Landlord tools · District of Columbia
Everything a District of Columbia lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.
These rules are applied automatically. About 5 minutes, PDF download, no account.
District of Columbia caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. 1 month max, all deposits combined; interest-bearing escrow required After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 45 days. Return or notice of intent to deduct within 45 days; itemized statement within 30 more days Returning one now? Use the free District of Columbia deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.
District of Columbia limits late fees: 5% of monthly rent. Rent must be at least 5 day(s) late before a fee can be charged. 5-day grace required; one fee per late payment; no eviction for unpaid late fees.
Landlords must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. 48 hours' written notice, entry 9am-5pm. No-fault termination generally not allowed; evictions require statutory cause; some causes need 90-180 day notices. Rent increases require 30 days' advance notice (30 days' written notice; rent-stabilized units limited to CPI-based annual adjustment). Planning an increase? The free District of Columbia rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.
Rent Stabilization Program covers most pre-1976 buildings (non-exempt owners); CPI+2% cap, lower for elderly/disabled
Utilities: Utility shutoff as self-help prohibited; landlord must disclose who pays utilities; TOPA applies on sale. Pets: All deposits including pet count within the 1-month cap; pet rent allowed by contract.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. 1 month max, all deposits combined; interest-bearing escrow required
How long does a District of Columbia landlord have to return the deposit?
45 days after the tenancy ends. Return or notice of intent to deduct within 45 days; itemized statement within 30 more days
Are late fees limited in District of Columbia?
Yes — 5% of monthly rent. 5-day grace required; one fee per late payment; no eviction for unpaid late fees A 5-day grace period is required before charging a fee.
How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in District of Columbia?
At least 48 hours, except in emergencies. 48 hours' written notice, entry 9am-5pm
Does District of Columbia have rent control?
Yes. Rent Stabilization Program covers most pre-1976 buildings (non-exempt owners); CPI+2% cap, lower for elderly/disabled
The builder pre-loads every District of Columbia rule on this page.
Key statutes: 14 DCMR 308-311 · D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 · D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 · D.C. Code § 42-3502.22. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.