Owning rental property in Washington, DC can feel a little like hosting a dinner party in a historic rowhome: charming, rewarding, and full of rules you really don’t want to mess up. Between licensing, rent regulations, disclosures, and paperwork that seems to multiply overnight, even experienced housing providers can feel overwhelmed.
One form in particular deserves your full attention: RAD Form 3 — the Housing Provider’s Disclosure to Applicant or Tenant.
This isn’t just another bureaucratic hoop. RAD Form 3 plays a starring role in DC’s rental housing compliance world. Get it right, and you’re protecting your investment, building trust with tenants, and staying on the right side of the law. Get it wrong (or forget it entirely), and you may find yourself dealing with tenant complaints, enforcement actions, or stalled rent increases.
So grab your metaphorical tool belt — we’re breaking down everything DC housing providers need to know about RAD Form 3, with practical tips, common pitfalls, and guidance on how working with a professional property management team like EJF Rentals can make all of this far easier.
What Is RAD Form 3 (And Why It Matters So Much)?
RAD Form 3, officially titled “Housing Provider’s Disclosures to Applicant or Tenant,” is required under the DC Rental Housing Act and administered by the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
You can access the current version of the form here:
Think of it as a full transparency checklist. The form ensures that applicants and tenants clearly understand:
Who owns and manages the property
Whether the unit is rent-controlled or exempt
What rent is being charged and why
Whether there are housing code violations
How security deposits are handled
What legal protections apply to them
DC law (§ 42-3502.22 of the DC Code) requires housing providers to supply this disclosure before a tenant commits to a lease — not after keys are handed over. Existing tenants may also request it once per calendar year, and housing providers must comply promptly.
Bottom line: RAD Form 3 is not optional, and it’s not a “fill-it-in-later” document. It’s a foundational compliance requirement for anyone renting residential property in DC.
For step-by-step guidance, RAD also provides official instructions:
Who Is Required to Provide RAD Form 3?
Short answer? Almost everyone renting residential property in DC.
You must provide RAD Form 3 if you are:
An individual landlord
A property owner with multiple units
A housing provider using a property manager
Renting market-rate or rent-controlled units
Collecting application fees or skipping formal applications altogether
Even if your unit is exempt from rent stabilization, the disclosure is still required. Whether you own one condo or an entire portfolio, this form applies to you.
When Does RAD Form 3 Need to Be Delivered?
Timing is everything here — and it’s where many housing providers stumble.
RAD Form 3 must be delivered:
At the time a rental application is submitted, or
Before the tenant enters into a lease or rental agreement, if no application is required
Additionally:
Existing tenants may request the disclosure once per year
You must provide it within 10 business days of that written request
You cannot charge a fee for providing it
Translation? This form must be ready before you say “welcome home.”
What Information Must Be Included on RAD Form 3?
While the form itself is fairly structured, accuracy is critical. Here’s what DC housing providers must disclose:
A. Housing Provider & Property Information
Owner’s legal name and physical address (no P.O. boxes allowed)
Property manager contact details (if applicable)
Registered agent for service (for out-of-state owners)
Phone number and email
Basic Business License number
RAD registration or exemption number
Certificate of Occupancy number (when required)
B. Rent & Financial Details
Current rent amount
Any rent surcharges (for rent-controlled units)
Application fees (and whether they’re refundable)
Security deposit amount
Confirmation that security deposit interest will accrue, as required by DC law
C. Regulatory & Legal Status
Whether the unit is rent-stabilized or exempt
Frequency and limits of rent increases
Pending petitions that may affect rent or tenancy
Any housing code violations, including those not yet resolved
D. Certifications & Signatures
Signature of the housing provider or authorized agent
Tenant/applicant acknowledgment of receipt
Accuracy here matters — inconsistencies between Form 3 and other RAD filings can create problems down the road.
Required Attachments: The Make-or-Break Section
Here’s where many otherwise solid housing providers trip up.
RAD Form 3 must be delivered with a full set of required attachments, including:
RAD Form 1 (Registration or Claim of Exemption), including amendments
RAD Form 4 (Rent History Disclosure)
RAD Form 5 (Notice of Access to Records)
Copies of all housing code violation notices from the past year (and any still open)
Tenant Bill of Rights from the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate
RAD pamphlet: What You Should Know About Rent Control (if applicable)
DC lead paint disclosures
EPA pamphlet: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home
DC Board of Elections – Voter Registration Form
https://www.ejfrentals.com/files/VRF-English-01122024_1.pdf
Miss even one of these, and you’re exposed.
This is where having a professional system — like the one used by EJF Rentals — can save you serious stress. Learn more about our compliance-first approach at https://www.ejfrentals.com.
Delivery Methods & Recordkeeping
Once completed, RAD Form 3 and its attachments may be delivered via:
Hand delivery
Mail
Email (if the tenant has authorized electronic delivery)
But delivery alone isn’t enough. Housing providers must maintain records showing:
What was delivered
When it was delivered
How it was delivered
Tenants may request copies, and RAD may require proof during inspections or enforcement actions.
Why RAD Form 3 Compliance Really Matters
Let’s talk consequences — because this isn’t just about paperwork.
Failing to comply can result in:
Administrative complaints
Delays or denial of rent increases
Enforcement actions by RAD
Increased tenant disputes
Legal exposure and financial penalties
In a tenant-friendly jurisdiction like DC, transparency and compliance aren’t just best practices — they’re essential to protecting your investment.
Common Mistakes Housing Providers Make
Even well-intentioned owners make errors, including:
Forgetting required attachments
Using outdated RAD registration numbers
Listing P.O. boxes instead of physical addresses
Failing to update forms after violations or license changes
Not documenting delivery
These mistakes are easy to avoid — especially when you’re not doing it all alone.
How EJF Rentals Makes Compliance Feel Effortless
At EJF Rentals, we don’t treat compliance like an afterthought — it’s built into everything we do.
Our team helps DC housing providers by:
Preparing and reviewing RAD forms for accuracy
Ensuring all required attachments are included
Tracking delivery and maintaining records
Staying current with regulatory changes
Communicating clearly with tenants
Reducing legal and financial risk
From leasing to compliance to ongoing management, we handle the details so you can focus on the bigger picture. Learn more at https://www.ejfrentals.com.
The Big Picture: Why Property Management Makes Sense
RAD Form 3 is just one piece of DC’s complex rental housing puzzle. Add licensing, inspections, maintenance coordination, tenant communication, and financial reporting — and suddenly “self-managing” doesn’t feel so simple.
Hiring a professional property manager can help with all of this — from compliance and documentation to tenant relations and long-term asset protection.
If you want confidence that your rental is being managed correctly, professionally, and in full compliance with DC law, partnering with EJF Rentals is a smart move.
📞 Call Conrad today at 202.803.7200 to learn how our expert team can take care of all your property management needs — and help you sleep easier knowing the details are handled.
For more resources, insights, and expert support, visit https://www.ejfrentals.com.
