Renter guides
The rules from our posts, with the sources
Every guide answers one DMV renter question in plain language: what the rule says, when it takes effect, who it covers, and the primary source behind every number. Newest first. No address needed to read any of it.
Three Virginia rent-payment rules that changed July 1
Virginia Acts 2026 c. 722: a fee-free way to pay rent must be offered, card fees cannot exceed the landlord's actual processing cost, and repair fees need a tenant-caused reason.
One DC utility-bill rule starts January 1
A new DC rule limits separate tenant charges for utility use from common spaces and vacant apartments. It does not ban RUBS or make utilities free.
Maryland written mold notice starts a 15-day clock
After a landlord receives written notice of possible mold, Maryland law sets a 15-day assessment deadline and a conditional 45-day remediation timeline.
Three Virginia renter-insurance rules to check before paying
Your own-policy option, paperwork for landlord-bought coverage, and the narrow two-month cap on certain amounts due before tenancy.
Three Maryland water-bill protections that start October 1
Maryland Laws 2026, Chapter 262 sets proportional water billing, a $1 cap on the added billing service charge, and two years of cost history for submetered apartments.
Three Virginia move-in records to check before you unpack
For rentals covered by Virginia's residential renter law: the current tenant-rights statement, the first-page charge itemization, and the five-day move-in damage report.
Three DC rodent checks before you sign a lease
DC Health launched a Rodent Control Dashboard on July 9, 2026. How to use it, what it cannot tell you about one apartment, and the exact-unit checks that matter.
Three DC move-out debt deadlines in a law projected for September 4
D.C. Act 26-342 would set a 45-day notice deadline, a 30-day dispute window, and a 60-day wait before collections when a landlord claims money after move-out.
Three checks before breaking a lease early in the DMV
Get the exit price in writing, understand how re-renting changes the balance, and ask about replacement renters. DC, Maryland, and Virginia all require reasonable steps to limit lease-break losses.
Maryland's 80 degree apartment A/C standard, in effect since June 1
Maryland Chapter 664 sets an 80°F cooling standard from June 1 through September 30 for covered apartments in buildings with 10 or more units.
Three DC noise checks before you sign a lease
Late-night licenses near the address, renter-relevant 311 records, and recent permits: what public records can and cannot tell you about noise before signing.
Three Montgomery County limits for regulated rentals since July 1
For regulated rentals in the County program: the 5.2% annual rent-increase allowance, pet fee and deposit maximums, lockout fee limits, and the 90-day notice rule.
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Guides are general information about published rules, not legal advice for your situation. Laws change; every guide shows when its sources were last checked, and the cited source is always the authority.