In the District of Columbia, landlords are allowed to ask for a security deposit equal to the first full month’s rent. But if you keep your apartment in good shape and always pay your rent, you can usually get some or all of that deposit back when you move out.
Ah, the dreaded security deposit. It skyrockets the costs of moving, and it seems like no one ever gets all of it back. Even Mr. Rogers would never see his security deposit again. Of course, building a magical puppet kingdom in your apartment probably doesn’t help, but we digress.
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What is the District of Columbia’s Law on security deposits?
Your landlord is obligated by law in the District of Columbia to place your security deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing escrow account within 30 days. They’re supposed to provide you with the terms and conditions of that payment, either in your lease or renter’s agreement or on a receipt for your security deposit payment.
They’re also obligated to state where the security deposits are held and what the interest rates are, posted in a notice in your building’s lobby and their rental office. They should update this information at least once every six months.
If you don’t mind reading through legal mumbo-jumbo, you can review the District of Columbia’s laws regarding renting and security deposits here
. What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in the District of Columbia?
The law states clearly and simply that a landlord in the District of Columbia is allowed to charge a one-time security deposit equal to the first full month’s rent.
If a landlord in Washington DC is asking for a security deposit of even one cent more than the first month’s rent, or if they’re trying to charge for the security deposit more than once, they’re breaking the law and violating your rights as a renter.
Security deposits in the District of Columbia are meant to be refundable to you, the tenant, when your lease expires. This includes both the security deposit itself and the interest it accumulates over time. A landlord claiming security deposits are non-refundable should be a huge red flag. This is entirely illegal!
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in the District of Columbia?
When your lease is up, your landlord will have a three-day window within which they can show up to inspect the rental unit. This can happen before or after the lease is up or has been terminated.
Your landlord is required by law to notify you in writing at least ten days before the inspection of the date and time of that inspection.
The security deposit and its accumulated interest must be returned to you within 45 days of the end of your lease. But please note they can withhold some or all of that deposit, and they can even charge you more if the rental unit has damages exceeding what the security deposit will cover!
What can a landlord withhold a security deposit for in the District of Columbia?
In Washington DC, there’s no clearly defined rule on what a landlord can or can’t deduct from the security deposit for, so it’s absolutely critical you take your time to carefully read through your lease and see what specifically the landlord will withhold.
Generally speaking, there are a few things most landlords will deduct from your security deposit:
Any unpaid rent you still owe
Cleaning and repainting costs
Damages not from typical wear and tear
That said, the District of Columbia’s security deposit laws are somewhat vague when it comes to what landlords can charge for. It’s not unheard of for landlords to make tenants pay for recarpeting, replacing appliances, and more. That’s why it’s so important for you to carefully read your lease and not just sign it sight unseen.
Most landlords will only charge for damages in excess of typical wear and tear. For instance, accidentally breaking a window while playing soccer indoors during World Cup season (seriously, how many times does your mom have to tell you not to play indoors?).
How to get your security deposit back in the District of Columbia
Maximizing your security deposit return means keeping your apartment in perfect condition. Avoid damages, keep the space clean, and give everything a thorough deep cleaning before you move out, including washing walls and taking Windex to the bathroom mirror.
Take photos of everything! When you’re moving out of an apartment, bust out your phone and get photos of every room, every sink, every stain on the carpet, all of it. It could come in handy later.
Once you’ve moved out, give your former landlord up to 45 days to return your security deposit. If you still haven’t gotten it by then, reach out to them directly, in writing, and request your security deposit be returned. Avoid sounding angry or frustrated. This should be strictly business!
If the landlord refuses to return your security deposit, ask for an itemized list of charges they withheld, and compare those charges with the terms of your lease. If there are discrepancies, ask your landlord why (again, do this in writing and keep this communication polite and professional).
If there’s any funny business going on—the landlord is nonresponsive, they’re attempting to charge you for damages that never happened (you took those photos, right?), or their withholdings violate the lease you signed—consider taking them to small claims court
. They offer mediation services that can help tremendously. MORE: Does renters insurance cover mold?
How to save money on car and renters insurance in the District of Columbia
It’s borderline impossible to live in an apartment for a year or longer and then get your full security deposit back. All it takes is one drop of wine on the carpet or one goofy hallway turn carrying a sofa to nullify those odds.
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