Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: medium
District of Columbia landlord deadlines
Statewide rules for District of Columbia. Cities and counties can add their own rules. Statutes and agency pages: code.dccouncil.gov.
Within 45 days of move-out: return the deposit with interest, or send written notice of unpaid amounts (with photos); return any balance within 30 days after that notice Verified
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, either return the deposit (with interest for tenancies of 12 months or more) or give written notice, in person, by email or by certified mail, of unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear or removal costs, with photos or other documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute. The tenant then has 30 days to dispute; you must answer any dispute within 10 days and return the balance within 30 days after the notice.
Who it covers: Ask the tenant for a forwarding mail or email address at move-out. No deductions for ordinary wear and tear.
"Within 45 days after termination of the tenancy, the housing provider shall notify the tenant in writing, either personally, by email, or by certified mail at the tenant's forwarding address, of any alleged unpaid amounts due to the housing provider" code.dccouncil.gov
"Photographs or other documentation supporting the housing provider's claim for alleged unpaid amounts; and" code.dccouncil.gov
"Within 45 days after you vacate the unit, the landlord must either return your security deposit with interest (for tenancies of 12+ months) or provide you with written notice of any unpaid amounts due to the landlord. Within 30 days following the initial notice," ota.dc.gov
"the landlord must return the balance of the security deposit." ota.dc.gov
"The housing provider shall provide a written response, which may be mail, electronic mail, or in person, to the tenant with respect to any information provided under this subsection within 10 days after receipt of the information from the tenant." code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c), (e) (as amended through D.C. Law 26-156, Aug. 14, 2026); 14 DCMR §§ 308-311 (regulation text not snapshotted: dcregs.dc.gov serves a search page, not the rule text).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Deposit capped at the first month's rent; disclose amount, interest rate and return method to applicants Verified
Deadline: Ongoing requirement with no fixed date
A security deposit may not exceed the initial monthly rent and must sit in an interest-bearing account. When someone applies, disclose the deposit amount, its interest rate and how it will be returned, along with the other required application disclosures.
"The amount of the security deposit may not exceed the initial monthly rent amount, and must be held in an interest-bearing account." ota.dc.gov
"(f) the amount, interest rate, and means of return for any security deposit;" ota.dc.gov
Notes: OTA Tenant Bill of Rights § 1, § 4 (14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.22).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Deposit interest for tenancies of 12+ months, paid with the deposit at move-out Verified
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
Hold deposits in an interest-bearing account. For tenancies of 12 months or more, return the accrued interest with the deposit within 45 days after move-out.
Who it covers: Interest rate is set by the escrow bank's savings rate under 14 DCMR § 311 (not snapshotted); the rate must be disclosed to applicants.
"must be held in an interest-bearing account." ota.dc.gov
"the landlord must either return your security deposit with interest (for tenancies of 12+ months)" ota.dc.gov
Notes: OTA Tenant Bill of Rights (Form OTA 2026.09.25), citing 14 DCMR §§ 308-311 and D.C. Code § 42-3502.17. The rate rule in 14 DCMR § 311 was not snapshotted.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
Basic Business License for rental housing: 2- or 4-year term; renew from 90 days before expiry Verified
Deadline: Every 2 years from the license issue (every 4 years if a 4-year license was chosen); apply within the 90 days before it expires
Get a Basic Business License from DLCP before renting. Licenses run 2 or 4 years (to the last day of the month); renewal opens 90 days before expiry. One-family: $159 (2 years) or $318 (4 years); two-family: $219 or $438. Late penalties start the day after expiry ($75 at 1-30 days, another $75 at 31 days-6 months, another $200 after 6 months).
Who it covers: Required for one-family rentals (houses, townhouses, condo units, rooms), two-family rentals (e.g. English basement with owner or tenant upstairs) and apartment buildings (3+ units). Apartments and two-family rentals also need a Certificate of Occupancy. Register with DHCD after DLCP issues or accepts the license.
"A Certificate of Occupancy is required for Apartments and Two Family Rentals." dlcp.dc.gov
"Licenses will now be valid from the date of issuance until the last day of the same month two or four years later, based on the license term selected by the customer at the time of application" dlcp.dc.gov
"A business license is eligbile for renewal ninety days piror to a license's expiration." dlcp.dc.gov
"Lapsed = 1 day - 30 days post expiration; $75.00 penalty assessed" dlcp.dc.gov
Notes: DLCP Housing Business page and Business Licensing FAQs (D.C. Code §§ 47-2851.02, 47-2851.03, 42-3504.02). Apartment fees are on a separate DLCP schedule (not captured). The FAQ's typos ('eligbile', 'piror') are quoted as published.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Register each rental (or file a claim of exemption) with DHCD's Rental Accommodations Division within 30 days Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after acquiring the property or offering the unit for rent; update within 30 days after any change
Every housing provider must register the rental (or file a claim of exemption) with the Rental Accommodations Division within 30 days of acquiring it or offering it for rent, and file updates within 30 days of changes. A provider who is not licensed and registered cannot lawfully serve a notice to vacate or file for eviction.
