District of Columbia landlord-tenant law FAQ
35 answers to common District of Columbia landlord questions. Every answer is a verified fact with its official source and last-checked date.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?
A security deposit may not exceed the first full month's rent and may be charged only once.
Verified Source: 14 DCMR § 308.2 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full security deposit limit page
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the owner must either return the deposit with interest due, or give written notice (in person or by certified mail) of intent to withhold. If notice is given, the owner must refund the balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after it. Bad-faith withholding can bring treble damages.
Verified Source: 14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.5 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full deposit return deadline page
How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in District of Columbia?
At least 48 hours' written notice (or shorter if the tenant agrees in writing), between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays, except emergencies.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full notice to enter page
How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in District of Columbia?
A rent increase is not effective until the first rent day more than 60 calendar days after written notice is given.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3509.04(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent increase notice page
Can a landlord charge a late fee in District of Columbia, and how much?
Only after rent is 5 days late (or a longer lease grace period); maximum 5% of the rent due, once per late payment; the lease must state the maximum fee, and a tenant cannot be evicted for an unpaid late fee.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fees page
What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in District of Columbia?
Notice of intent to file at least 10 days before filing a nonpayment eviction claim. No such notice, and no filing, if less than $600 is owed.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction notice (nonpayment) page
Can cities in District of Columbia pass rent control?
No preemption: D.C. runs its own rent stabilization program. For covered units, the annual adjustment of general applicability equals the prior year's CPI-W change, may not exceed 10%, and may be taken only once every 12 months (other adjustments under subsection (c) also apply).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.06(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent control / state preemption page
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in District of Columbia?
A tenant may not be evicted, even after the lease expires, as long as the tenant keeps paying the rent the housing provider is entitled to. An eviction requires a written notice meeting statutory requirements and a ground listed in the statute. So a landlord cannot end a month-to-month tenancy simply by giving notice.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full ending a month-to-month tenancy page
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in District of Columbia?
Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at an insured DC financial institution. Interest accrues to the tenant at no less than the statement savings rate (reset Jan. 1 and July 1) and is payable at the end of any tenancy of 12 months or more. The landlord must post yearly where deposits are held and the rates paid.
Verified Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308.3, 308.7, 311.1-311.2 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full interest on deposits page
Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in District of Columbia?
DC's security-deposit regulations (14 DCMR 308-311) require no move-in inspection. They allow an optional move-out inspection within 3 business days before or after the tenancy ends, with at least 10 days' written notice to the tenant of its date and time.
Verified Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308-311 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full move-in/move-out checklist page
Is landlord retaliation illegal in District of Columbia?
Housing providers may not retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights, including through eviction attempts, rent increases, service cuts, harassment or refusal to renew. If the tenant made a repair request, complained to an agency, joined a tenant organization or did certain other acts within the 6 months before the action, retaliation is presumed. The housing provider must rebut it with clear and convincing evidence.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.02 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full retaliation protections page
What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in District of Columbia?
At least 21 days before an eviction, the housing provider must notify the tenant by phone or electronic message, first-class mail and posting. The notice must warn that property left behind is deemed abandoned 7 days after the eviction, excluding Sundays and federal holidays. Evicted tenants' property may be removed only as this section allows.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01a · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full abandoned property page
Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in District of Columbia?
A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (or the parent of a minor victim) is released from the lease by giving written notice with a protection order or a qualified third party's documentation. The request must be made within 90 days of the incident. Release takes effect 14 days after the landlord receives it, or when a new tenancy starts if sooner. Rent is prorated.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.07 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full early termination (dv/military) page
Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in District of Columbia?
5-day grace period (or longer if the lease allows). Late fees are capped at 5% of the rent due, must be stated in the lease, may be charged only once per late payment, and cannot be grounds for eviction.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fee grace period page
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in District of Columbia?
Source of income is a protected trait in DC housing.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 2-1402.21 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full source of income discrimination page
What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in District of Columbia?
A tenant who gave notice to quit but then refuses to leave without a reasonable excuse owes double rent for the whole time they wrongfully hold over.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3207 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full holdover tenants page
Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in District of Columbia?
