DCHA Process Timeline
A step-by-step guide to leasing to a voucher holder in Washington DC. From first contact to first payment is typically 45–60 days — but start at step 0: the DC licence and RAD filing take weeks of their own, and both attach on the day the tenancy begins.
Before You List — Licence and Registration
DC requires a business licence for rental housing, and the unit must be registered with the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) or hold a filed claim of exemption. Both take time, and both attach on the day a tenancy begins — not on the day someone notices.
- A licence takes weeks to obtain. Starting it after you have picked a tenant is already late.
- An unregistered unit is treated as rent-stabilised in DC whatever the owner believes, which changes what rent is lawful from the first day.
- Clean Hands comes first — you cannot be issued or renew a BBL while you owe the District.
- Record the expiry dates in your Compliance Calendar; the lease-up screen then checks them against your expected move-in date.
- This is not legal advice. If a tenancy is starting imminently and these are not in place, ask a DC landlord–tenant attorney what it means for you.
Tenant Finds Your Listing
A voucher holder contacts you about your property. They have been pre-approved by DCHA for a specific voucher amount and bedroom size.
- Respond within 24-48 hours to show interest
- Ask about their voucher bedroom size and payment standard
- Treat voucher holders the same as any other applicant
Application & Screening
You screen the tenant using your standard process. You can check credit, rental history, and references just like any applicant.
- You CAN charge an application fee (max $50 in DC)
- You CAN check credit and rental history
- You CANNOT reject based solely on voucher status
Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
Once you select a tenant, they submit an RFTA packet to DCHA. This includes the proposed lease terms and your contact information.
- The tenant initiates this step with their caseworker
- Make sure your proposed rent is within payment standards
- Provide accurate contact information for DCHA
DCHA Rent Review
DCHA reviews the proposed rent to ensure it meets payment standards and is reasonable for the area. They may negotiate if the rent is too high.
- Price your unit competitively from the start
- DCHA has set payment standards by bedroom size
- You can check current limits on the DCHA website
HQS Inspection
DCHA schedules a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection to ensure the unit is safe and habitable. Common issues: smoke detectors, GFCI outlets, peeling paint.
- Test all smoke and CO detectors before inspection
- Ensure all outlets work and GFCI outlets are installed in kitchens/baths
- Fix any peeling paint, especially in units built before 1978
- Clear access to all rooms, including attic/basement if applicable
HAP Contract Signing
Once the unit passes inspection, DCHA sends you a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract. This is your agreement with DCHA for subsidy payments.
- Review the contract carefully before signing
- Note the contract start date and annual review date
- Keep a copy for your records
Move-In & First Payment
The tenant moves in and you receive your first HAP payment from DCHA. Payments are typically deposited on the 1st of each month.
- Set up direct deposit for faster payments
- First payment may be prorated based on move-in date
- Collect tenant portion of rent separately