Homes for Rent in Washington, DC (2,425 Rentals)

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

property at 3324 Clay St NE

3324 Clay St NE

WashingtonDC20019

Washington's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Washington and the best places to live with original content written by Local Expert Steve Lilly

property at 1363 Parkwood Pl NW

1363 Parkwood Pl NW

WashingtonDC20010

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

property at 1711 37th St NW

1711 37th St NW

WashingtonDC20007
property at 657 Girard St NE

657 Girard St NE

WashingtonDC20017
property at 646 Pickford Pl NE

646 Pickford Pl NE

WashingtonDC20002

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

property at 106 Quincy Plz NE

106 Quincy Plz NE

WashingtonDC20002

How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

Washington, DC Local Guide

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Written By:
Amanda Delgado
Local Guide Expert

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Washington Overview

Looking for somewhere to move for great career opportunities? Or an area that’s filled with lots of history and culture? Our nation’s capital, Washington DC, could be the right place for you to call home! DC is mainly known as a major governmental hub. But it’s got a lot to offer beyond that! You’ll find a thriving nightlife scene, incredible culinary options, outdoor recreation, easy access to world-famous attractions — and more! Convenient transportation options and amazing weather also make this city a top place for renters. Need more reasons to look for homes for rent in Washington DC? We’ll explore several aspects of living here!

What is the history of Washington?

Washington DC’s history goes all the way back to 1790. George Washington chose the site as a compromise between the northern and southern states. But it didn’t get off to a great start. In fact, the city was almost entirely burned to the ground during the War of 1812! And it lost part of its original location when Alexandria, VA, residents voted to leave DC. But the city was rebuilt and expanded over the years. That included a 1901 expansion of the National Mall and the addition of the Georgetown area. Today, Washington DC is a cultural place filled with historical landmarks and homes — and modern restaurants and other amenities!

How is the weather in Washington?

Love summers that are hot — but not too hot? DC’s high temperatures in summer usually reach the upper 80s and drop to the 60s at night. What about the winter months in DC? You’ll get days of high temperatures in the 40s and lows in the 20s. The city gets a bit of a winter wonderland look with some snowy weather. During spring and fall, temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s in the daytime and the 40s and 50s at night. Keep your sunglasses handy! DC gets lots of sunny days. But you’ll have some rainy times, too — especially during summer.

How do I get around town?

Should you plan on having a car as a DC resident? You may not need one, thanks to the city’s robust public transportation. Depending on where you’re looking for Washington DC rentals and where you work, you might have easy access to buses and rail service. The Metrorail offers train service around the metro area. The Metrobus includes hundreds of bus routes in and around DC. And there’s also the DC Circulator for getting to and from major attractions. Leaving the area? Amtrak runs train service throughout the region. Greyhound Bus also has routes from Union Station to various destinations. And Dulles International Airport — located just west of DC — flies to multiple domestic and international destinations!

What is the Washington commute like?

How long do rides to and from work take for DC locals? That, of course, depends on where you end up living and working. But the average one-way commute time is around 37 minutes. Traffic jams are common during rush hour as people from the surrounding towns enter and exit the city for work. A few major highways run around or into DC, including I-95, I-66, and I-395. Want to keep commuting times shorter — and possibly avoid rush hour traffic altogether? You may want to consider looking for Washington DC rental homes close to bus or rail stops!

Why live in Washington, DC?

What makes rental homes in Washington DC a good option? Living here means you’re close to not one, but two beautiful rivers — the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. And you’re conveniently near Maryland and Virginia for day trips to Shenandoah National Park, Annapolis, Richmond, Fredericksburg — and more! DC also has major employers besides the Federal Government, including companies in the transportation, aviation, finance, and hospitality industries. You’ll have lots of amenities and attractions around to enjoy, along with access to reliable public transportation. And you’ll be living in a place that has a great climate that’s not too hot and not too cold overall!

What Washington landmarks should I see?

DC has no shortage of historical places to visit. As a resident, you’ll have all kinds of time to see them all — multiple times if you want! Some of the most famous sites include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and National Mall. There’s also the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and United States Capitol. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Library of Congress, and Arlington National Cemetery, too! Some DC landmarks offer guided or self-guided tours, so you can learn more about their history. And note that most of these sites are free!

What is there to do around Washington?

Looking for cultural attractions? DC has some impressive museums to visit! Head to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum. And the National Museum of American History. Visit the National Gallery of Art for an incredible collection of artwork. Spend a day at the Smithsonian National Zoo to see all kinds of animals from around the world — including giant pandas! Take a relaxing stroll through the US Botanic Garden. Admire scenic views of the Potomac and wander through the labyrinth at Georgetown Waterfront Park. Enjoy live shows at Ford’s Theatre, JFK Center for the Performing Arts, or Arena Stage!

Where is the best place to move in Washington?

Narrowing down your options may be the hard part! DC offers multiple neighborhoods that are great for renters. Looking for river views from home? Southwest Waterfront puts you right near the water, with access to The Wharf and other riverfront attractions. Woodley Park offers the best of both worlds — big city amenities and a quiet living environment with natural surroundings. Washington DC homes for rent in Capitol Hill are ideal if you work at or want to be close to government facilities. Georgetown offers river views, cobblestone streets, and upscale amenities!

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Washington, DC

Ranked #1

Among cities in District of Columbia for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Washington, DC Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Washington

What type of rentals are currently available in Washington?

There are currently 7474 Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC with pricing that ranges from $491 to $21,411. There are also 2425 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Washington ranging from $750 to $70,000.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Washington?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Washington ranges from $750 to $70,000 with an average monthly rent of $5,946.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Washington?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Washington range from $900 to $21,089, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $850 to $11,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $2,350 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,075.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for A Washington DC Local Expert's Guide to Top Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in the DC Metro article

A Washington DC Local Expert's Guide to Top Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in the DC Metro

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, DC.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.