A tenant can't be evicted just because the lease or rental agreement has expired, as long as they keep paying the rent the housing provider is entitled to. Any eviction for a reason other than nonpayment needs a written notice to vacate that meets the statute's requirements.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lease renewal / non-renewal notice page
Can a tenant sublet an apartment in District of Columbia?
In a rent-stabilized unit, a tenant may not sublet at a rent higher than what the tenant pays the housing provider.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.06(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full subletting & assignment page
Does a landlord need just cause to evict in District of Columbia?
Yes. A tenant who keeps paying the rent owed cannot be evicted, even after the lease ends, except for the reasons listed in the law, and every eviction notice must state the reasons. Code text: "no tenant shall be evicted from a rental unit, notwithstanding the expiration of the tenant's lease or rental agreement, so long as the tenant continues to pay the rent to which the housing provider is entitled for the rental unit."
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full just-cause eviction page
What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in District of Columbia?
For a lease violation, the landlord must serve a notice to correct the violation or vacate, and can recover the unit only if the tenant does not fix it within 30 days. Notices for reasons other than nonpayment must also be served on the Rent Administrator. Code text: "A housing provider may recover possession of a rental unit where the tenant is violating an obligation of tenancy and fails to correct the violation within 30 days after receiving from the housing provider a notice to correct the violation or vacate."
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a)-(b) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) page
What is the right to cure / redeem rule in District of Columbia?
Yes, for lease violations: the tenant has 30 days after the notice to correct the violation. Code text: "fails to correct the violation within 30 days after receiving from the housing provider a notice to correct the violation or vacate."
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(b) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full right to cure / redeem page
What is the domestic violence early termination rule in District of Columbia?
A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (DC's domestic violence category), or the parent of a minor victim, can be released from the lease with written notice and a protection order or documentation from a qualified third party such as a domestic violence counselor. The request must be made within 90 days of the incident, and release takes effect 14 days after the landlord gets the notice. Code text: "a tenant who is released from the rental agreement under this section shall be liable only for his or her rental payment obligation."
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42–3505.07 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full domestic violence early termination page
What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in District of Columbia?
Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after."
Verified Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full military lease termination (federal scra, all states) page
Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in District of Columbia?
Housing providers may not ask about or consider arrests that did not lead to a conviction, and may not ask about pending accusations or convictions until after a conditional offer. Statute text: "A housing provider may not make an inquiry about or consider a previous arrest of the applicant if the arrest did not result in a conviction" (D.C. Code § 42-3541.02(a)).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3541.02(a) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full criminal & credit history rules page
How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in District of Columbia?
Application fees are capped at $50 (adjustable annually for inflation since 2024), and no other fee may be charged before lease signing. Statute text: "A housing provider may require a prospective tenant to pay an application fee. Such an application fee will be no more than $50" (D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b)(1)).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.10(b)(1) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full application fees & screening page
What disclosures must a landlord give in District of Columbia?
On a tenant's written request (once a year), the housing provider must disclose the rent increases of the past 3 years within 10 business days; applicants must also get a rent and building-status disclosure form. Statute text: "At the written request of a tenant not more than one time each calendar year, a housing provider shall, within 10 business days on a form provided by the Rent Administrator (or in another suitable format until a form is published), provide the amount of each increase in the amount of rent charged for the tenant’s rental unit during the preceding 3 years on which the current rent charged is based, including the basis for each increase and, if applicable, the identification of any substantially identical rental unit on which a vacancy increase was based" (D.C. Code § 42-3502.22(a)).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.22(a) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) page
What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in District of Columbia?
Before substantially rehabilitating, demolishing or discontinuing housing use, the housing provider must serve each tenant written notice that tells them of their right to relocation assistance and how to apply. Statute text: "The notice shall advise the tenants of their right to relocation assistance under this chapter or any other District law, and the procedures for applying for the assistance" (D.C. Code § 42-3507.01).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3507.01 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full tenant relocation assistance page
Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in District of Columbia?
