How long does a D.C. landlord have to return the security deposit?

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the housing provider must either refund the deposit and any interest due, or notify the tenant in writing of the intention to withhold (14 DCMR § 309.1). If a notice is given, the balance, including unused interest, and an itemized statement of each repair and its cost are due within 30 days after that notice (§ 309.2).

What can a D.C. housing provider withhold from a security deposit?

Unpaid rent arrearages, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, charges for removing furnishings and items left at move-out (D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(2)(A)), and other expenses properly incurred under the security deposit agreement (14 DCMR § 309.1). Nothing may be withheld for the replacement value of items damaged by ordinary wear and tear, or for fees for services the housing provider must supply to keep the unit habitable, such as utility, trash, lock or third-party billing fees (D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b-2)).

Does D.C. require photographs or receipts for deductions?

The 45-day notice of alleged unpaid amounts must include photographs or other documentation supporting the claim (D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(2)(B)), and the itemized statement must show the cost of each repair or other use (14 DCMR § 309.2). No dollar threshold applies; invoices and estimates are the usual supporting records.

What counts as ordinary wear and tear in D.C.?

D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c)(3) defines it as deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling unit, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but not deterioration from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse by the tenant, an immediate family member or a guest.

Does a D.C. landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?

Yes. Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account (14 DCMR § 308.3), and interest at not less than the statement savings rate is due to the tenant on termination of any tenancy of 12 months or more, unless applied to properly incurred expenses (§ 311). The provider lists the interest rate for each 6-month period at the end of the tenancy (§ 308.7).

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a deposit in D.C.?

A housing provider who fails to return a deposit rightfully owed is liable for the amount withheld or, in the event of bad faith, for treble damages (14 DCMR § 309.5). Failure to give the itemized statement under § 309.2 is prima facie evidence that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit with interest (§ 309.3).

How long does the tenant have to dispute the deductions?

The tenant has 30 calendar days after the notice of alleged unpaid amounts is served to dispute them and may provide evidence that an amount is inaccurate. The housing provider must respond in writing, by mail, email or in person, within 10 days after receiving the tenant's information (D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(3)).

How must the notices be delivered in D.C.?

The notice of intent to withhold is delivered personally or by certified mail at the tenant's last known address (14 DCMR § 309.1). The notice of alleged unpaid amounts may be delivered personally, by email, or by certified mail at the tenant's forwarding address (D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(2)). Personal delivery or certified mail satisfies both.

What if the deductions exceed the deposit?

Give the notices and the itemized statement on time anyway, showing the balance the tenant owes. Documentation of service of the notice must be kept for at least 60 days before an unpaid amount is sent to a debt collector (D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(4)).

How long should I retain the documents?

Keep the notices, itemized statement, receipts and estimates, move-in and move-out checklists, photographs, interest calculation and proof of delivery until any deposit dispute has been fully resolved, and in any case for at least the 60 days that D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(4) requires before an unpaid amount is sent to a debt collector.

📋 Washington DC Move-Out Forms: Security Deposit Itemization Security Deposit Itemization (All States) Move-In/Move-Out Checklist Tenant Notice to Vacate All Washington DC Forms

Free Washington DC Security Deposit Itemization

The itemized statement Washington, D.C. housing providers give under 14 DCMR § 309 and D.C. Code § 42-3502.17: within 45 days after the tenancy ends, refund the deposit with interest or give written notice of intent to withhold; then, within 30 days after that notice, deliver the balance with an itemized statement of each repair and its cost. Free fillable form with a deductions and interest calculator and PDF output.

Washington, D.C. D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 45 + 30 Days Free PDF 2026 Edition

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Free Washington DC Security Deposit Itemization — overview

★ Key Takeaways

✓Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, a D.C. housing provider must either refund the deposit and any interest due, or notify the tenant in writing of the intention to withhold (14 DCMR § 309.1).
✓Within 30 days after that notice, the provider must refund the balance, including interest not used, with an itemized statement of each repair or other use and its cost (14 DCMR § 309.2).
✓D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e) also requires a written notice of alleged unpaid amounts within 45 days, with photographs or other documentation and a statement of the tenant’s 30-day right to dispute.
✓No deposit may be withheld for the replacement value of items damaged by ordinary wear and tear, which § 42-3502.17(c)(3) defines to include breakage or malfunction due to age.
✓Failing to return a deposit rightfully owed makes the provider liable for the amount withheld, or treble damages in bad faith (14 DCMR § 309.5); keep the whole file until any dispute has been fully resolved.