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Renting in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC

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Finding a Rental in the Washington, DC, Area

I'm often asked by clients and others for assistance in finding a rental. Though a Realtor can help in some circumstances, in reality the rental market is far more fragmented that the market for sales. I've compiled this lens to help point people in the right direction. If you have some resources to add, please let me know!

If you're considering buying versus renting, please check out my other lens, or read more about the local real estate market on my blog at http://katiewethman.blogspot.com

Where to Go to Look for Rentals

Craigs List
For better or for worse, Craigs List is by far the #1 source people use when looking for rentals (or posting homes for rent). It can be a bit frustrating because data is incomplete, inconsistent, and not necessarily updated in a timely fashion. Other frequent complaints are that places rent too quickly and by the time you make an appointment to see it, it's gone. Nonetheless, this is the place I suggest most people start.
MLS Search
Owners will often use an agent to post their home in the Multiple Listing Service for rent. You need an agent to view these homes, whether it be your own "tenant" agent or the "listing" agent. Using an agent USUALLY does not cost the renter anything, but it's sometimes difficult to find an agent willing to help you see these homes because the compensation offered by the owner is often low (unless you're looking in a rental price range of several thousand dollars/month). Though it's a pain to coordinate individual showings, you may want to consider contacting the listing agent directly.
Washington Post/Apartments.com
The WP, in conjunction with Apartments.com, presents this cool map-based search.
Dittmar Company
Dittmar owns and manages quite a few local buildings, including buildings in key Orange Line locations in North Arlington like Quincy Plaza, Randolph Towers, Richmond Square, and Virginia Square Plaza.
Apartment Guide
Another good, general resource listing local apartment buildings.
MilitaryByOwner.com
Though designed for military families, anyone can post or respond to rental listings on this site, which helpfully categorizes listings by distance to various bases.
City Data
Need more help or have a specific question? Try browsing the boards or posting your own question at City Data.
Rentometer.com
Very cool tool that allows you to enter an address and the rent paid and will compare that price to the median rental price for the area. Helpful for both tenants AND landlords!
DC Affordable Housing Search
A FREE listing service that provides easy access to information about housing opportunities within the District of Columbia.

Other Helpful Links for Renters

Move In Checklist
Protect your deposit by documenting condition at move in.
Virginia Landlord Tenant Act
Not all landlords are subject to this act, but if yours is, here is the rule of law in Virginia.
Tenant Landlord Handbook for Arlington, VA
Arlington County's Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
Practices & Procedures
Arlington County has provided this useful list of practices and procedures for application process and fees, eviction procedures, move-in checklist, sample leases (both VLTA compliant and another for those not subject to VLTA), and security deposit procedures.
Renters Insurance
If you rent your home you should have renter's insurance? Less than half of renters have renter's insurance according to Allstate. Why is it important? What does it cover?

Reviews on Local Real Estate from Yelp

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Real Estate in 22201

Dave Moya (Arlington)  
"David Moya, of Arbour Realty, is both an incredible person and an outstanding real estate agent. I would recommend him, without hesitation, to anyone who..." more
Tyler Garrison (Washington)  
"I really can't recommend Tyler enough. In addition to being extremely organized and accommodating to my schedule, he really went above and beyond by..." more
Shaun Murphy - RE/MAX Allegiance (Alexandria)  
"Shaun is an amazing realtor! He helped me buy my first home. At the time I knew absolutely nothing about being a homeowner or how to even begin the..." more
Brandon Green Companies (Washington)  
"I'm a first-time homebuyer with a relatively low purchase price (for the area). I know that probably doesn't make me a dream client, but I did not feel like..." more
Aaron Seekford (Arlington)  
"Aaron did a great job representing my interests for both the sale of my condo and purchase of my first house. He was highly professional and very effective..." more
Arbour Realty (Arlington)  
"Adam and his team have been great to work with in several real estate transactions. Everything seems to flow seamlessly. Adam is more concerned about..." more
Randolph Towers (Arlington)  
"I lived in Apt 522 (Quincy side) for 6 years. This was my first and only high-rise apartment experience. Liked: - Location is excellent - 2 Metro stops..." more
JustNewListings.com Realty (Arlington)  
"I used Jay Seville to sell my home in Lyon Village in Arlington. He advised me on the staging and presentation of the house, and he reached out to other..." more
Rachel Valentino - Keller Williams Capital Properties (Washington)  
"A while back I had a real estate related question about my parents' house. Anyway, I happened upon Rachel's info, I called and talked to a nice guy named..." more
The Belvedere Condominium (Arlington)  
"I've lived in the Belvedere for four years and have nothing but positive things to say about the unit size, location, and building amenities. Compared to..." more
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Thoughts on the Washington, DC, Real Estate Market

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About Me

I'm a licensed REALTOR in VA, DC, and MD, affiliated with Keller Williams Realty.

6820 Elm Street
Suite 100
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 636-7300
katie@katiewethman.com

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wethmank

Katie is a CPA and an MBA, and that's important because your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and wouldn't you want a REALTOR... more »

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