District of Columbia · DC · updated 2026
In District of Columbia, a landlord must return a security deposit within 45 calendar days
Quick answer
A District of Columbia landlord has 45 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under District of Columbia security deposit law, a District of Columbia landlord has 45 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when the tenancy ends. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 45 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- the tenancy ends
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Not required by statute
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Interest on deposit
- Required
Calculate your exact District of Columbia deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a District of Columbia landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (District of Columbia requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Landlord liable for the amount wrongfully withheld or, if in bad faith, for treble damages; bad faith means a frivolous or unfounded refusal motivated by a dishonest or unreasonably self-serving purpose.
How to get your deposit back in District of Columbia
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common District of Columbia deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- District of Columbia requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
- In District of Columbia, a landlord must return a security deposit within 45 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent.
- Can my District of Columbia landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. District of Columbia requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a District of Columbia landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- Yes. District of Columbia requires the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my District of Columbia landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Landlord liable for the amount wrongfully withheld or, if in bad faith, for treble damages; bad faith means a frivolous or unfounded refusal motivated by a dishonest or unreasonably self-serving purpose.
45 days to return in full or send written notice of intent to withhold; if withholding, an additional 30 days to send the itemized statement and balance (worst case ~75 days). Deposit held in interest-bearing escrow at a semi-annual statement-savings rate.