District of Columbia Statewide Rule

Washington, D.C. Caps Security Deposits at One Month's Rent

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

In Washington, D.C., a landlord may charge no more than one month's rent as a security deposit. Within 45 days after a tenancy ends, the landlord must either return the deposit plus interest or give written notice of intent to withhold. Bad-faith withholding exposes the landlord to treble (triple) damages.

Key Facts

Deposit cap: 1 month's rent (14 DCMR 308.2)
Return deadline: 45 days after tenancy ends (return or notice of intent to withhold)
Itemized statement: Within 30 days after notice of intent to withhold (14 DCMR 309)
Statute: 14 DCMR 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17
Penalty: Amount withheld, or treble (3x) damages for bad faith

Last verified: 2026-06-27

Full Breakdown

D.C. regulations (14 DCMR 308-311) cap the deposit at "an amount equivalent to the first full month's rent" (14 DCMR 308.2) and require it be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a D.C. financial institution (14 DCMR 308.3). Under 14 DCMR 309, within 45 days after the tenancy terminates the landlord must either tender the deposit plus any interest due or notify the tenant in writing of intent to withhold. If withholding, the landlord then has 30 more days to refund any balance with an itemized statement of repairs. Tenants who rented at least 12 months earn interest at the prevailing statement-savings rate (14 DCMR 311). Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are prohibited (D.C. Code § 42-3502.17).

Violations & Penalties

Under 14 DCMR 309, a landlord who fails to return the deposit or properly account for it is liable for the amount withheld, and in cases of bad-faith withholding is liable for treble (triple) damages. Tenants may file with the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings or sue in Superior Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington, D.C.?

No more than one full month's rent. Under 14 DCMR 308.2 the deposit may not exceed an amount equivalent to the first full month's rent charged to that tenant, and it must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington, D.C.?

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must either return the deposit plus any interest due or give written notice of intent to withhold. If withholding, the landlord then has 30 more days to refund the balance with an itemized statement (14 DCMR 309).

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Washington, D.C.?

A landlord may deduct unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, supported by an itemized statement. D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 bars withholding for ordinary wear and tear, and bad-faith withholding triggers treble damages.

Sources

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