14 DCMR §§ 308–311: District of Columbia security deposit rules in plain English
What 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 says about District of Columbia security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 45 days
- Maximum deposit
- One full month's rent (the first full month's rent charged), and it may be charged only once. Must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a D.C. financial institution, and the lease or receipt must state the terms of the deposit.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Yes: at no less than the statement savings rate of the bank holding the escrow account (reset each Jan 1 and Jul 1), payable at the end of tenancies of 12 months or more.
What 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
One full month's rent (the first full month's rent charged), and it may be charged only once. Must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a D.C. financial institution, and the lease or receipt must state the terms of the deposit.
Interest
Yes: at no less than the statement savings rate of the bank holding the escrow account (reset each Jan 1 and Jul 1), payable at the end of tenancies of 12 months or more.
Full citation: 14 DCMR §§ 308.2-308.3, 309.1-309.2, 311.1-311.2; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c) Read the official text
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FAQ: 14 DCMR §§ 308–311
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under 14 DCMR §§ 308–311?
Under 14 DCMR §§ 308–311, a District of Columbia landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in District of Columbia?
One full month's rent (the first full month's rent charged), and it may be charged only once. Must be held in an interest-bearing escrow account at a D.C. financial institution, and the lease or receipt must state the terms of the deposit.
Does District of Columbia require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: 14 DCMR §§ 308.2-308.3, 309.1-309.2, 311.1-311.2; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c).
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in District of Columbia?
Yes: at no less than the statement savings rate of the bank holding the escrow account (reset each Jan 1 and Jul 1), payable at the end of tenancies of 12 months or more.
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Scan my District of Columbia leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.