Statement of Rental Policy-DC

Gables Dupont Circle
STATEMENT OF RENTAL POLICY-District of Columbia
March 2, 2017
Welcome to our community. Before applying to rent an apartment, please take the time to review this Statement of Rental Policy. For the purpose of this
document, the term “applicant” is defined as the person or persons who will be signing the Lease as the “Resident”. An applicant must be 18 years of age
or older to qualify as a resident. All individuals 18 years of age or older must complete an application and be listed as a “Resident” on the Lease Agreement.
The term “occupant” is defined as the person or persons who will be listed on the lease agreement who is under the age of 18, and who is residing at this
community. Some criteria apply to the applicants only; other criteria apply to all occupants. Please note that this is the current rental criteria for this
community; nothing contained herein constitutes a guarantee or representation that all residents and occupants currently residing here have met these
requirements. There may be individuals who began residing at this community prior to this particular criteria going into effect; additionally, the ability to verify
whether these requirements have been met is limited to the reliability of information received from applicants and outside services used.
EQUAL HOUSING: Gables Dupont Circle is an Equal Housing Opportunity Provider. We do business in accordance to the Federal Fair Housing Act and do
not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Additionally, we provide housing in
accordance with all other state or local laws if those laws provide greater protection than the Federal Fair Housing Act.
APARTMENT AVAILIBILITY: Applications for apartment homes will be accepted on a first come – first serve basis and are subject to the availability of the
particular apartment type requested. “Availability” does not necessarily mean that an apartment will definitely be available for occupancy by an applicant
at the estimated date. “Available” apartments include those where a “Notice to Vacate” has been submitted by an existing resident indicating an intention
to vacate on or about a certain date. Under certain circumstances, we will permit current residents who are not in default of their lease to withdraw or
change their notice of moving. Other circumstances not necessarily under management’s control may also delay the date of availability of an apartment.
In addition, an apartment may not be considered available because it is about to be placed under contract as an application has been made and a
deposit placed to hold the apartment. If the applicant’s application is not approved or if the applicant fails to sign a Lease by the specified date, then the
apartment would again become available. Whether a particular unit or type of apartment is available can vary significantly within several hours or days.
RENTAL CRITERIA: All applicants and co-signers must agree to the following by executing this Statement of Rental Policy and a rental application form:
Applicant(s) hereby consent to allow Gables Dupont Circle, through its designated agent and its employees, to obtain and verify credit information, including
a criminal background search for the purpose of determining whether or not the applicant is eligible to lease an apartment. Applicant understands that
upon leasing an apartment, Gables Dupont Circle and its agent shall have a continuing right to review credit information, rental application, criminal
background, payment history and occupancy history. Faxed signatures are acceptable; however, original signatures must be obtained prior to move in.
INCOME: The combined income of the applicant(s) is required to meet Gables Dupont Circle’s minimum income criteria. The three types of income used to
establish the income to rent ratio eligibility are employment income, other income and personal assets. Please consult a lea sing associate for the specific
income to rent ratio designated for Gables Dupont Circle. Income requirements will be adjusted accordingly in the event a Housing Choice Voucher or
Government funds are paid directly to Gables Dupont Circle.
