Security deposit rules in District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, the deposit is at most 1 month of rent, charged once. In the District of Columbia, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the deposit with interest or send written notice of what will be kept.
Checked against the District of Columbia law on Oct 28, 2026.
What the District of Columbia law says
What is the most a landlord can charge for a security deposit in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, the deposit is at most 1 month of rent, charged once.
Source: D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 § 308.2, read Oct 28, 2026.
How long does a landlord in the District of Columbia have to return a security deposit?
In the District of Columbia, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the deposit with interest or send written notice of what will be kept.
Source: D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 § 309.1, read Oct 28, 2026.
Check your city's rules too: a city or county can set stricter limits. This is general information, not legal advice.