Other Resources
Government Websites
District of Columbia Government
(202) 727-1000, 311
Official Site of the Commonwealth of Virginia
1(877) 482-3468
State of Maryland
1(877) 634-6361
Federal Government
Housing and Renter's Resources
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.
Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA)
(202) 442-8359
The office advocates for, educates, and provides outreach for tenants in DC.
Resident Resource Center, Civic Information
(202) 727-1000
Information on DC government, elected officials, the court system, and neighborhoods.
Maryland
Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division
1(888)743-0023
Maryland landlord/tenant laws.
Virginia
Arlington County Housing Division
(703) 228-3760
Information for landlords and tenants, relocation, and apartment guide.
Virginia Fair Housing Office
General Information: (804)367-8500
Information for landlords and tenants regarding the Virginia Fair Housing Law and Regulations. Link to electronic version of law.
Pets
DC Health Regulation & Licensing Administration
(202) 535-2323
Use this site to register and license dogs in DC.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Virginia
(703) 931-9241
Local animal laws and licensing requirements.
Montgomery County, Maryland, Animal Services Division
(240) 773-5960
Local animal laws and licensing requirements.
Publications
Rental Housing: Washington, DC
DC Housing Code Standards & Steps to Report Suspected Housing Violations (DCRA)
How to Complete a Tenant Petition
Tenant Survival Guide (7th Edition)
Tips for Tenants: Summer Housing Code Protections
What You Should Know About the Tenant Advocate
What You Should Know About Rent Control in the District of Columbia
Winter Housing Code Protections & Responsibilities
Rental Housing: Virginia
Landlord Tenant Handbook including the Landlord & Tenant Act (VRLTA)
Arlington, Virginia
Application Process
Application Fees
Eviction Process
Lanlord Non-Compliance
Rent Escrow
Security Deposit
Vacating an Apartment
Rental Housing: Maryland
Landlords & Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes PDF Format
Renters Insurance
Many tenants believe that their landlord’s or condominium association’s insurance will cover their losses in an event of an emergency, fire, flooding, or burglary. However, a landlord’s or condominium association’s insurance covers only the building’s structure, including common areas. It will not cover personal property or liability if someone is injured in the living space. Some landlords and associations require tenants to purchase renters insurance before moving in.
Renters insurance, purchased by the tenant, covers damage to or loss of personal property. Additionally, it protects against liability or medical expenses of guests injured in your apartment.
There are two types of coverage: policies that cover actual cash value (ACV) and policies that cover the replacement cost (RCC) of your property.
•ACV provides coverage based on the current market value of your property. This takes into account depreciation and other factors.
•RCC provides coverage based on the amount needed to replace your item with a close replica pays the amount it would cost to replace your lost or damaged property. You only get the money if you replace the item (s).
Premiums are usually higher on replacement cost policies.
There are several types of coverage to choose from and coverage varies from state to state. Coverage typically includes:
Personal Property coverage
•Entertainment equipment.
•Furniture and movable appliances.
•China and glassware.
•Sports equipment.
•Clothing.
•Books.
Most policies only cover theft of rare or valuable items, such as antiques, fine art, jewelry or computers, up to a certain amount. If you own items that are worth more than the coverage limits, you will have to purchase additional insurance to recover the loss.
Natural Hazard coverage varies but most policies protect your property against the following:
•Vandalism
•Water damage from failure of plumbing or appliances
•Hail, windstorm
•Smoke, explosion
•Vehicles or aircraft
For a higher premium, insurance companies will provide additional coverage for hazards not included in the standard policy.
Consider the following when purchasing renter’s insurance:
1. Take Inventory
Inventory your belongings. This will help in determining how much coverage is needed. The inventory should list each item, value, and serial number. It is also a good idea to photograph or videotape each room including opening closets and drawers. Keep the inventory and receipts for high valued items in a fireproof lockbox and/or in a safe place like a safety deposit box.
2. Compare Several Policies
Contact several insurance companies to determine the most affordable premiums and deductibles. Some companies will provide discounts if you already have auto insurance through them. If the apartment has a security system or smoke/carbon monoxide detectors you may qualify for additional discounts.
3. Questions
•Will the policy cover property shared by roommates?
•What are the limits of specific categories of personal possessions?
•What is the price and protection difference between “replacement cost coverage” and “depreciated cost coverage”?
Renters should compare several policies and choose the one that best suits their needs. A reasonable policy basic policy can be obtained for $150-200 per year.
Allstate 1(800)255-7828
GEICO 1(800)841-3005
National Student Services, Inc. (does not offer liability coverage)
1(800)256-6774
Progressive 1(800)776-4737
State Farm Insurance
1(877)734-2265
Safety
Washington, DC
Alert DC Rapid Text Notification (provides notification and updates during a major crisis or emergency)
DC Police Crime Mapping
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Metropolitan Police Department
Arlington, Virginia
Arlington County Fire Department
Arlington County Police Department
Crime Reports
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
Montgomery County Department of Police
Crime Reports
Other Safety Resources
Fire Safety Checklist
Get Out and Stay Alive: A Program for Campus and Student Fire Safety (FEMA)
National Fire Protection Association
Voter Registration
Washington, DC
Maryland
Virginia
