District of Columbia security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In District of Columbia, a landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (14 DCMR §§ 308–311). Under District of Columbia law, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld, and the court may award costs or attorney's fees.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

days for a District of Columbia landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or send written notice, in person or by certified mail, of the intent to withhold. The balance and an itemized statement are then due within 30 days of that notice.

What the landlord must send you

Written notice of intent to withhold, then an itemized statement of the repairs and other uses of the money, with the balance and interest.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld; DC regulations also allow treble damages for bad-faith failure to pay interest owed and civil fines for willful violations (14 DCMR §§ 308–311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17).

Read the law

D.C. Law 16-276 (security deposit amendments)

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

District of Columbia security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?

What must a District of Columbia landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

Written notice of intent to withhold, then an itemized statement of the repairs and other uses of the money, with the balance and interest.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in District of Columbia?

How do I get my security deposit back in District of Columbia?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 45 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.