CONSUMER CREDIT/EVICTION ANALYSIS: If all applicants’ combined income meets this community’s income requirements for the apartment which was
applied for, Gables Dupont Circle will proceed in running a thorough credit check on all applicants age 18 and older that apply for residency. Gables
Dupont Circle uses an expert statistical credit scoring system to evaluate consumer creditworthiness. Based upon the applicants’ credit score, the application
will be accepted, rejected or accepted on the condition that an additional security deposit is paid. If the application is rejected or accepted with conditions,
the name, address and telephone number of the consumer reporting agencies which provided the consumer information will be provided. Additionally, the
applicant will be screened for rental history that may include a combination of monetary and non-monetary judgments, filings, outstanding debts to prior
landlords, forcible entry detainers along with timeframes of these records, which can result in a rejection. An applicant rejected for unsatisfactory credit,
rental, or criminal history (see below) is encouraged to obtain a copy of the consumer report, correct any erroneous information that may be on the report
and submit a new application to this community for further consideration.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS: If the application is accepted or accepted with conditions, a criminal background search will be conducted. Gables
Dupont Circle performs criminal background checks in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Applicants’ signatures on the Rental Application
for Residents and Occupants authorizes us to check not only applicants’ credit history but also criminal history. Applicants will be required to answer questions
on the application regarding their criminal history. An unsatisfactory criminal background check will result in denial of the application. However, not all
crimes disqualify applicants from living at the community. The application may be denied for any reported criminal sex related conviction or listing on the
sex offender registry, and active status on probation or parole resulting from any of the prior mentioned reasons. The application may also be denied for
any of the following reported criminal related reasons that have occurred within the past (10) years prior to the application date: felony conviction, any
terrorist related conviction, any prostitution related conviction, any cruelty to animals related conviction, misdemeanor conviction involving crime against
persons or property, and active status on probation or parole resulting from any of the prior mentioned reasons. Please be advised that this requirement
does not constitute a guarantee or representation that residents or occupants currently residing in our community have not been convicted of or subject to
deferred adjudication for a felony, certain misdemeanors or sex offenses requiring registration under applicable law. There may be residents or occupants
that have resided in the community prior to this requirement going into effect. Additionally, our ability to verify this information is limited to the information
made available to us by the resident credit reporting services used.
FEES/DEPOSITS: In order to reserve an apartment home, applicant(s) must submit an executed application along with the following fees and deposits: 1.) A
non-refundable application fee $75.00 for each applicant 18 years of age and older for verification of information and credit approval. 2.) A non-refundable
administrative fee. $600.00; Lease renewals will require a non-refundable processing fee of $0.00. 3.) A refundable security deposit of $0.00 Applicant
understands that an additional security deposit may be required based on credit agency requirements. If for any reason management decides to decline
the application, management will refund the administrative fee and the security deposit in full. If an applicant is conditionally approved, but chooses not to
pay the additional deposit, then his/her application will be considered declined. If the application is approved and the applicant fails to sign a lease or take
occupancy of the premises on the agreed date, management may retain the administrative fee and the security deposit as liquidated damages for the
amount of rent lost and any expenses incurred due to the cancellation.
OCCUPANCY: An apartment home shall contain sufficient bedroom space to accommodate the size of applicant’s household. As a general rule, “sufficient
bedroom space” is determined by the number of people in the apartment home. No more than two people over the age of 24 months may be allowed for
each bedroom in the apartment home. Exceptions to this general rule may be granted depending on the age of the persons in the household, size of the
bedroom, existence of an “equivalent room” such as a den, study or mezzanine, or if the overall size and configuration of the apartment home would
reasonably allow for more than two persons per bedroom. The term “equivalent” room does not include bathrooms, kitchens, foyers or laundry rooms. Loft
units with no specified bedroom will be evaluated for the number of bedrooms based on the size of the loft as compared to an equiva lent sized traditional
unit. Any child under the age of 24 months is not counted as an additional person for purposes of occupancy guidelines. Once a child reaches the age of
24 months, the considerations listed above will be applied to determine whether the household will be required to move to a larger apartment home. Under
no circumstances will a household be required to move to a larger apartment home during a current lease solely as a result of the addition of a child under
24 months to the household, or solely as a result of a child reaching the age of 24 months during a lease term. All members of the household, regardless of
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age, will be required to be listed on the lease agreement. Gables Dupont Circles policy is to conform to local and state requirements to the extent that they
require a different standard than stated here.
INTERNATIONAL RENTAL CRITERIA: In addition to qualifying under the terms stated in this Statement of Rental Policy, applicants from countries other than the
United States WHO DO NOT HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER must meet the following criteria:
1.
An original valid passport showing raised notary seals and USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) documentation is required. Expired passports
or expired USCIS documents result in an automatic decline of the application. On the Application for Residency, the applicant is to fill in the Passport
Number in lieu of a Social Security Number.
2.
Households consisting of International applicants WHO DO NOT HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER are required to pay AN ADDITIONAL ONE MONTH’S
RENT AS A DEPOSIT.
3.
All move-in monies are required in U.S. Certified Funds.
