---
title: "DC Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC"
description: "DC landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 1 month of rent, deposit returned within 45 days, 30-day notice for unpaid rent. Official sources linked."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/district-of-columbia-landlord-rules"
---

Free tool · District of Columbia · Landlords and tenants

# District of Columbia landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps

The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for District of Columbia, each from the state's own pages or courts.

**Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in the District of Columbia: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends: the deposit with interest, or a written notice of unpaid amounts, delivered personally, by email or by certified mail, with supporting photos or other documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute (42-3502.17(e)(2)). Deposit limit: No more than the initial monthly rent (Tenant Bill of Rights, citing 14 DCMR 308-311).

**Sources checked:** November 2026

**Quick answer.** District of Columbia: deposit capped at 1 month of rent; deposit returned within 45 days; 30-day notice for unpaid rent; 48-hour entry notice; $15 eviction filing fee; $10,000 small claims limit. 20 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 3 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check.

## Key numbers

Deposit limit

1 month's rent

Deposit back within

45 days

Month-to-month notice (landlord)

See the rule

Unpaid rent notice

30 days

Entry notice

48 hours

Filing fee

$15

Time to answer or appear

At the hearing

Judgment to writ

48 hours

Small claims limit

$10,000

## Security deposit (5 of 6 confirmed)

Law read: D.C. Code 42-3502.17 and 14 DCMR 308-311.

Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving).

- ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than the initial monthly rent (Tenant Bill of Rights, citing 14 DCMR 308-311). Sources: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17); [D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate: Tenant Bill of Rights (form OTA 2026.09.25)](https://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026.09.25_TBR_Revision_Final[1].pdf), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedReturn deadline Within 45 days after the tenancy ends: the deposit with interest, or a written notice of unpaid amounts, delivered personally, by email or by certified mail, with supporting photos or other documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute (42-3502.17(e)(2)). Source: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions A written notice of the unpaid amounts claimed, with photos or other documentation and the tenant's right to dispute within 30 calendar days; the landlord answers a dispute in writing within 10 days (42-3502.17(e)). Source: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit Returned with interest for tenancies of 12 months or more (Tenant Bill of Rights). Check 14 DCMR 309 for the rate. Sources: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17); [D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate: Tenant Bill of Rights (form OTA 2026.09.25)](https://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026.09.25_TBR_Revision_Final[1].pdf), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held In an interest-bearing account (Tenant Bill of Rights). Sources: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17); [D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate: Tenant Bill of Rights (form OTA 2026.09.25)](https://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026.09.25_TBR_Revision_Final[1].pdf), checked November 2026
- ### Not confirmedPenalty the law states Not confirmed — check [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17). Not confirmed from official text. Check 14 DCMR 308-311 and the Office of the Tenant Advocate.

More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-DC) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=DC)

## Notice periods (5 of 6 confirmed)

What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too.

| Notice | Rule | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ending month-to-month (landlord) | A tenant can't be evicted because a lease expired; only for a reason listed in the law, after a written notice to vacate. Notice periods depend on the reason (30 to 180 days). | Sources: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3505.01 (Evictions)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.01); [DC Office of the Tenant Advocate: Tenant Bill of Rights (revised September 25, 2026)](https://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026.09.25_TBR_Revision_Final[1].pdf), checked November 2026 (D.C. Code 42-3505.01) |
| Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Not confirmed — check [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3505.01 (Evictions)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.01). Not in the sources read. Check the lease and D.C. Code Title 42, Chapter 35. | |
| Rent increase notice | At least 60 days' written notice of any rent increase. | Source: [DC Office of the Tenant Advocate: Tenant Bill of Rights (revised September 25, 2026)](https://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026.09.25_TBR_Revision_Final[1].pdf), checked November 2026 (D.C. Code 42-3509.04(b) and related sections) |
| Unpaid rent notice | Notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing, with a ledger; no filing for less than $600. The required notice says a case may be filed if the balance isn't paid within 30 days. Sent by tracked or certified mail and by hand delivery or posting. | Source: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3505.01 (Evictions)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.01), checked November 2026 (D.C. Code 42-3505.01(a-1)) |
| Entry notice | Reasonable notice: 48 hours unless the lease says otherwise or the tenant agrees. | Source: [DC Office of the Tenant Advocate: Tenant Bill of Rights (revised September 25, 2026)](https://ota.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026.09.25_TBR_Revision_Final[1].pdf), checked November 2026 (12G DCMR 305.1; D.C. Code 42-3505.51) |
| Late fee limits | No more than 5% of the rent due, only if rent isn't paid within 5 days (or a longer lease grace period); the lease must state the maximum; one fee per late payment; no eviction for unpaid late fees. | Source: [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3505.31 (Late fees)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.31), checked November 2026 (D.C. Code 42-3505.31) |

More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-DC) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=DC)

## Eviction case, in order (9 of 10 confirmed)

- **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: Notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing, with a ledger; no filing for less than $600. The required notice says a case may be filed if the balance isn't paid within 30 days. Sent by tracked or certified mail and by hand delivery or posting.
- **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt The Landlord and Tenant Branch of the Superior Court's Civil Division.Civil Division, Landlord and Tenant Branch of the Superior Court Source: [D.C. Superior Court: Case Management Plan, Landlord and Tenant Branch (rev. Feb. 2021)](https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/Case-Management-Plan-Landlord-and-Tenant-Branch.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedFiling fee $15 to file a complaint in the Landlord and Tenant Branch; the writ of restitution costs $213 more ($10 court fee, $195 U.S. Marshal fee and $8 administrative fee).Filing a Complaint | $15 Source: [D.C. Courts: Filing Fees](https://www.dccourts.gov/node/12073), checked November 2026

