How long does a landlord in District of Columbia have to return a security deposit?
45 calendar days after you move out
In plain terms, the statute says
A housing provider who fails to return a security deposit rightfully owed is liable for the amount of the deposit withheld, or, in the event of bad faith, for treble damages — so trebling requires a bad-faith finding, defined by the rule as a frivolous or unfounded refusal motivated by a fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, dishonest or unreasonably self-serving purpose rather than simple negligence, bad judgment or an honest belief. Failing the forty-five-day and thirty-day duties is itself prima facie evidence that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit back with interest.
Who this covers
Residential rental units in the District, except that 14 DCMR § 308 does not apply to dwelling units leased in the District by federal or District of Columbia agencies, or to units for which rents are federally subsidized.
Read the law yourself
Where are you in this?
Have you moved out?
Questions people ask
How long does a landlord in District of Columbia have to return a security deposit?
District of Columbia: 45 calendar days after you move out.
Who does District of Columbia's security-deposit law cover?
Residential rental units in the District, except that 14 DCMR § 308 does not apply to dwelling units leased in the District by federal or District of Columbia agencies, or to units for which rents are federally subsidized.
What happens if a landlord in District of Columbia is late?
A housing provider who fails to return a security deposit rightfully owed is liable for the amount of the deposit withheld, or, in the event of bad faith, for treble damages — so trebling requires a bad-faith finding, defined by the rule as a frivolous or unfounded refusal motivated by a fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, dishonest or unreasonably self-serving purpose rather than simple negligence, bad judgment or an honest belief. Failing the forty-five-day and thirty-day duties is itself prima facie evidence that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit back with interest.
Where can I read District of Columbia's security-deposit law?
District of Columbia's rule is in D.C. Code § 42-3502.17; 14 DCMR §§ 308-311. The link on this page goes to the official text, so you can read the section yourself rather than take our word for it.
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