HOLD HARMLESS ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Resident agrees that Management does not promise, warrant or guarantee the safety and security of resident,
resident’s family and occupants or Resident’s personal property against the criminal actions of other residents or third parties. Furthermore, Management
shall not be liable for any damage or injury to Resident, Resident’s family and occupants or to any person entering the premises or the building of which the
leased premises are a part, for injury to person or property arising from theft, vandalism or casualty occurring in the premises or the buildings; the term
“premises” is defined to include any common areas, lakes and the surrounding area. Resident agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Management from
all claims, costs and expenses arising from injury to person or property. Each Resident has the responsibility to protect him or herself and to maintain
appropriate insurance to protect his/her belongings. Residents are to contact an insurance agent to arrange appropriate insurance protecting their
personal property. Residents are required to secure and maintain liability insurance with limits not less than $50,000 It is also recommended that residents
secure property insurance to cover their personal possessions. Insurance coverage maintained by Owner and/or Manager does not protect Resident from
loss of personal property by theft, fire, water damage and any other perils. In addition, owner and/or Manager is not responsible for damage to resident
vehicles. Resident is responsible for maintaining appropriate vehicular or automobile insurance coverage.
VEHICLES: Parking space is limited in our community. Each household is permitted parking with a monthly fee of $250.00 per unreserved space or $300.00
per reserved space and may be limited to two passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles and recreational vehicles are not permitted.
PETS (if applicable): Domesticated pets (dogs and cats only) are accepted with a 40 lb. weight limit on floors 2-9 only; First floor and townhomes do not have
a weight/height limit. A 500.00 pet fee and a $45 Dog DNA registration fee (if applicable) is required per pet (maximum of two) and must be paid in full prior
to move-in. In addition, pet rent per month per animal may be required and must be paid each month and included in the rental payment. Pets will be
subject to visual inspection. Resident(s) agree to comply with all community policies and may be required to sign a separate Pet Addendum. Service
animals assisting a person with a disability are allowed and no pet fee is required. The following breed and/or mix breeds are prohibited: Akita, American
Bull Dog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American or Bull Staffordshire Terrier, Briard, Borzoi Hounds, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Chow, Dalmatian, Doberman
Pincher, Dogo, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Husky, Irish Wolf Hound, Komondor, Malamute, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Scottish
Deerhound, Spitz, St. Bernard, Stafford Terrier, Presa Canarios, Shar pei, Toso Inu and Wolf-Dog Hybrid.
FLOTATION BEDDING SYSTEMS/WATER TANKS: Flotation bedding systems (waterbeds) or water tanks over 50 gallons will be allowed on any floor only if a copy
of the current renter’s insurance policy naming Owner and Manager as additionally insured is maintained in the resident file.
UTILITIES/SERVICES: We’ll pay for the following items, if checked: ☐ gas ☐ water ☐ wastewater ☐ electricity ☐ trash/recycling ☒ pest control
☐ cable/satellite ☐ master antenna ☐ internet ☐ stormwater/drainage ☐ other __________________________________________________. You’ll pay for all
other utilities and services, related deposits, and any charges or fees, on such utilities and services during your Lease Contract term.
SATELLITE DISH: We allow the installation of one satellite dish per apartment in accordance with FCC and local access laws. Not all of our apartments are
suitable to satellite reception and we cannot guarantee that satisfactory transmission will be received. There are limitations on how and where a satellite
dish can be installed and the appropriate addendum must be signed. Liability Insurance (minimum coverage amount of $50,000) is required and a copy of
the insurance must be presented prior to installation.
ELECTRONIC CHECK POLICY: Gables Residential reserves the right to utilize Accounts Receivable Entry (ARC) to process personal checks through the ACH
(Automated Clearing House) system and is compliant with NACHA (The Electronic Payments Association) rules. These rules require that Gables Residential
provide residents and prospects the following notification: When you provide a check as payment, you authorize Gables Residential to use information from
your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. Gables Residential will use
information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer and funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your
payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.
Applicant Signature
Date
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Applicant Signature
Date
Revised
Applicant Signature
Date
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Applicant Signature
Date
March 2, 2017
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE OF THE TENANT ADVOCATE
District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights
The Tenant Bill of Rights Amendment Act of 2014 , effective December 17, 2014 (D.C. Law 20-147; D.C.
