District of Columbia Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
D.C. Code §42-3502.17 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other amounts owed under the lease. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that results from the normal use of the premises by the tenant.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to treble (triple) the amount wrongfully withheld under D.C. Code §42-3502.17(c).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent
- Itemization required: Within 45 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $10,000
- Interest on deposit: Required by statute
Additional Protections
- Landlord must hold deposit in an interest-bearing account in a DC financial institution
- Landlord must provide receipt with institution name and account number
- Treble damages for bad faith withholding
What Your District of Columbia Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from District of Columbia's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
D.C. Code §42-3502.17 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to District of Columbia law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that results from the normal use of the premises by the tenant...
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District of Columbia Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in District of Columbia?
Under D.C. Code §42-3502.17, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my District of Columbia landlord legally take from my deposit?
In District of Columbia, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other amounts owed under the lease. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia: Deterioration that results from the normal use of the premises by the tenant. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my District of Columbia landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to treble (triple) the amount wrongfully withheld under D.C. Code §42-3502.17(c). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia small claims court handles cases up to $10,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in District of Columbia?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a District of Columbia-specific dispute letter citing D.C. Code §42-3502.17 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.