How to Screen Tenants in Washington, DC…
Screening tenants in Washington, DC, is easy with RealSerious.com. Provide your applicant’s name and email, and we’ll get their consent to release an official credit report along with a multi-state criminal history check.
No monthly fees – pay as you go.
Washington, DC Tenant Screening for Rentals
We understand the unique challenges of DC’s rental market. Whether you’re renting out properties in historic Georgetown, luxury apartments in Dupont Circle, or single-family homes in Anacostia, our services provide the data you need to make leasing decisions.
Featured areas include:
• Georgetown
• Dupont Circle
• Capitol Hill
• Adams Morgan
• Anacostia
Our services are available to landlords everywhere in the District of Columbia, subject to local regulations.
What’s Included in a Standard Tenant Screening?
Our services offer comprehensive applicant details, from credit history to criminal background checks, helping you make better rental decisions. Reports often include (where available):
• Credit Score & Factors (ResidentScore®)
• Reported Addresses & Employment
• Credit Card & Loan Payments
• Ch 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Remarks
• Returned Check Collection Accts
• Unpaid Utility & Landlord Collections
• Foreclosures & Repossessions
• Multi-State Criminal Records*
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Global Sanctions
See a sample report.
Turnaround Times: The majority of our reports are delivered within seconds after the applicant’s identity is verified. However, some results may take up to 1–2 days due to common names, potential record matches, or local jurisdiction reporting delays.
*DISCLAIMER: No tenant criminal background check is 100% complete. Coverage for our standard tenant screening may vary due to (1) jurisdictions limiting what records are eligible to return and (2) TransUnion and/or its partners limiting records that do not meet their data quality standards. As of November 2024, criminal records are available to return in the following jurisdictions that have a green dot in the “In Network” column below…
DC Tenant Criminal Record Coverage
This information applies only to our criminal report included in our standard Arkansas tenant screening service. If a jurisdiction is not “In Network,” then it’s possible that if a criminal conviction occurred there, it may not be reported. Learn more about our tenant criminal record coverage across the rest of the U.S.
Search by county to see if it’s “In Network”
| State | County | In Network | Initial Clear Avg Turnaround Time | Potential Hit Avg Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | Washington, DC | < 1 Hour | < 1 Day |
Washington, DC Tenant Screening FAQs
If you have additional questions, Contact us. Please note: We are unable to provide legal advice. For DC-specific landlord-tenant law inquiries, consult a local attorney or legal expert.
Are Washington, DC landlords allowed to charge an application fee?
Yes, landlords in Washington, DC, can charge an application fee. However, DC law caps the fee at $50 and requires landlords to provide an itemized receipt for screening expenses.
Can Washington, DC landlords include criminal background checks?
Yes, one can consider criminal background information, but they must comply with the Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act of 2016, which restricts when and how landlords can inquire about criminal history. Learn more at https://ohr.dc.gov.
What rights do tenants have when applying?
Washington, DC has specific laws under the Tenant Bill of Rights that protect renters during the application process, including transparency about screening criteria and fee disclosures. Read more here at https://ota.dc.gov/publication/tenant-bill-rights.
Washington DC Landlord Resources
Essential links for landlords and property managers:
DC Office of Human Rights
Handles fair housing complaints and provides resources for landlords on compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
DC Courts – Landlord and Tenant Branch
500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
https://www.dccourts.gov/services/civil-matters/landlord-and-tenant
Provides resources and forms for eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes.
Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR)
Offers networking, training, and resources for landlords and property managers in Washington, DC.
DC Department of Housing and Community Development
Provides housing resources, rent control information, and assistance for landlords and tenants.
Washington, DC Code Enforcement
Phone: 202-442-4400
https://dcra.dc.gov/service/rentals