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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
Short answer
At a glance: 45 days
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
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.
"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
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