- **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear No written answer is needed unless the tenant wants a jury trial (or raises a plea of title or counterclaim); the tenant comes to the initial hearing.Defendants are not required to file a written answer unless they are requesting a trial by jury Source: [D.C. Superior Court: Case Management Plan, Landlord and Tenant Branch (rev. Feb. 2021)](https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/Case-Management-Plan-Landlord-and-Tenant-Branch.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing Initial hearings are scheduled at least 28 calendar days after filing.Initial hearings are scheduled at least 28 calendar days from the file date. Source: [D.C. Superior Court: Case Management Plan, Landlord and Tenant Branch (rev. Feb. 2021)](https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/Case-Management-Plan-Landlord-and-Tenant-Branch.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### ConfirmedJudgment to writ The landlord waits at least 48 hours after a judgment or default before filing for the writ of restitution (valid for 75 days).wait at least forty-eight hours after entry of a judgment or a default Source: [D.C. Courts: I have a judgment or a default against my tenant. How do I evict the tenant?](https://www.dccourts.gov/node/510), checked November 2026

- **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [D.C. Courts: I have a judgment or a default against my tenant. How do I evict the tenant?](https://www.dccourts.gov/node/510). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.
- #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout The eviction is carried out under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service.under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service Source: [D.C. Superior Court: Case Management Plan, Landlord and Tenant Branch (rev. Feb. 2021)](https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/Case-Management-Plan-Landlord-and-Tenant-Branch.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### ConfirmedPaying to stop the case The tenant can redeem the tenancy by paying all rent, interest and costs owed at any time before the eviction.a defendant may redeem the tenancy by paying in full the past due rent. Source: [D.C. Superior Court: Case Management Plan, Landlord and Tenant Branch (rev. Feb. 2021)](https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/Case-Management-Plan-Landlord-and-Tenant-Branch.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Yes: the D.C. Courts take part in the National Center for State Courts' Eviction Diversion Initiative, which supports court-based eviction diversion (as of November 2026, per the National Center for State Courts).District of Columbia Courts Source: [National Center for State Courts (secondary source): National Center for State Courts: Eviction Diversion Initiative, participating courts](https://www.ncsc.org/evictiondiversion), checked November 2026

### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027

The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer.

| Stage | Earliest date |
| --- | --- |
| Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 |
| Answer or appear | Monday, March 29, 2027 |
| Hearing or trial | Monday, March 29, 2027 |
| Judgment | Monday, March 29, 2027 |
| Writ or warrant of possession | Wednesday, March 31, 2027 |

Help the official pages name: Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center), free legal information for tenants and small landlords and Landlord and Tenant Resource Center and a free court mediator at initial hearings.

More: [District of Columbia eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-district-of-columbia) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=dc)

## Deposit disputes: small claims

- ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $10,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.DC Courts press release: Small Claims limit raised from $5,000 to $10,000 effective January 3, 2017.Filing fee to start a case: $5 to $45. Source: [DC Courts: Small Claims (Civil Division)](https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-divisions/civil-division/small-claims), checked November 2026

More: [District of Columbia small claims court](/tools/small-claims-district-of-columbia)

## Still to confirm

- Penalty the law states: check [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3502.17](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3502.17)
- Ending month-to-month (tenant): check [Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 42-3505.01 (Evictions)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.01)
- Writ to lockout: check [D.C. Courts: I have a judgment or a default against my tenant. How do I evict the tenant?](https://www.dccourts.gov/node/510)

General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word.

## Common questions

**How much can a security deposit be in District of Columbia?**

No more than the initial monthly rent (Tenant Bill of Rights, citing 14 DCMR 308-311).

**How long does a District of Columbia landlord have to return a deposit?**

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends: the deposit with interest, or a written notice of unpaid amounts, delivered personally, by email or by certified mail, with supporting photos or other documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute (42-3502.17(e)(2)). What goes with it: A written notice of the unpaid amounts claimed, with photos or other documentation and the tenant's right to dispute within 30 calendar days; the landlord answers a dispute in writing within 10 days (42-3502.17(e)).

**How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in District of Columbia?**

From the landlord: A tenant can't be evicted because a lease expired; only for a reason listed in the law, after a written notice to vacate. Notice periods depend on the reason (30 to 180 days).

**What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in District of Columbia?**

Notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing, with a ledger; no filing for less than $600. The required notice says a case may be filed if the balance isn't paid within 30 days. Sent by tracked or certified mail and by hand delivery or posting.

**How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in District of Columbia?**

Reasonable notice: 48 hours unless the lease says otherwise or the tenant agrees.

**How long does an eviction case take in District of Columbia?**

Time to answer or appear: At the hearing. Hearing after filing: At least 28 days. Judgment to writ: 48 hours. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer.

**What does it cost to file an eviction case in District of Columbia?**

$15 to file a complaint in the Landlord and Tenant Branch; the writ of restitution costs $213 more ($10 court fee, $195 U.S. Marshal fee and $8 administrative fee).

Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords)

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