State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
District of Columbia Security Deposit Laws
Under DC Code § 42-3502.17, District of Columbia landlords must return security deposits within 45 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.
Quick Answer
In District of Columbia, landlords have 45 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 1 month's rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000) and may recover Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees under DC Code § 42-3502.17. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What District of Columbia Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 45 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $10,000without needing an attorney.
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $700-2,2005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $300-1,0003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg District of Columbia deposit: $2,300 · Potential 121x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DC landlord have to return my deposit?
DC landlords have 45 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement. Strong penalties apply for violations.
What is the deposit limit in DC?
DC caps deposits at 1 month's rent. This is strictly enforced.
Does my DC landlord have to pay interest?
Yes. DC requires interest on all deposits at a rate set annually by the Mayor's office.
What penalties exist in DC?
Bad faith withholding can result in 3x the deposit plus attorney fees. DC has some of the strongest tenant protections.
Official Resources
- DC Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- DC Office of Tenant Advocate(Government)
- Bread for the City Legal Services(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
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Based on DC Code § 42-3502.17 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527