Washington, DC deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 45 days.

  Your landlord has 45 days after your tenancy ends to return your deposit with any interest, or tell you in writing that they plan to keep some of it.

  14 DCMR § 309.1

• Then 30 more days.

  If they told you they're keeping some, they have 30 days after that notice to refund the rest with an itemized statement of each cost.

  14 DCMR § 309.2

• Off limits.

  Ordinary wear and tear.

  D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c)(1)

• Bad faith triples it.

  Missing the rules is prima facie evidence you get it all back with interest. Bad faith can mean treble damages.

  14 DCMR §§ 309.3, 309.5

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.