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District of Columbia Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 45 days to refund or give notice of withholding; balance within 30 days of that notice |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | 1 month |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Amount withheld; 3x for bad faith |
| Statute | D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 |
District of Columbia deadline calculator
Room-by-room condition report: 12 rooms, 99 items, move-in and move-out columns, signature lines, and tips that win deposit disputes. Works for District of Columbia rentals. PDF, 5 pages, no sign-up.
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
DepositDay walks you through the move-in and move-out inspection with timestamped photos, counts down your District of Columbia deadline from move-out day, and writes the itemized deduction letter.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
Under D.C. Code § 42-3502.17, a District of Columbia landlord has 45 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 45 days to refund or give notice of withholding; balance within 30 days of that notice.
What is the maximum security deposit in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the security deposit limit is 1 month.
What happens if a District of Columbia landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in District of Columbia: amount withheld; 3x for bad faith. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of D.C. Code § 42-3502.17, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.