Washington D.C. Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Washington D.C. landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (D.C. Code 42-3502). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Washington D.C. at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. Return deadline: 45 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: D.C. Code 42-3502.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Return deadline
- 45 days
- Interest required
- Yes
The rule: Max one month's rent, charged only once. The deposit is held in an interest-bearing escrow account, and interest is owed when a tenancy of 12 months or more ends. Within 45 days after move-out the landlord must refund the deposit with interest or give written notice of intent to withhold; the itemized statement of repair costs and any balance are then due within 30 more days. Since August 14, 2026 (D.C. Law 26-156) a notice of any unpaid amounts, with photos or other documentation, is also due within 45 days (14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · 14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 30 days notice
- Lease violation
- 30 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 5 days
- Maximum late fee
- 5% of rent
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- Yes (rent stabilization for buildings built before 1975)
- Landlord entry notice
- 48 hours
When to use Washington D.C. document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Washington D.C. landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Washington D.C. documents.
Common mistakes in Washington D.C.
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (45 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Washington D.C. documents
Frequently asked questions
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In Washington D.C. the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The return deadline is 45 days. Max one month's rent, charged only once. The deposit is held in an interest-bearing escrow account, and interest is owed when a tenancy of 12 months or more ends. Within 45 days after move-out the landlord must refund the deposit with interest or give written notice of intent to withhold; the itemized statement of repair costs and any balance are then due within 30 more days. Since August 14, 2026 (D.C. Law 26-156) a notice of any unpaid amounts, with photos or other documentation, is also due within 45 days (14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17).
Confirm current rules in D.C. Code 42-3502.
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Washington D.C. month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Washington D.C. lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Washington D.C. sources before relying on this information.
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