Official Code §§ 42-3531.07(8) & 42-3502.22(b)(1)) requires the D.C. Office of Tenant Advocate to publish
a “D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights” to be updated periodically and noticed in the D.C. Register. This document is
not exhaustive and is intended to provide tenants with an overview of the basic rights of tenancy in the District.
Except for rent control, all these rights apply to every tenant in the District.
1. LEASE: A written lease is not required to establish a tenancy. If there is one, the landlord must provide
you with a copy of the lease and all addendums. The landlord must also provide you with copies of
certain District housing regulations, including those for Landlord & Tenant relations. Certain lease
clauses are prohibited, including waiver of landlord liability for failing to properly maintain the property.
The landlord may not change the terms of your lease without your agreement. After the initial lease term
expires, you have the right to continue your tenancy month-to-month indefinitely on the same terms,
except for lawful rent increases. (14 DCMR §§ 101, 106 & 300-399)
2. SECURITY DEPOSIT: The amount of the security deposit may not exceed the amount of 1 month’s
rent. The landlord must place your security deposit in an interest-bearing account. The landlord must
post notices stating where the security deposit is held and the prevailing interest rate. If there is a “moveout” inspection, the landlord must notify you of the date and time. Within 45 days after you vacate the
apartment, the landlord must either return your security deposit with interest, or provide you with written
notice that the security deposit will be used to defray legitimate expenses (which must be itemized within
30 more days). (14 DCMR §§ 308-311)
3. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION: Upon receiving your application to lease an apartment, the
landlord must disclose: (a) the applicable rent for the rental unit; (b) any pending petition that could affect
the rent (if rent control applies); (c) any surcharges on the rent and the date they expire (if rent control
applies); (d) the rent control or exempt status of the accommodation; (e) certain housing code violation
reports; (f) the amount of any non-refundable application fee, security deposit, and interest rate; (g) any
pending condo or coop conversion; (h) ownership and business license information; (i) either a 3-year
history of “mold contamination” (as defined) in the unit and common areas, or proof of proper
remediation; and (j) a copy of this D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights document. The landlord must make this
information accessible to you throughout your tenancy. Upon a tenant’s request once per year, the
landlord must also disclose the amount of, and the basis for, each rent increase for the prior 3 years. (D.C.
Official Code §§ 42-3502.22 & .13(d))
4. RECEIPTS FOR RENTAL PAYMENTS: The landlord must provide you with a receipt for any money
paid, except where the payment is made by personal check and is in full satisfaction of all amounts due.
The receipt must state the purpose and the date of the payment, as well as the amount of any money that
remains due. (14 DCMR § 306)
5. RENT INCREASES: “Rent control” limits the amount and the frequency of rent increases. For units
that are exempt from rent control, generally only the lease terms limit rent increases. If rent control
applies, the landlord may not raise the rent: (a) unless the owner and manager are properly licensed and
registered; (b) unless the unit and common areas substantially comply with the housing code; (c) more
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frequently than once every 12 months; (d) by more than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for an elderly
tenant (age 62 or over) or tenant with a disability, regardless of income, if registered with the Rent
Administrator; (e) by more than the CPI + 2% for all other tenants. A rent increase larger than (d) or (e)
requires government approval of a landlord petition, which tenants may challenge. You also may
challenge a rent increase implemented within the prior 3 years.
6. BUILDING CONDITIONS: The landlord must ensure that your unit and all common areas are safe and
sanitary as of the first day of your tenancy. This is known as the “warranty of habitability.” The landlord
must maintain your apartment and all common areas of the building in compliance with the housing code,
including keeping the premises safe and secure and free of rodents and pests, keeping the structure and
facilities of the building in good repair, and ensuring adequate heat, lighting, and ventilation. The tenant
has the right to receive a copy of a notice of violation issued to the landlord (14 DCMR §§ 106; 301; &
400-999)
7. LEAD PAINT HAZARD: For properties built prior to 1978, the landlord must (a) provide a prospective
tenant household with a form issued by the District Department of the Environment about their rights
under the D.C. lead laws; (b) provide a current lead-safe “clearance report” to (i) a prospective tenant
household that includes a child less than 6 years of age or a pregnant woman, (ii) an in-place tenant
household that gains such a person and requests the report in writing from the landlord, and (iii) any
tenant household regularly visited by such a person; and (c) disclose to a tenant household what the
landlord reasonably should know about the presence in the tenant’s unit of a lead-based paint hazard or
of lead-based paint, which is presumed to be present unless there is documentation showing
otherwise. (20 DCMR §§ 3300 et seq.)
