphasize that undisclosed landlord fees are generally unenforceable; any payment-method surcharge needs clear lease disclosure and a fee-free option to avoid UDAP risk. Other non-rent fees: WA requires all fees to be disclosed in the lease, and many local jurisdictions (esp. Seattle) layer on additional limits around pet fees, move-in charges, and other junk fees.

Source: End Junk Fees for Renters Act

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Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It summarizes rental payment, fee, and eviction-related regulations based on publicly available sources and may not reflect the most current legal developments or the specific circumstances of your property. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Domuso. Domuso makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information for any particular situation. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and should consult a qualified legal professional for guidance specific to your property or location. Domuso disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided on this page.

‍Last updated: January 2026

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Washington DC Rental Fees & Regulations

Nonsufficient Funds (NSFs) Fee Regulations in Washington DC

Nonpayment, Late Fees, and Eviction Timelines in Washington DC

Maximum Allowable Rental-Related Fees in Washington DC

Legal Disclaimer

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