Owners must install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each occupied dwelling unit as the Construction Codes require. Statute text: "The owner of each new and existing occupied dwelling unit shall be responsible for installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with the Construction Codes" (D.C. Code § 6-751.02).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 6-751.02 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full smoke & co detectors page
What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in District of Columbia?
DC adds a separate 4.45% tax on transient lodging receipts on top of the sales tax imposed under § 47-2002. Statute text: "A tax, separate from, and in addition to, the tax imposed pursuant to § 47-2002 , is imposed on vendors engaging in the business activities listed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section" (D.C. Code § 47-2002.02(1)(A)).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 47-2002.02(1)(A) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rental / transient occupancy tax page
What is the condo conversion protections rule in District of Columbia?
A rental building cannot be converted to a condo or co-op until the Mayor certifies compliance with the conversion law (which includes a tenant election). Statute text: "(1) An owner shall not convert a housing accommodation into a condominium or a cooperative until the Mayor certifies compliance with the provisions of this chapter." (D.C. Code § 42–3402.02).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42–3402.02 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full condo conversion protections page
What are the Airbnb / short-term rental rules in District of Columbia?
Short-term rentals need a basic business license with a Short-Term Rental endorsement. Statute text: "A short-term rental shall require a valid basic business license with a "Short-Term Rental" endorsement, in addition to any other license required by law." (D.C. Code § 30–201.02).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 30–201.02 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full short-term rentals (airbnb) page
Can the city inspect my rental property in District of Columbia?
The Mayor (through DC's housing inspectors) may inspect rental housing for code compliance at reasonable hours; a tenant's own unit needs the tenant's permission, an administrative search warrant, or an emergency. Statute text: "(a) Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, for the purpose of determining whether any housing accommodation is in compliance with applicable housing rules or construction code rules, the Mayor may enter upon and into any housing accommodation in the District, during all reasonable hours, to inspect the same; provided, that if a tenant of a housing accommodation does not give permission to inspect that portion of the premises under the tenant’s exclusive control, the Mayor shall not enter that portion of the premises unless the Mayor has: (1) A valid administrative search warrant pursuant to subsection (d) of this section which permits the inspection; or (2) A reasonable basis to believe that exigent circumstances require immediate entry into that portion of the premises to prevent an imminent danger to the public health or welfare." (D.C. Code § 42–3509.08).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42–3509.08 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rental inspections page
What is the eviction record sealing rule in District of Columbia?
Eviction court records are sealed automatically: 30 days after the case ends if the landlord did not win possession, or 3 years after it ends if the landlord did. Statute text: "(a) The Superior Court of the District of Columbia ("Superior Court") shall seal all court records relating to an eviction proceeding: (1) If the eviction proceeding does not result in a judgment for possession in favor of the housing provider, 30 days after the final resolution of the eviction proceeding; or (2) If the eviction proceeding results in a judgement for possession in favor of the housing provider, 3 years after the final resolution of the eviction proceeding." (D.C. Code § 42–3505.09).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42–3505.09 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full eviction record sealing page
How does the eviction court process work in District of Columbia?
An eviction case starts with a Superior Court summons, which must be served at least 14 days before the initial hearing. Statute text: "(a) The summons provided for by section 16-1501 shall be served at least 14 days before the day fixed for the initial hearing of the action." (D.C. Code § 16–1502).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 16–1502 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full eviction court process & timeline page
Do landlords need a rental license or registration in District of Columbia?
Housing providers must file a rental registration statement (or claim of exemption) with the Rent Administrator within 30 days of becoming a housing provider. Statute text: "(2) A person who becomes a housing provider of a housing accommodation 90 days or more after completion of the publicly accessible rent control housing database created pursuant to § 42-3502.03c , shall file a registration statement and, if applicable, claim of exemption, within 30 days after becoming a housing provider." (D.C. Code § 42–3502.05(f)).
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42–3502.05(f) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rental licensing / registration page
District of Columbia cities with their own rules
All District of Columbia landlord-tenant law
Get alerts when District of Columbia's landlord laws change
A short email when a rule on this site changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.