Evicting a bad tenant in District of Columbia costs ~$14,715.
How District of Columbia handles evictions
Strong tenant protections; expect 3–6+ months for contested cases.
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
District of Columbia eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in District of Columbia?
TenantFort estimates a contested eviction in District of Columbia at around $14,715 all-in: a $15 filing fee, roughly 3 months of lost rent ($7,200 at a typical $2,400/mo), plus legal fees, property damage beyond the deposit, and turnover costs, using national planning figures for those three. Uncontested cases cost less.
How long does an eviction take in District of Columbia?
Roughly 90 days (~13 weeks) from notice to lockout, as an estimate; contested cases take longer. Strong tenant protections; expect 3–6+ months for contested cases.
How much is the eviction filing fee in District of Columbia?
$15, filed with the D.C. Superior Court (Landlord & Tenant Branch). Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in District of Columbia?
Evictions in District of Columbia are handled by the D.C. Superior Court (Landlord & Tenant Branch).
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the D.C. Superior Court (Landlord & Tenant Branch)'s published fee; it has not yet been checked against the official fee schedule for this page, so confirm it with the court before you file. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($3,500), legal fees ($2,000) and turnover ($2,000) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in District of Columbia. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.