Who it covers: All housing providers, including single-family homes and condo units offered for rent. Filed through the DC RentRegistry portal. Attach the basic business license, certificate of occupancy (2+ units) and recorded deed. Update within 30 days of any change.
"All housing providers must register their housing accommodations or rental units with the Rental Accommodations Division. A registration or claim for exemption must be filed within thirty (30) days of acquiring ownership of or offering the housing accommodation or rental unit for rent." dhcd.dc.gov
"shall file a registration statement and, if applicable, claim of exemption, within 30 days after becoming a housing provider." code.dccouncil.gov
"Before a housing provider may legally issue a notice to vacate and file a complaint for possession to evict a tenant, the property must be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection and registered with the Rental Accommodations Division." dhcd.dc.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3502.05(f); RAD Form 1 instructions (required since January 31, 2023).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Small-landlord exemption from rent stabilization: natural persons owning 4 or fewer DC rental units must file a claim of exemption (not automatic) Verified
Deadline: Ongoing requirement with no fixed date
A housing accommodation of 4 or fewer units owned by no more than 4 natural persons, who together have no interest in other DC rental units beyond that aggregate of 4, can be exempt from rent stabilization only if the provider files a claim of exemption signed by every owner. Report any change that would end the exemption within 30 days. A unit not properly registered as exempt is treated as rent controlled.
Who it covers: Exemption is only from rent stabilization (rent control). Owners must be natural persons (not an LLC, corporation or trust; a decedent's estate or testamentary trust may keep an existing exemption). Count every DC rental or cooperative unit any owner holds directly or indirectly. Registration, licensing and all other tenant protections still apply.
"any rental unit in any housing accommodation of 4 or fewer rental units, including any aggregate of 4 rental units whether within the same structure or not, provided:" code.dccouncil.gov
"The housing accommodation is owned by not more than 4 natural persons;" code.dccouncil.gov
"The housing provider of the housing accommodation files with the Rent Administrator a claim of exemption statement which consists of an oath or affirmation by the housing provider of the valid claim to the exemption." code.dccouncil.gov
"Any change in the ownership of the exempted housing accommodation or change in the housing provider’s interest in any other housing accommodation which would invalidate the exemption claim must be reported in writing to the Rent Administrator within 30 days of the change;" code.dccouncil.gov
"Check if the property owner(s) is/are natural persons (not a business entity or trust) and if the owner(s) owns/own four (4) or fewer rental units or cooperative units in the District of Columbia." dhcd.dc.gov
"If a unit is not properly registered as exempt then the unit is subject to rent control." ota.dc.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3502.05(a)(3), (a-1); RAD Form 1 instructions. The statute also says none of the providers may have an interest in 'any other rental unit' in DC; RAD reads the test as four or fewer units in total. The code notes a temporary Rental Housing Registration Data Integrity Temporary Amendment Act of 2026 (D.C. Law 26-136) whose text was not reviewed. Other exemptions (new construction after 1975, long-vacant units, some subsidized housing) exist.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
Pass a DOB inspection to get or renew a one- or two-family rental license Verified
Deadline: Every 2 years from the license issue (every 4 years if a 4-year license was chosen)
Before each new or renewed one- or two-family rental license, request and pass a Department of Buildings inspection. If it has not passed by renewal the license is not renewed, and without an inspection within 90 days the license is cancelled.
Who it covers: One-family and two-family rental Basic Business Licenses. Inspection is free; $90 re-inspection fee after a failure or a late reschedule (under 2 business days' notice).
"In order to obtain or renew a Basic Business License as a rental property provider, landlords must obtain and pass an inspection." dlcp.dc.gov
"If renewing a Basic Business License and you do not obtain a passed inspection prior to the time of renewal, your Basic Business License will not be renewed. Failure to obtain an inspection within 90 days, you license will be cancelled." dlcp.dc.gov
"One/Two Family Basic Business License Inspection Requirement" dlcp.dc.gov
Notes: DLCP Basic Business License Inspection Requirement page (DOB schedules within 10 business days of the online request).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Give the DOEE lead-rights notice at every lease signing, renewal and rent increase notice Verified
Deadline: Whenever a tenant signs or renews a lease, and with every rent increase notice
Give tenants the Mayor's form explaining their rights under the DC lead law whenever they sign or renew a lease and whenever you give notice of a rent increase. If you learn of lead-based paint in a unit, tell the tenant within 10 days.
