Tenant Rights
It is important that you be informed of your rights as a tenant, since some landlords may try to take advantage. Listed below are resources and publications and to the left are some important sections one should become familiar.
Maryland
Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Montgomery County
(240) 777-3600
•Montgomery County, Maryland Landlord-Tenant Handbook
Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division
1(888)743-0023
•Landlords & Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes
Virginia
Tenant/Landlord Rights & Responsibilities, Arlington County
(703) 228-3765
•Tenant Landlord Handbook
Virginia Fair Housing Office
General Information: (804)367-8500
•Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act (VRLTA)
Washington, DC
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
(202) 442-4400
DCRA issues licenses and permits, conducts inspections, enforces building, housing, and safety codes, regulates land use and development, and provides consumer education and advocacy
services.
•Residential Inspections (DCRA)
•Summer Housing Code Protections (DCRA)
•Tenant Survival Guide, 7th Edition/Spring 2008
•Winter Housing Code Protections & Responsibilities (DCRA)
The Equal Rights Center: Fair Housing
(202) 234-3062
The ERC offers training, performs advocacy, counsels individuals, helps victims file complaints, conducts research and develops and executes investigations to stop illegal discrimination in housing.
thisshouldbeillegal.com
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has created a new website, as a collegiate off campus housing initiative.
Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA)
(202) 719-6560
The office advocates for, educates, and provides outreach for tenants in DC.
•Tips for Tenants: What You Should Know About the Tenant Advocate
Handouts:
Fair Housing Brochure
Landlord & Tenant Assistance
