Only an application fee (capped by law and adjusted annually for CPI) may be charged before you sign. We disclose every fee and screening criterion in writing up front. If we don’t screen you, we refund the application fee within 14 days.

Lease term: Standard lease terms are twelve months unless otherwise specified.

Rent due date: Rent is due on the first day of each month.

Late fees: Permitted only after the fifth calendar day of the month. Capped at five percent of the tenant’s share of rent. Non-payment of late fees alone is not grounds for eviction.

Renewals: Renewal offers are issued approximately 90 days prior to lease expiration.

Lease termination: If a tenant vacates early, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit. The tenant remains responsible for rent until a new tenancy begins and for any lawful lease-break charges.

Subleasing: Subleasing is prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing. If permitted, associated fees may not exceed the application fee maximum set by law.

Your security deposit will be equal to one month’s rent. It’s held in a DC escrow account and earns interest if your lease is longer than a year. The deposit is refundable at move-out as long as the home is returned in good condition beyond normal wear and tear.

Within 45 days after you vacate we either return it (with interest) or send notice we plan to withhold for lawful reasons. If we withhold, you’ll receive an itemized statement and any balance within 30 more days. Ordinary wear-and-tear cannot be charged.

Yes, absolutely.  We welcome all lawful sources of income, including vouchers. Screening and fees are applied the same to all applicants; we do not require a holding deposit from voucher holders.

Most of our properties charge a one-time, non-refundable pet fee of $300 per pet. Our one-time fee is unique over many other apartments who charge a monthly pet rent of $25 or 50 per month. If you end up staying for one year or longer, then our one-time fee saves you money in the long term. We love furry friends, and find that oftentimes our residents with pets take the best care of their homes as well!

Varies by home; see each listing. Regardless, we maintain code-required services (e.g., heat) and building systems.

Sometimes. If we agree to hold a unit, terms will be in writing. We don’t collect holding deposits from voucher holders.

Yes, but not all units have a floorplan 

Absolutely. Every Nest DC home is professionally cleaned and prepared so it feels fresh and ready the day you arrive. We also complete a detailed move-in inspection with photos, so you can feel confident about the condition of your new space from the very start.

Use your resident portal (24/7). Emergencies (no heat in season, major leaks, etc.) receive immediate dispatch; all work is performed within a reasonable time consistent with code and the implied warranty of habitability.

From Oct 1–May 1, heating must maintain at least 68°F (day) and 65°F (night) when you don’t control the system. If A/C is provided, it must maintain the greater of 78°F or 15°F below outside temp during the A/C period. 

DC Department of Buildings

We deliver units pest-free and address building-wide infestations. Bedbug law requires pre-lease disclosure of recent infestations and prompt professional response and monitoring if reported.

DC law requires landlords to maintain habitability and code compliance. Contact your Home Manager; you also have recourse via DC’s Department of Buildings or the OTA.

You are welcome to decorate and make the space feel like home. Hanging pictures with small nails or using removable hooks is fine. For painting or any permanent changes, written approval is required in advance. At move-out, the home must be returned to its original condition unless otherwise agreed.

Do’s

Use small nails or removable hooks for hanging pictures and art

Add rugs, curtains, and furniture to make the space your own

Use temporary or removable wallpaper/decals if you’d like extra color

Ask us first before painting or making any permanent changes

Don’ts

Paint walls, cabinets, or trim without written approval

Install built-in shelves, TV mounts, or fixtures without permission

Make alterations to floors, countertops, or appliances

Leave behind décor or modifications when you move out unless approved

Residents are responsible for the cost of lost keys or rekeying. Under District law, survivors of domestic violence may request lock changes within five business days

Note:  Nest does not provide lockout services

Every home and neighborhood in DC has its own character. Some streets are lively and close to restaurants, shops, and transit, while others are tucked into quieter residential blocks. Inside the home, sound levels depend on the building’s construction, surrounding activity, and even the time of day. We encourage prospective residents to visit the property at different times so they can get the best feel for the environment and make sure it’s the right fit.

Safety can mean different things to different people. Washington, DC is a diverse city with neighborhoods that each have their own pace and feel. We encourage prospective residents to walk the block, visit at various times of day, and explore local resources like MPD’s crime data or community listservs to get the clearest picture. Your comfort level is personal, and visiting in person is the best way to know if a neighborhood feels right for you.

In Washington, DC, you’ll need a Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP) from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to reserve curbside space for a moving truck. You can apply online through DDOT’s TOPS system a few weeks before your move. Once approved, you’ll receive official “Emergency No Parking” signs to post on the street in advance. This ensures space is available and helps your move go smoothly.

Yes. Most DC condo associations require advance scheduling, weekday move hours, and reserving a service elevator. Many also charge a move-in fee or refundable deposit, and some require a Certificate of Insurance from your movers. We’ll provide the building’s specific rules before your move so you can plan ahead.

Yes, residents are generally responsible for routine upkeep items. This includes tasks such as replacing lightbulbs, keeping drains clear, and changing HVAC filters on schedule. If you are leasing a single-family home or rowhouse, you are also typically responsible for exterior care such as lawn maintenance, leaf removal, and snow shoveling, unless otherwise stated in your lease. Nest DC coordinates all major repairs and system maintenance.