"The owner of a dwelling unit shall provide notice to its tenants of their rights under this subchapter on a form provided by the Mayor whenever the tenant executes or renews a lease for the unit and whenever the owner provides notice of a rent increase." code.dccouncil.gov
"Notify the tenant of the presence of lead-based paint within 10 days after discovering its presence; and" code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 8-231.04(e), (f).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Pre-1978 units: DC lead disclosure form before the lease; a clearance report from the last 12 months if a child under 6 or pregnant person lives in or regularly visits Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Before a tenant is bound by a lease on a pre-1978 unit, give the DOEE lead disclosure form with what you reasonably know about lead-based paint, hazards and pending orders. If a child under 6 or a pregnant woman will live in or regularly visit the unit, also give a clearance report issued within the previous 12 months.
Who it covers: A 'person at risk' is a child under 6 or a pregnant woman. Instead of the form and clearance, an owner may provide a lead-free certification or three clearance reports at least 12 months apart within 7 years (no recent housing code violations). Also disclose lead water service line information (all units). Adds to the federal lead disclosure rule.
"The disclosures shall be provided before the purchaser or tenant is obligated under any contract to purchase or lease the dwelling unit." code.dccouncil.gov
"The owner of a dwelling unit constructed before 1978, which unit will be occupied or regularly visited by a person at risk, shall provide to the tenant an accurately and fully completed lead disclosure form and a clearance report issued within the previous 12 months." code.dccouncil.gov
"The landlord must also provide a current lead-safe “clearance report” to (a) a prospective tenant household that includes a child less than 6 years of age or a pregnant woman;" ota.dc.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 8-231.04(a), (b), (d); OTA Tenant Bill of Rights § 2.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Provide a clearance report within 30 days after a tenant reports a child under 6 or pregnant person (pre-1978) Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after the tenant notifies you in writing that a person at risk lives in or regularly visits the unit
If a tenant in a pre-1978 unit tells you in writing that a child under 6 or a pregnant woman lives there or visits regularly, give the tenant a clearance report issued within the previous 12 months, within 30 days.
"notifies the owner of the property in writing that a person at risk resides in or regularly visits the dwelling unit, the owner of the dwelling unit shall provide to the tenant within 30 days a clearance report issued within the previous 12 months." code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 8-231.04(c).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Disclosures to applicants, including a copy of the DC Tenant Bill of Rights Verified
Deadline: When a prospective tenant applies (and at the start of the tenancy, copies of the landlord-tenant housing regulations)
When someone applies to lease, disclose the rent, rent-control status, how often rent may rise, recent or open housing code violations, the application fee, deposit terms, pending conversions, ownership and business license information, mold history, a voter registration packet and a copy of the Tenant Bill of Rights.
Who it covers: Rent-controlled units need extra disclosures (surcharges, pending petitions, Rent Administrator pamphlet). On request, once a year, give the tenant the disclosures and 3 years of rent-increase history.
"When you apply to lease a rental unit, the landlord must disclose:" ota.dc.gov
"(j) a D.C. Board of Elections voter registration packet; and (k) a copy of this D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights document." ota.dc.gov
"At the start of your tenancy, the landlord must also provide you with copies of certain District housing regulations, including those for landlord and tenant relations." ota.dc.gov
Notes: OTA Tenant Bill of Rights § 1 (D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.22, 42-3502.13(d); 14 DCMR §§ 101, 106, 300-399).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Rent increase takes effect only on a rent day more than 60 days after written notice (all units) Verified
Deadline: At least 61 days before the rent increase takes effect
Give written notice of any rent increase so that it takes effect no earlier than the first regular rent day more than 60 calendar days after the notice. The calendar uses 61 days so the notice lands more than 60 days ahead.
Who it covers: Applies whether or not the unit is rent controlled.
"No rent increases, ... shall be effective until the first day on which rent is normally paid occurring more than 60 calendar days after the notice of the increase is given to the tenant;" code.dccouncil.gov
"Any tenant is entitled to a minimum of 60 days’ written notice of any rent increase, regardless of the unit’s rent control status." ota.dc.gov
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Rent-controlled units: file the rent increase notice with the Rent Administrator within 30 days after it takes effect; one increase per 12 months Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after the rent increase takes effect
For a rent-controlled unit, file a copy of the rent increase notice with the Rent Administrator within 30 days after the increase takes effect. Rent may rise only once every 12 months, by no more than the lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% for most tenants.
