District of Columbia contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for District of Columbia agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the Regional Sales Contract with DC addendum (GCAAR), published by Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS. Closings are usually handled by a title company.
Typical deadlines
Days are common starting points, not rules. Many are negotiated in every contract.
| Deadline | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Ratification | When the last party signs (day 0) | |
| Earnest money delivered | 3 days after signing | |
| Loan application | 5 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Inspection contingency ends | 7 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Repair response / inspection resolution | 3 days after Inspection contingency ends | Only if your contract includes it |
| Appraisal contingency | 21 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown. Only if your contract includes it |
| Financing (loan approval) contingency | 30 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Title commitment delivered | 14 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Title objections | 5 days after Title commitment delivered | Only if your contract includes it |
| HOA / condo resale documents delivered | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Settlement | 35 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| TOPA cleared (tenant's right to buy), if anyone rents the home | 30 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Final walkthrough | 1 day before Settlement | |
| Possession | Same day as Settlement |
Disclosures and required forms
Required: DC Seller's Disclosure Statement (D.C. Code 42-1305), including any water lead test results (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
If it applies: TOPA offer of sale to tenants and the Mayor, if the home is rented
If it applies: Condo / co-op resale documents (confirm with your broker)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Recordation tax (buyer) and transfer tax (seller), each 1.1% under $400,000 and 1.45% at $400,000 or more. (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
If a tenant lives in the home, DC's Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act must be cleared before settlement.
Let Reta track it for you
Upload your signed contract and Reta builds this timeline with your real dates, reminds you before each deadline, and drafts the emails to your client, lender and title for you to approve. Your first deal is free.
This guide is general information for licensed agents, not legal advice. Rules and forms change; confirm with your broker or a local attorney. Last checked 2026-11-10.