Moving to DC for a Capitol Hill Job: Apartment Checklist



If you're starting a job on Capitol Hill when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027, start your apartment search now. Narrow your neighborhoods first, tour by video, and have your documents ready, so you can apply quickly when the right apartment opens up.
 
November: Pick your neighborhoods
 
  • Find out where your office will be. House office buildings are closest to Capitol South station. Senate office buildings are closest to Union Station. That one detail can decide which Metro line you want to live on.
  • Set a budget. Entry-level Hill salaries can be modest, so look at both market-rate and affordable options. You may qualify for an affordable (LIHTC) community.
  • Shortlist two or three neighborhoods. Our Capitol Hill neighborhood guide compares commutes in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, North Bethesda and Fairfax County.
 
Late November–early December: Tour from wherever you are
 
  • Watch video tours. Start with our playlists for DC, Arlington, Alexandria, North Bethesda and our affordable communities. Each video's title includes the community's name. These are examples, and the specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching. More video tours are on each property's website.
  • Ask the leasing team questions. Ask about current availability, lease terms, move-in dates and any specials.
  • Think about how you'll work from home. Late nights and recess weeks may mean working from your apartment. Select apartments, including some studios, have sunrooms that make a great home office. Select studios also have a separate sleeping area.
 
December: Apply and lock in your move-in date
 
  • Gather your documents. Have a photo ID, proof of income (such as an offer letter or recent pay stubs) and rental history ready. Ask the leasing team exactly what they need you to provide.
  • Choose a lease term. If your job is tied to a two-year term, flexibility matters. Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms that vary by property. Affordable communities offer 12-month leases.
  • Plan for your first paycheck. At any of our properties, you can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform.
  • Schedule your move. Moving trucks and elevator reservations book up fast around the holidays and early January.
  • Check Metro advisories. Planned construction can change train frequency on some lines, so check before your first commute.
 
Late December–January: Move in and settle
 
  • Bring your pet. All of our market-rate communities are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Pet policies at our affordable communities vary by property.
  • Get a SmarTrip card or add one to your phone for Metro and bus fares.
  • Update your car registration if you need to. New DC residents have 60 days to register a vehicle with DC DMV. Virginia and Maryland set their own deadlines, so check with their motor vehicle agencies.
  • Do a test commute before your first day.
 
Frequently asked questions
 
When should I start looking for an apartment if I start on the Hill in January? Start in now (November). Many people lease in December for a late-December or early-January move-in.
Can I rent an apartment without seeing it in person? Yes. Video tours, live video tours and online applications make it possible to lease before you arrive. Our post on renting before you arrive walks through it.
Are there move-in specials? Select properties may be running specials. Check each community's website.
 
Start your search
 
Visit our community search page to browse all of our communities in a list or map view.