District of Columbia landlord and tenant rules

Seayora publishes 18 District of Columbia rules, covering security deposits, notice periods, late fees, evictions, rent regulation, fair housing, tenant protections, contractor sales tax. Every one is composed from the statute it cites and links to that statute on the state’s own code site.

District of Columbia at a glance

RuleDistrict of Columbia
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in District of Columbia?Interest at not less than the statement savings rate of the D.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?45 days
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?1 month of rent
How many days does a tenant get to pay late rent in District of Columbia?10 days to pay
How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering in District of Columbia?48 hours
How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in District of Columbia?30 days
How much notice must a landlord give to end a tenancy in District of Columbia?30 days
How much can a landlord charge for a late rent fee in District of Columbia?5% of the full amount of rent due
Is there a grace period for paying rent in District of Columbia?5 days
Can a landlord change the locks to force a tenant out in District of Columbia?Self-help eviction is illegal in the District and only the U.
Does a landlord need a reason to evict a tenant in District of Columbia?The Rental Housing Act limits eviction to statutory grounds for almost every unit in the District.
How long does a tenant have to respond to an eviction case in District of Columbia?The initial hearing is set several weeks out; the tenant may answer in writing or appear.
What are the steps to evict a tenant for unpaid rent in District of Columbia?Confirm the Basic Business License and rent registration
Is there rent control in District of Columbia?Citywide: 4.1% for May 2026 to April 2027
Can a landlord refuse a Section 8 voucher in District of Columbia?Protected: a landlord may not refuse one
Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in District of Columbia?Presumed within 6 months
Do contractors charge sales tax in District of Columbia?Consumer of materials
Is appliance repair taxable in District of Columbia?Taxable, with the parts

Security deposits in District of Columbia

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in District of Columbia?

Yes. District of Columbia requires a landlord to pay the tenant interest on a security deposit. Interest at not less than the statement savings rate of the D.C. bank holding the escrow account, set each January 1 and July 1 for the six months that follow, and all of it is the tenant's. The deposit itself must be returned within 45 days of the end of the tenancy. This is 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 (as amended by D.C. Law 16-276).

Full answer and the checkable figures.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the security deposit, together with an itemised statement of any deductions. District of Columbia also requires interest to be paid on the deposit: Interest at not less than the statement savings rate of the D.C. bank holding the escrow account, set each January 1 and July 1 for the six months that follow, and all of it is the tenant's. This is 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 (as amended by D.C. Law 16-276).

Full answer and the checkable figures.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a security deposit is capped at 1 month of rent. One month's rent. This is 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 (as amended by D.C. Law 16-276).

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Notice periods in District of Columbia

How many days does a tenant get to pay late rent in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, before starting a nonpayment case a landlord must serve a written notice giving the tenant 10 days to pay the rent due. The notice must state the amount owed with a ledger attached, and it is sent by certified mail or a tracked delivery service and also handed over or posted on the door. A landlord may not file a nonpayment case for less than $600, and an unpaid late fee is never a ground for eviction in the District. This is D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3505.51, 42-3505.01.

Rent-stabilized increases are capped and need 30 days. Entry: 48 hours. Late rent: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before a nonpayment case is filed (30 days until the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025), and none at all when less than $600 is owed.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a landlord must give 48 hours notice before entering an occupied rental, other than in an emergency. This is D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3505.51, 42-3505.01.

Rent-stabilized increases are capped and need 30 days. Entry: 48 hours. Late rent: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before a nonpayment case is filed (30 days until the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025), and none at all when less than $600 is owed.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a landlord must give 30 days written notice before raising the rent. This is D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3505.51, 42-3505.01.

Rent-stabilized increases are capped and need 30 days. Entry: 48 hours. Late rent: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before a nonpayment case is filed (30 days until the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025), and none at all when less than $600 is owed.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

How much notice must a landlord give to end a tenancy in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a landlord must give 30 days written notice to end a tenancy or decline to renew it. The Rental Housing Act limits eviction from almost every unit in the District to its statutory grounds. This is D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3505.51, 42-3505.01.

