Dollar Scholars Foundation

Topic 8 of 10

Renting and Housing Choices

Rent with confidence in the DC area, and compare the real costs of renting and buying before you start the path to owning a home.

Lessons: 2 About 34 min in total

Most people in our classes rent their homes. These lessons explain your rights as a renter in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, from the application to move-out day. They also show how to compare the full cost of renting and buying, so you can decide when it makes sense to start preparing to buy.

Builds on Money Smart for Adults

  • Module 12: Making Housing Decisions

Start the first lesson

Lessons in this topic

  1. Renting in the DC Area: Leases, Deposits, and Your Rights

    A lease checklist, the deposit and fee rules in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, a move-in photo routine, and where to get free help with repairs, rent increases, or eviction.

    About 18 min Quiz questions: 6

  2. Rent or Buy? Compare the Real Costs

    A DC-area worked example that compares renting at $2,000 a month with buying a $320,000 condo, including the costs first-time buyers often miss and why the number of years you stay matters.

    About 16 min Quiz questions: 5