District of Columbia security deposit demand letter
Create a District of Columbia security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in District of Columbia?
The primary residential security-deposit regime is the Security Deposit Act as implemented in 14 DCMR §§ 308–311, particularly 14 DCMR § 309, and incorporated by D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(a). Verified July 24, 2026. Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.17; 14 DCMR § 309.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.17 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in District of Columbia?
The landlord has 45 calendar days after termination of the tenancy either to return the deposit and accrued interest without demand or to notify the tenant personally or by certified mail of an intention to withhold. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 14 DCMR § 309.1–.2.
Source: 14 DCMR § 309.1–.2 · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in District of Columbia?
Yes. When any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide an itemized statement identifying repairs or other uses and the cost of each item. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 14 DCMR § 309.2.
Source: 14 DCMR § 309.2 · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a District of Columbia landlord does not comply?
Failure to comply with 14 DCMR § 309 is prima facie evidence—not an automatic judgment—that the tenant is entitled to the full deposit and interest. Section 309 contains no deposit-specific attorney-fee award. Ordinary recovery of the amount rightfully owed does not require bad faith. Treble damages require bad faith. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 14 DCMR § 309.3 and § 309.5; 14 DCMR § 309.5.
Source: 14 DCMR § 309.3 and § 309.5; 14 DCMR § 309.5 · Verified July 24, 2026
Does District of Columbia require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No state-specific delivery method is required for the tenant’s outgoing demand. No prescribed tenant demand form or mandatory demand-letter wording applies. D.C. Law prescribes the landlord’s timing and accounting, not a tenant demand template. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 14 DCMR § 309.1; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17; 14 DCMR §§ 308–311.
Source: 14 DCMR § 309.1; 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 · Verified July 24, 2026
The primary residential security-deposit regime is the Security Deposit Act as implemented in 14 DCMR §§ 308–311, particularly 14 DCMR § 309, and incorporated by D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(a).