Starting in 2027, D.C. landlords cannot separately bill shared-area utilities

Landlords and companies they hire cannot bill tenants separately for utilities used in shared areas or vacant units. The rule covers utility charges for shared building areas and vacant units in D.C. rental housing. Landlords may include these costs in monthly rent. They may use a formula to divide buildingwide utility bills within this rule. The separate billing ban starts January 1, 2027.

Landlords must notify former tenants in writing of claimed unpaid lease amounts. The notice covers unpaid amounts the landlord claims are owed under the lease. The notice must include proof, dispute instructions, and landlord contact details. Tenants have 30 days after service to dispute a claim; landlords must answer their evidence within 10 days of receiving it. Notice is due within 45 days after the tenancy ends. The tenant must be served at least 60 days before the debt goes to a collector.

Landlords cannot charge fees for services they must provide to keep rental housing livable. The rule covers people before move-in, during a tenancy, and after move-out. Landlords may use a tenant’s security deposit to replace items that tenant damaged beyond normal wear.