District of Columbia Application fees & screening

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in District of Columbia?

Application fees are capped at $50 (adjustable annually for inflation since 2024), and no other fee may be charged before lease signing. Statute text: "A housing provider may require a prospective tenant to pay an application fee. Such an application fee will be no more than $50" (D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b)(1)).

Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b)(1) · last checked 2026-10-16