Who it covers: Rent-stabilized (rent-controlled) units only. Standard cap: the lesser of CPI + 2% or 10% (lower cap for registered elderly or disabled tenants). Owner and manager must be licensed and registered and the unit must substantially comply with the housing code.
"A copy of the rent increase notice given to the tenant for a rent increase under § 42-3502.08(h)(2), within 30 days after the effective date of the increase;" code.dccouncil.gov
"For all other tenants in rent-controlled units, the cap is the lesser of the CPI + 2%, or 10%." ota.dc.gov
"the rent has not been increased within the last 12 months." ota.dc.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3502.05(g)(1)(A), § 42-3502.08; OTA Tenant Bill of Rights § 6. This year's CPI figure was not captured.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
No eviction just because a lease ends: 30 days to cure lease violations; 90/120/180-day notices to vacate for owner move-in, renovation and demolition Verified
Deadline: Before recovering possession: 30 days to correct a lease violation; 90-day notice for owner move-in; 120 days for substantial rehabilitation; 180 days for demolition
A tenant who pays rent cannot be evicted because the lease expired. For a lease violation other than rent, give notice and 30 days to correct it. For owner personal use, serve a 90-day notice to vacate; for substantial rehabilitation, 120 days; for demolition, 180 days.
Who it covers: Notices for reasons other than nonpayment must also be served on the Rent Administrator. Relocation assistance applies for renovation, demolition and discontinued housing use.
"no tenant shall be evicted from a rental unit, notwithstanding the expiration of the tenant's lease or rental agreement, so long as the tenant continues to pay the rent to which the housing provider is entitled for the rental unit;" code.dccouncil.gov
"A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit when the tenant is violating an obligation of the tenancy, other than nonpayment of rent, and fails to correct the violation within 30 days after receiving notice from the housing provider." code.dccouncil.gov
"The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 90-day notice to vacate in advance of action to recover possession of the rental unit in instances arising under this subsection." code.dccouncil.gov
"The housing provider shall serve on the tenant a 120-day notice to vacate in advance of his or her action to recover possession of the rental unit." code.dccouncil.gov
"Notices for all reasons other than for nonpayment of rent shall be served upon both the tenant and the Rent Administrator." code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a), (b), (d), (h); demolition 180-day notice in (g). Other grounds and notice periods exist (sale, conversion, illegal acts).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Nonpayment: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing; no case for less than $600 Verified
Deadline: At least 10 days before filing a nonpayment eviction case (only if at least $600 is owed)
Before filing for possession for unpaid rent, give the tenant a notice of intent to file at least 10 days ahead, listing the amount owed with a ledger, only if at least $600 is unpaid. Deliver it by certified mail or tracked delivery and by hand delivery or posting on the door.
Who it covers: Send by certified mail (or tracked delivery, return receipt) and by hand delivery or posting on the door; attach a ledger; use the statutory wording. Late fees cannot be the basis for eviction. The unit must be licensed and registered first.
"A housing provider shall provide the tenant with notice of the housing provider's intent to file a claim against a tenant to recover possession of a rental unit for the non-payment of rent at least 10 days before filing the claim;" code.dccouncil.gov
"the housing provider shall not issue such notice if the amount of rent that the tenant has failed to pay is less than $600." code.dccouncil.gov
"By certified mail or delivery service providing delivery tracking confirmation, return receipt requested; and" code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1), current version (after the RENTAL Act, D.C. Law 26-80, Dec. 31, 2025). The earlier permanent codification said 30 days, and the statutory notice wording still tells the tenant they have 30 days to pay; get legal advice on timing. Quoted from code.dccouncil.gov's current version.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
48 hours' written notice before non-emergency entry Verified
Deadline: At least 48 hours before each non-emergency entry
Except in an emergency, enter only for a reasonable purpose, at a reasonable time, after written notice at least 48 hours ahead (or a shorter time the tenant agrees to in writing).
Who it covers: Email or text counts as written notice, but if the tenant does not acknowledge it, give a paper notice. A shorter period is allowed only if the tenant agrees in writing.
""Reasonable notice" means written notice provided to the tenant at least 48 hours before the time the housing provider wishes to enter the unit or a shorter period of time as agreed to by the tenant in writing." code.dccouncil.gov
"a housing provider may enter a rental unit during a tenancy only for a reasonable purpose, at a reasonable time, and after having provided the tenant with reasonable notice." code.dccouncil.gov
Notes: D.C. Code § 42-3505.51.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction