District of Columbia security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 1 month of rent
Return deadline: 45 days
Interest: Required in some cases

Capped at the first full month's rent and held in an interest-bearing escrow account in a DC financial institution; interest is owed to the tenant. The deadline is forty-five (45) days after the tenancy ends; bad-faith withholding means treble damages. Federally subsidized or government-leased units are excluded.

Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308.2, 308.3, 309.1, 309.2 (via D.C. Code § 42-3502.17) · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$2,500

Up to 1 month of rent under 14 DCMR §§ 308.2, 308.3, 309.1, 309.2 (via D.C. Code § 42-3502.17).

Return deadline

45 days

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord refunds the deposit with interest or gives written notice of intent to withhold. The balance and an itemized statement follow within 30 days of that notice.

Interest required

Yes

In some situations — see the note

District of Columbia: Capped at the first full month's rent and held in an interest-bearing escrow account in a DC financial institution; interest is owed to the tenant. The deadline is forty-five (45) days after the tenancy ends; bad-faith withholding means treble damages. Federally subsidized or government-leased units are excluded.

Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308.2, 308.3, 309.1, 309.2 (via D.C. Code § 42-3502.17) · read on 2026-11-09

District of Columbia: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?

Up to 1 month of rent under 14 DCMR §§ 308.2, 308.3, 309.1, 309.2 (via D.C. Code § 42-3502.17). Capped at the first full month's rent and held in an interest-bearing escrow account in a DC financial institution; interest is owed to the tenant. The deadline is forty-five (45) days after the tenancy ends; bad-faith withholding means treble damages. Federally subsidized or government-leased units are excluded.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?

45 days. Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord refunds the deposit with interest or gives written notice of intent to withhold. The balance and an itemized statement follow within 30 days of that notice.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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