District of Columbia Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
The District of Columbia has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in the nation with comprehensive rent control, strict security deposit regulations, and extensive habitability standards. DC provides robust protections for tenants.
Security Deposit
Limit: 1 month's rent for security deposits.
Return Period: 30 days after termination of tenancy. Must provide itemized statement of damages. Deposit must be held in interest-bearing escrow account and interest paid to tenant annually.
Rent Increases
30 days notice required for month-to-month tenancies. Rent control applies to most buildings built before 1975. Increases limited to CPI.
Entry Notice
48 hours notice required for entry, except in emergencies.
Key Statutes
- DC Code §42-3202.01 - Security Deposits
- DC Code §42-3501.01 - Rent Control
- DC Code §42-3505.51 - Landlord Obligations
- DC Code §16-1501 - Eviction Process
Common Issues
- Not holding deposits in interest-bearing accounts
- Not paying annual interest to tenants
- Violating rent control regulations
- Not providing 48-hour notice for entry
- Improper eviction procedures