District of Columbia Security deposit limit

Related District of Columbia rules

Deposit return deadline

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the owner must either return the deposit with interest due, or give written notice (in person or by certified mail) of intent to withhold. If notice is given, the owner must refund the balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after it. Bad-faith withholding can bring treble damages.

Verified Source: 14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.5 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full District of Columbia deposit return deadline page

Interest on deposits

Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at an insured DC financial institution. Interest accrues to the tenant at no less than the statement savings rate (reset Jan. 1 and July 1) and is payable at the end of any tenancy of 12 months or more. The landlord must post yearly where deposits are held and the rates paid.

Verified Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308.3, 308.7, 311.1-311.2 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full District of Columbia interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

DC's security-deposit regulations (14 DCMR 308-311) require no move-in inspection. They allow an optional move-out inspection within 3 business days before or after the tenancy ends, with at least 10 days' written notice to the tenant of its date and time.

Verified Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308-311 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full District of Columbia move-in/move-out checklist page