Know your rights as a renter in District of Columbia. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under District of Columbia law.
Legal basis: District of Columbia landlord-tenant law — D.C. Code
45 daysif the landlord sends written notice within 45 days that it will keep part, the balance is due 30 days after that notice
Interest on deposits required
Separate escrow account not required
Deposit & Fee Details
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under District of Columbia law
Security deposit protections
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Not meeting the 45-day and 30-day steps is prima facie evidence that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit with interest (14 DCMR § 309.3). The landlord is liable for the amount withheld, and for treble (triple) damages only if the refusal was in bad faith — a frivolous or unfounded refusal motivated by a fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, dishonest or unreasonably self-serving purpose, not simple negligence, bad judgment or an honest belief (14 DCMR § 309.5). The Rent Administrator, Rental Housing Commission or a court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party (D.C. Code § 42-3509.02).
Interest on your deposit is required
Interest at not less than the bank's statement savings rate (reset each January 1 and July 1), paid when a tenancy of 12 months or more ends (14 DCMR § 311).
Late-fee rules
Grace period
No late fee until rent is 5 days late
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Governing statute: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31
Landlord Entry Rights
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
48 hours
written, unless you agree in writing to less (D.C. Code § 42-3505.51)
In District of Columbia, this notice is not a fixed minimum: a shorter period you agree to in writing is reasonable notice.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
More District of Columbia Tenant Protections
How much notice is required to raise rent in District of Columbia?
60 days notice; rent stabilization
•No increase takes effect until the first rent due date more than 60 days after written notice (D.C. Code § 42-3509.04(b))
•Rent-stabilized units: one increase a year, capped at the yearly inflation adjustment plus 2% and never more than 10% (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(h))
•Elderly tenants and tenants with a disability: the least of the inflation adjustment, the Social Security raise, or 5% (D.C. Code § 42-3502.24)
•Newer buildings and small owners who file an exemption are not rent-stabilized (D.C. Code § 42-3502.05)
How long does a landlord have to make repairs in District of Columbia?
No general deadline in DC Code; mold: 7 + 30 days
•DC law recognizes an implied warranty of habitability tied to the DC housing regulations; landlords can't charge you fees for meeting it (D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b-2))
•Mold: after written or electronic notice, landlord must inspect within 7 days and fix within 30 days of inspection (D.C. Code § 8-241.04)
•Rent on a rent-stabilized unit can't be raised while it isn't in substantial compliance with housing rules (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08)
•Serious code violations left unfixed can lead to a court-appointed receiver (D.C. Code § 42-3651.02)
Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant in District of Columbia?
6 months protected
•Strong protections
•6 month protection period
•Cannot evict for complaints
Legal basis: DC Code § 42-3505.02
Can a domestic violence survivor break a lease in District of Columbia?
Release 14 days after notice
•A victim of an intrafamily offense (a crime by a partner, family or household member) may ask to be released within 90 days of the incident
•Give written notice with a civil protection order or a statement from a police officer, health professional or domestic violence counselor
•The release takes effect 14 days later (or sooner if the unit is re-rented); you owe prorated rent only to that date
•The landlord must change the locks within 5 business days on request (DC Code § 42-3505.08)
Legal basis: DC Code § 42-3505.07
Can a landlord lock you out or shut off utilities in District of Columbia?
Self-help illegal
•Self-help evictions illegal: a landlord cannot recover possession by changing locks, cutting utilities or removing belongings
•Court process required (D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq.), after the written notice D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a)(1) requires
•The D.C. Court of Appeals has held that a landlord must use the process provided by law and that a tenant unlawfully evicted can recover damages (Hinton v. Sealander Brokerage Co., 2007)
•A court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party in an action under the Rental Housing Act (D.C. Code § 42-3509.02); no statute was found that expressly awards fees for a lockout
Legal basis: D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq.
Did You Know?
Important facts about District of Columbia rental law
1
Most renters misunderstand at least one important part of their lease.
2
Security deposit laws vary significantly by state—knowing yours can save you money.
3
Taking photos at move-in and move-out can help protect your security deposit.
4
Many states require landlords to make repairs within a 'reasonable time' after notice.
What is the security deposit limit in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia landlords must return security deposits within 45 days after you move out (if the landlord sends written notice within 45 days that it will keep part, the balance is due 30 days after that notice).
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, landlords must give 48 hours' notice before entering your rental unit (written, unless you agree in writing to less (D.C. Code § 42-3505.51)).
How much can a landlord charge for a late fee in District of Columbia?
Late fees in District of Columbia: 5% of the rent due. State law provides a 5-day grace period before a late fee can apply.
How much notice is required to raise rent in District of Columbia?
60 days notice; rent stabilization. No increase takes effect until the first rent due date more than 60 days after written notice (D.C. Code § 42-3509.04(b)). Rent-stabilized units: one increase a year, capped at the yearly inflation adjustment plus 2% and never more than 10% (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08(h)). Elderly tenants and tenants with a disability: the least of the inflation adjustment, the Social Security raise, or 5% (D.C. Code § 42-3502.24). Newer buildings and small owners who file an exemption are not rent-stabilized (D.C. Code § 42-3502.05). Source: D.C. Code § 42-3509.04(b); D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08(h), 42-3502.24.
How long does a landlord have to make repairs in District of Columbia?
No general deadline in DC Code; mold: 7 + 30 days. DC law recognizes an implied warranty of habitability tied to the DC housing regulations; landlords can't charge you fees for meeting it (D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b-2)). Mold: after written or electronic notice, landlord must inspect within 7 days and fix within 30 days of inspection (D.C. Code § 8-241.04). Rent on a rent-stabilized unit can't be raised while it isn't in substantial compliance with housing rules (D.C. Code § 42-3502.08). Serious code violations left unfixed can lead to a court-appointed receiver (D.C. Code § 42-3651.02). Source: D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.10, 8-241.04, 42-3502.08, 42-3651.02.
Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant in District of Columbia?
6 months protected. Strong protections. 6 month protection period. Cannot evict for complaints. Source: DC Code § 42-3505.02.
Can a domestic violence survivor break a lease in District of Columbia?
Release 14 days after notice. A victim of an intrafamily offense (a crime by a partner, family or household member) may ask to be released within 90 days of the incident. Give written notice with a civil protection order or a statement from a police officer, health professional or domestic violence counselor. The release takes effect 14 days later (or sooner if the unit is re-rented); you owe prorated rent only to that date. The landlord must change the locks within 5 business days on request (DC Code § 42-3505.08). Source: DC Code § 42-3505.07.
Can a landlord lock you out or shut off utilities in District of Columbia?
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal: a landlord cannot recover possession by changing locks, cutting utilities or removing belongings. Court process required (D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq.), after the written notice D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a)(1) requires. The D.C. Court of Appeals has held that a landlord must use the process provided by law and that a tenant unlawfully evicted can recover damages (Hinton v. Sealander Brokerage Co., 2007). A court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party in an action under the Rental Housing Act (D.C. Code § 42-3509.02); no statute was found that expressly awards fees for a lockout. Source: D.C. Code § 16-1501 et seq..
What are my rights as a tenant in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against District of Columbia law.
More for District of Columbia renters
Common tenant-rights questions
Plain-language answers that apply in District of Columbia and beyond