Rent Specials on the Rise in Washington DC: 10 of the Best Deals on Apartments Right Now

Although people were less willing to move this year and apartment-hunting was more complicated than usual, there has been an upside to it all — more deals on rent.

Specifically, Washington, D.C.-area landlords have been offering more rent specials and incentives this year in order to motivate and attract renters. In fact, according to apartment data from Yardi Matrix, twice as many apartment communities are offering discounts and move-in incentives across the D.C. metro area this year compared to last year — 12% in 2020 versus 6% in 2019. Moreover, 243 properties are offering one or more types of rent deals for apartment-seekers this year, which is notably high compared to the 120 properties that provided incentives in 2019.

Our top picks for best deals on rent in Washington, D.C.

In the city of Washington, D.C. alone, 49 apartment communities offered rent incentives to attract new renters this year. That’s a considerable increase from 2019, when only 23 apartment properties had some sort of rent concessions.

Below, we’ve selected some of the best deals for Washington, D.C. apartments — from two months of free rent to $400 off your move-in fees and flexibility on move-in dates. Check out the listings for further details and get in touch with your favorite properties. Here are our top picks:

The Archer

Address: 3701 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Neighborhood: Cathedral Heights

Rent: Starting at $1,960

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

Want to skip the rent in January? This property is offering just that. If you apply within 48 hours of your first visit, the second month of your 13+-month lease is free. Plus, there’s also a credit of $400 toward your move-in fees for select floorplans. What’s more, its location in one of Washington, D.C.’s premier neighborhoods is also a plus, not to mention the breathtaking interiors.

Sedgwick Gardens

Address: 3726 Connecticut Ave. NW

Neighborhood: Cleveland Park

Rent: Starting at $1,546

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

This property is offering some very enticing perks, like one or two months of free rent (depending on the floorplan), on top of an affordable monthly price. It also has a charming architectural style with hardwood floors and updated appliances, which makes this option definitely one to consider.

The Phoenix

Address: 1421 Massachusetts Ave.

Neighborhood: Logan Circle

Rent: Starting at $1,445

Available Specials: 

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees + a worry-free leasing program and flexible lease terms (on select floorplans)

A one-of-a-kind property in an excellent location, The Phoenix boasts renovated kitchens, open living spaces and a very cozy terrace — perfect for watching the sun set.

Sixteen Hundred

Address: 1600 16th St. NW

Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Rent: Starting at $1,599

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees + a worry-free leasing program and flexible lease terms (on select floorplans)

The classic elegance of this property in the heart of downtown offers up to two months of free rent, in addition to flexible lease terms, a worry-free leasing program and a monthly price of $1,599. Central air conditioning and all utilities are also included in the rent, so you can definitely save some big bucks here.

The Parkwest

Address: 2929 Connecticut Ave. NW

Neighborhood: Woodley Park

Rent: Starting at $1,499

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

Luxury and comfort are the two words that best describe this property with elegant archways and gourmet kitchens. It’s also located only minutes away from Cleveland Park Metro.

The Vintage on 16th

Address: 3146 16th St. NW

Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant

Rent: Starting at $1,695

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

Apartments here are certainly eye-catching with their high ceilings, elegant décor and so much more. Check out their one-bedroom, one-bathroom floorplan for the opportunity to live here for two months, rent free!

The Rodney

Address: 1911 R St. NW

Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Rent: Starting at $1,969

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

Although slightly more costly than the other properties on this list, landlords here are sweetening the deal with up to two months of free rent and $400 off your move-in fees. The building also has hardwood floors in most apartments and is just blocks away from entertainment and shopping.

Parkway Apartments

Address: 3220 Connecticut Ave. NW

Neighborhood: Cleveland Park

Rent: Starting at $1,355

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

For renters on a tighter budget, rents here start at $1,355 and you can get up to two months of free rent, plus credit toward your move-in fees. According to a resident’s review: “The Parkway is a lovely, peaceful and quiet building in the heart of Cleveland Park […] it’s very well-maintained and has all of the desired amenities, including the most beautiful courtyard that overlooks the Grand Tregaron Trail in Rock Creek Park.”

Connecticut House

Address: 4500 Connecticut Ave. NW

Neighborhood: North Cleveland Park

Rent: Starting at $1,595

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

Up to two months of free rent, a great location, soaring 9’ ceilings and much more is what you’ll find at this property. There’s also a private, rooftop deck for all those lazy afternoons you want to spend with friends just soaking up the sun.

Rocksboro Apartments

Address: 1717 R St. NW

Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

Rent: Starting at $1,385

Available Specials:

• One month free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)
• Two months free on a 13+-month lease and $400 off move-in fees (on select floorplans)

A gated, historic building with high-speed internet, access to public transportation and plenty of other amenities, Rocksboro Apartments not only has an affordable average rent, but also offers specials for two different floorplans.

For more apartment offers and deals in your area, browse all listings on RentCafe.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability valid as of November 23, 2020 and are subject to change. Rent special details presented in the article are as advertised by the property listing. To confirm and find out more details, contact the property directly via rentcafe.com. Rent specials refer to discounts on rent, move-in fees and other incentives offered by the property management company based on certain conditions. Only certain floor plans may quality for rent specials. Rental applicants may have to qualify for certain rent concessions upon the processing of their rental application. 

Methodology:

• RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the United States.
• Apartment data from Yardi Matrix (for buildings with 50+ units) and rentcafe.com. We compared the share and the number of rental properties that advertised any form of rent specials or concessions the first 10 months of 2019 and 2020, analyzing more than 2,000 properties distributed in 61 cities in the Washington DC metro area (as defined by RentCafe). We included only cities with a minimum of 4 properties and 2,000 units. 
• All building photos are used with expressed permission from the respective property management. RentCafe does not grant the right for property image use.