District of Columbia Deposit return deadline
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
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
How this works in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia gives you 45 days after the tenancy ends to do one of two things: return the deposit with any interest due, or give written notice, in person or by certified mail, that you intend to withhold. If you give that notice, you then have 30 days after it to refund the balance with an itemized statement. Bad-faith withholding can bring treble damages.
Worked example for District of Columbia
Example: A tenant's tenancy ends on March 31, 2026, and the deposit is $1,200. By May 15, 2026 (day 45) you must either return the $1,200 plus any interest due, or give written notice in person or by certified mail of your intent to withhold. If you give that notice on May 10, 2026, the balance and an itemized statement are due within 30 days after it, by June 9, 2026. Bad-faith withholding can bring treble damages.
District of Columbia timelines and limits
| Return or written withhold notice | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends |
|---|---|
| If notice is given | Refund the balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after the notice |
| How to give the notice | In person or by certified mail |
| Interest | Return any interest due with the deposit |
| Bad-faith withholding | Treble damages |
District of Columbia FAQ
How long does a D.C. landlord have to return a deposit?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the owner must either return the deposit with any interest due, or give written notice of intent to withhold, under 14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.5.
What if I give notice that I intend to withhold?
You must refund the balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after that notice. The notice is given in person or by certified mail.
What is the penalty for bad-faith withholding in D.C.?
Bad-faith withholding can bring treble damages.
Sources for this section: 14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.5 (checked 2026-10-23)
Same topic in neighboring states
All District of Columbia landlord-tenant law · District of Columbia landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist
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