8. MOLD: Upon written notice from a tenant that mold or suspected mold exists in the unit or a common
area, the landlord must inspect the premises within 7 days and remediate within 30 days. Mold assessment
and remediation must be performed in compliance with District regulations. (D.C. Official Code § 8241)
9. QUIET ENJOYMENT AND RETALIATION: The landlord may not unreasonably interfere with the
tenant’s comfort, safety or enjoyment of a rental unit, whether for the purpose of causing the housing
accommodation to become vacant or otherwise (D.C. Official Code § 42-3402.10). The landlord may
not retaliate against you for exercising any right of tenancy. Retaliation includes unlawfully seeking to
recover possession of your unit, to increase the rent, to decrease services or increase your obligations;
and also includes violating your privacy, harassing you, or refusing to honor your lease. (D.C. Official
Code § 42-3505.02)
10. DISCRIMINATION: The landlord may not engage in discriminatory acts based upon the actual or
perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, genetic information, personal
appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities,
disability, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, status as a victim of an intra-family
offense, or place of residence or business of any individual. Discriminatory acts include refusing to rent;
renting on unfavorable terms, conditions, or privileges; creating a hostile living environment; and
refusing to make reasonable accommodations to give a person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the
premises. (D.C. Official Code § 2-1401.01 et seq.)
11. RIGHT TO ORGANIZE: The landlord may not interfere with the right of tenants to organize a tenant
association, convene meetings, distribute literature, post information, and provide building access to an
outside tenant organizer. (D.C. Official Code § 42-3505.06)
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12. SALE AND CONVERSION: Tenants must be given the opportunity to purchase an accommodation
before the landlord sells or demolishes the accommodation or discontinues the housing use. The landlord
may not convert the rental accommodation to a cooperative or condominium unless a majority of the
tenants votes for the conversion in a tenant election certified by the District’s Conversion and Sale
Administrator. (D.C. Official Code §§ 42-3404.02 & 42-3402.02)
13. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: If you are displaced by alterations or renovations, substantial
rehabilitation, demolition, or the discontinuance of the housing use, you may have the right to receive
relocation assistance from your landlord. (D.C. Official Code § 42-3507.01)
14. EVICTION: The landlord may evict you only for one of ten specific reasons set forth in Title V of the
Rental Housing Act of 1985. For example, you may not be evicted just because your lease term expires,
or because the rental property has been sold or foreclosed upon. Even if there is a valid basis to evict
you, the landlord may not use “self-help” methods to do so, such as cutting off your utilities or changing
the locks. Rather, the landlord must go through the judicial process. You generally must be given a
written Notice to Vacate (an exception is non-payment of rent where you waive the right to notice in the
lease); an opportunity to cure the lease violation, if that is the basis for the action; and an opportunity to
challenge the landlord’s claims in court. Finally, any eviction must be pursuant to a court order, and
must be scheduled and supervised by the U.S. Marshal Service. (D.C. Official Code § 42-3505.01)
RESOURCES
D.C. Dept. of Housing and Community
D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate
Development
2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 North
1800 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20009
Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202) 719-6560 Fax: (202) 719Phone: (202) 442-9505 Fax: (202) 645-6727
6586 Website: www.ota.dc.gov
Website: www.dhcd.dc.gov
D.C. Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs District Dept. of the Environment
1100 4th Street, SW
1200 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20024
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 442-4400 Fax: (202) 442-9445
Phone: (202) 535-2600 Fax: (202) 535Website: www.dcra.dc.gov
2881 Website: www.ddoe.dc.gov
I/We, ______________________________, confirm that I/We have received a Tenant Bill of Rights and
Responsibilities Form on (insert date): ________________________.
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March 2, 2017