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Last verified: · Confidence: medium
Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in District of Columbia, and when is it due?
Short answer
Deposit interest for tenancies of 12+ months, paid with the deposit at move-out
Payment timing: 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.
"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
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