District of Columbia Security Deposit Demand Letter (14 DCMR § 309)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under 14 DCMR § 309, a landlord must, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the security deposit with any interest due or notify the tenant in writing of the intent to withhold part of it, followed by a refund of the balance and an itemized statement within 30 more days. That period has now passed.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for treble damages, if the deposit was kept in bad faith.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in District of Columbia
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.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, District of Columbia's own deadline under 14 DCMR § 309 is 45 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (District of Columbia limit: $10,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In District of Columbia, the rules are set out in D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 and 14 DCMR §§ 308–311. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award treble damages, if the deposit was kept in bad faith.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In District of Columbia the limit is $10,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example District of Columbia security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under 14 DCMR § 309, a landlord must, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the security deposit with any interest due or notify the tenant in writing of the intent to withhold part of it, followed by a refund of the balance and an itemized statement within 30 more days. That period has now passed.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for treble damages, if the deposit was kept in bad faith.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a D.C. landlord have to return a deposit?
45 days after the tenancy ends. Within that time the landlord must return the deposit with any interest due, or notify you in writing that it intends to withhold some of it. The balance and an itemized statement are then due within 30 more days.
Is my D.C. landlord required to pay interest on my deposit?
Yes. D.C. requires deposits to be held in an interest-bearing escrow account, and for tenancies of 12 months or more the interest is owed to the tenant when the tenancy ends. At move-out the landlord must also list the interest rate for each six-month period of your tenancy.
What if my D.C. landlord kept my deposit in bad faith?
Bad faith means a frivolous or unfounded refusal, not simple negligence or an honest mistake. If the landlord acted in bad faith, it is liable for treble damages; otherwise it owes the amount wrongfully withheld. A landlord who misses the itemization deadline is presumed to owe you the full deposit.
Where can I bring a D.C. deposit claim?
The Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of D.C. Superior Court hears money claims up to $10,000. The Office of Administrative Hearings can also hear complaints about deposits that weren't returned or interest that wasn't paid.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.