DisputeKit / District of Columbia
How long does a District of Columbia landlord have to return a security deposit?
45 days. Under D.C. Municipal Regulations, Title 14, § 309 (Repayment of security deposits), a landlord must return the security deposit with any interest due, or notify the tenant in writing of the intention to withhold part of it within 45 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld, or treble damages if the landlord acted in bad faith.
I moved out of my place in on and my landlord still has my $ deposit.
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Conditions that change the deadline
- The 45 days run from the termination of the tenancy, which may differ from the move-out date.
- If the landlord gives a timely notice of intent to withhold, the refund of the balance (with unused interest) and an itemized statement of repairs and their costs are due within 30 days after that notice.
- Since August 14, 2026, a landlord claiming unpaid amounts must send the 45-day notice personally, by email, or by certified mail to the forwarding address, with photographs or other supporting documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute within 30 days.
What District of Columbia law says about deductions and your rights
- A landlord may not withhold the deposit for ordinary wear and tear.
- Failure to meet the 45-day and 30-day steps is prima facie evidence that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit with interest.
- Interest is owed to the tenant when a tenancy of 12 months or more ends (unless used for deductions); bad-faith failure to pay interest can mean treble the interest.
- Tenants may also file a deposit complaint with the Office of Administrative Hearings.
- The deposit may not exceed one month's rent.
If the deadline has passed
Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.
If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in District of Columbia is $10,000 in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of D.C. Superior Court, and the filing fee is $5 for claims up to $500, $10 up to $2,500, and $45 up to $10,000.
Steps
- Find your move-out date and deposit amount
- Work out when the clock started: The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit
- Count 45 days from that date to find the deadline
- Send a written demand letter citing the law
- File in small claims court if unpaid
Common questions
When does the clock start in District of Columbia?
The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit.
What if I got part of my deposit back?
You can still ask for the rest. Your claim is the deposit minus what was returned and minus any deductions you agree were allowed.
Can I get more than my deposit back?
Possibly. District of Columbia law allows a court to award the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld, or treble damages if the landlord acted in bad faith. A judge decides; it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not usually. Small claims court in District of Columbia is designed for people without lawyers. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.