Accidental Landlords in DC: How It Happens and What to Do Next
- Victoria Richards
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Most landlords in Washington, DC did not plan to become landlords. It usually starts with a practical decision, not a long-term strategy. One day you realize you own a home and renting it makes more sense than selling it, at least for now.
In DC, there are a few common ways this happens.
The Most Common Ways People Become Accidental Landlords in DC
Some owners relocate for work and decide to hold onto their home instead of selling. Others buy a new primary residence and rent out their previous home because the timing or pricing does not feel right to sell.
Many people inherit a home from a family member and are unsure what to do next. Selling feels rushed, and renting offers a way to preserve the property while generating income.
Others purchase a home intending to live there long term, only to have life change sooner than expected. A new job, a relationship, or family needs can turn a primary residence into a rental quickly.
And sometimes, people try to sell, do not get the offers they hoped for, and decide to rent “for now.” In DC, that temporary decision often lasts longer than expected.
No matter how it starts, accidental landlords tend to face the same questions once the reality sets in.
What I Recommend Doing First
If you find yourself owning a rental you did not plan for, the goal is not to rush. It is to get organized and intentional early.
1. Review the condition of the home honestly. Walk through the property with fresh eyes. Older DC homes often have incredible charm, but charm alone does not lease homes. Identify what works, what needs attention, and what should be addressed before a tenant moves in. Set a plan to fix what matters most.
2. Understand realistic rental value. Research comparable rentals in the neighborhood and be honest about where your home fits. Pricing based on what you need the rent to be often leads to longer vacancies. A professional opinion can save time and frustration.
3. Get compliant before you list. In DC, you must understand the Tenant Bill of Rights and obtain a Basic Business License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection before renting. Skipping this step can put you in a costly, time-consuming, and complicated situation later. Compliance is not optional, and starting correctly protects you.
4. Screen carefully and consistently. Tenant selection matters more than speed in DC. Strong screening helps protect the property, the experience, and your peace of mind. Rushing this step usually leads to bigger problems down the line.
5. Use a solid lease agreement. A clear, well-written lease sets expectations from day one. It protects both you and the tenant and reduces misunderstandings. This is not the place to cut corners or rely on generic templates.
A Real Example From Capitol Hill
One of my clients, Martha, inherited her father’s home on 7th Street in Capitol Hill. She had been living out of town and had not spent much time in the house during the last few years. Even so, when she walked back in, she was drawn to it immediately.
The red brick, the Victorian details, the original hardwood floors. It still had charm, even though it needed work.
She knew she wanted to rent it. Instead of rushing, she hired a contractor and renovated the home properly. When the work was complete, it was beautiful. There was no mortgage on the house, which gave her flexibility, and she chose to hire me to manage it.
That decision allowed her to continue traveling while knowing the home was cared for. The rental income supports her, helps her siblings, and allows her to set aside reserves for future repairs and upgrades. What started as an unplanned situation became a stable, well-managed asset.
Accidental Does Not Mean Unmanageable
Becoming a landlord by circumstance is common in DC. It does not mean you are behind or doing something wrong. It simply means you are navigating something new.
With the right information, realistic expectations, and support where needed, accidental land lording can be manageable and even rewarding.
If you became a landlord by circumstance, not by design, you’re not behind. You’re just navigating something new. Whether you’re trying to understand DC compliance requirements, or figuring out how to position an inherited or recently vacated home, it helps to talk it through with someone who works in this market every day.
We support accidental landlords across Washington, DC, at every stage. Sometimes that means full property management. Other times it’s simply helping you understand your responsibilities, your options, and what to prioritize first.
If you’d like a clear, practical conversation about your property and next steps, schedule a consultation. No pressure, no obligation, just experienced guidance so you can make a confident decision.
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