United States · DC

District of Columbia landlord-tenant laws.

The key statutes you need to know as a District of Columbia landlord — deposit caps, late fees, entry notice, and required disclosures at a glance.

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Security deposit

1 month's rent

Return: 45 days

Late fees

Capped at 5% of monthly rent

Entry notice

48 hours

Termination notice

30 days

Rent control

Yes (Rental Housing Act — most units built before 1975)

Required disclosures

Every District of Columbia residential lease must include these disclosures where applicable. Missing required disclosures can void clauses or trigger statutory penalties.

Lead-based paint
Voter registration packet
Rent control status

Notable District of Columbia quirk

Voter registration info required in every lease packet.

Eviction timelines in District of Columbia

See filing fees, timelines, and estimated total costs for District of Columbia.

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Baked in

District of Columbia-compliant leases, automatically.

TenantFort loads the right lease template with District of Columbia deposit language, disclosures, and termination terms baked in. Screening, leases, and compliance — all in one place.

Other states

Alabama

1 month's rent

Alaska

2 months' rent (1 month if rent ≥ $2,000)

Arizona

1.5 months' rent

Arkansas

2 months' rent

California

1 month's rent (as of July 2024)

Colorado

No statutory cap

Connecticut

2 months' rent (1 month if tenant ≥ 62)

Delaware

1 month's rent (12-month+ leases)