District of Columbia Security Deposit Law: Deadlines & Penalties

In the District of Columbia, a landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to either return the security deposit with any interest due, or notify the tenant in writing, in person or by certified mail, that it intends to withhold some or all of it. Deductions can cover unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Deposits are capped at one month's rent and must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account.

If the landlord gives notice of withholding, it then has 30 more days to refund the balance with an itemized statement of each repair or other use and its cost. Since August 2026, landlords must also ask for a forwarding mailing or email address at move-out and, within 45 days, send written notice of any other amounts they claim are owed, with photos or other documentation; the tenant then has 30 days to dispute those amounts.

A landlord who doesn't send the itemized statement on time faces a presumption that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit plus interest. If the deposit is kept in bad faith, meaning a frivolous or unfounded refusal rather than an honest mistake, the landlord is liable for treble damages. Tenants can file in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of D.C. Superior Court for claims up to $10,000, or file a complaint with the Office of Administrative Hearings.