Washington, DC Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Washington, D.C. is one of the few U.S. jurisdictions with long-standing rent control, and a landlord must give 30 days’ written notice of past-due rent before filing an eviction case (D.C. Code § 42-3505.01). Deposits are limited to one month’s rent and earn interest.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Washington, DC?
A D.C. landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with interest, or to notify the tenant in writing of the intent to withhold any of it.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent |
| Return Deadline | 45 days |
| Interest Required | Yes, at the passbook savings rate |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | 14 DCMR §§ 308, 309 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Washington, DC?
Rent-controlled D.C. units can only rise by the annual adjustment set by the Rental Housing Commission; late fees are capped at 5% and cannot be charged until rent is 5 days late.
| Grace Period | 5 days |
| Late Fee Limit | 5% of monthly rent |
| Rent Control Status | Yes (Rental Housing Act of 1985) |
| Statute Reference | D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Washington, DC
A D.C. landlord must give 30 days’ written notice of past-due rent before filing, and can only evict for a cause listed in the Rental Housing Act.
| Non-Payment Notice | 30 days’ notice of past-due rent before filing |
| Lease Violation Notice | 30 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | Just cause required |
| Statute Reference | D.C. Code § 42-3505.01 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Washington, DC?
No. D.C. requires 48 hours’ notice before a landlord enters, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 48 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Statute Reference | D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 |
What Must a Washington, DC Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure and lead clearance documentation (pre-1978 housing)
- D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights (D.C. Code § 42-3531.07)
- Rent control status and certificate of registration
- History of mold in the unit (D.C. Code § 8-241.05)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Washington, DC?
D.C. landlords must meet the Housing Code, and tenants can petition for a rent reduction when services or conditions decline.
What Washington, DC landlords must maintain
- • Maintain the unit to D.C. Housing Code standards (14 DCMR)
- • Remediate mold and maintain heat, water and ventilation
What a Washington, DC tenant can do
- • Tenant petition to the Rental Accommodations Division for a rent reduction
- • Report violations to the Department of Buildings
| Statute Reference | 14 DCMR; D.C. Code § 8-241 |