Rent-stabilized increases are capped and need 30 days. Entry: 48 hours. Late rent: written notice of intent to file at least 10 days before a nonpayment case is filed (30 days until the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025), and none at all when less than $600 is owed.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Late fees in District of Columbia

How much can a landlord charge for a late rent fee in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a late fee may not exceed 5% of the full amount of rent due. A housing provider may charge a late fee only if the full rent has not been paid within five days after it was due, or within any longer grace period the lease gives. This is D.C. Code § 42-3505.31.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Is there a grace period for paying rent in District of Columbia?

Yes. In District of Columbia, a housing provider may charge a late fee only if the full rent has not been paid within five days after it was due, or within any longer grace period the lease gives. The late fee itself is limited too: a late fee may not exceed 5% of the full amount of rent due. This is D.C. Code § 42-3505.31.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Evictions in District of Columbia

Can a landlord change the locks to force a tenant out in District of Columbia?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in the District and only the U.S. Marshals Service may execute a writ. D.C. Code § 42-3505.01. In District of Columbia a tenant may be removed only through the court process, which is set by D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.01, 16-1501, 16-1502; D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 3.

Since the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025, a nonpayment case needs a written notice of intent to file served at least 10 days before filing (it was 30), and no case may be filed for less than $600. The District also requires a current Basic Business License and rent registration, and an unpaid late fee is never a ground for eviction.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Does a landlord need a reason to evict a tenant in District of Columbia?

Yes, for most tenancies. The Rental Housing Act limits eviction to statutory grounds for almost every unit in the District. In District of Columbia the eviction procedure itself is set by D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.01, 16-1501, 16-1502; D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 3.

Since the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025, a nonpayment case needs a written notice of intent to file served at least 10 days before filing (it was 30), and no case may be filed for less than $600. The District also requires a current Basic Business License and rent registration, and an unpaid late fee is never a ground for eviction.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

How long does a tenant have to respond to an eviction case in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the time a tenant has to respond to an eviction case is governed by D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.01, 16-1501, 16-1502; D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 3. The initial hearing is set several weeks out; the tenant may answer in writing or appear.

Since the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025, a nonpayment case needs a written notice of intent to file served at least 10 days before filing (it was 30), and no case may be filed for less than $600. The District also requires a current Basic Business License and rent registration, and an unpaid late fee is never a ground for eviction.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

What are the steps to evict a tenant for unpaid rent in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, an eviction for unpaid rent runs through 5 steps, each set by the statute or court rule beside it: (1) Confirm the Basic Business License and rent registration — D.C. Code § 42-3502.05(f); (2) Serve a notice of intent to file, at least 10 days before filing — D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1); (3) File a complaint in the Landlord and Tenant Branch — D.C. Code § 16-1501; (4) Initial hearing — D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 10; (5) Writ of restitution executed by the U.S. Marshals — D.C. Code § 42-3505.01. Since the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025, a nonpayment case needs a written notice of intent to file served at least 10 days before filing (it was 30), and no case may be filed for less than $600. The District also requires a current Basic Business License and rent registration, and an unpaid late fee is never a ground for eviction. The procedure as a whole is set by D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.01, 16-1501, 16-1502; D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 3.

Since the RENTAL Act took effect on December 31, 2025, a nonpayment case needs a written notice of intent to file served at least 10 days before filing (it was 30), and no case may be filed for less than $600. The District also requires a current Basic Business License and rent registration, and an unpaid late fee is never a ground for eviction.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Rent regulation in District of Columbia

Is there rent control in District of Columbia?

Yes. In District of Columbia, the Rental Housing Act limits the annual rent increase on a covered unit to the yearly inflation adjustment plus 2 percentage points, never more than 10%, which is 4.1% for increases taking effect from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027, and 2.1% for registered elderly tenants and tenants with disabilities. Units in buildings permitted after 1975, subsidized units, and units owned by a natural person who owns no more than four rental units in the District and registers them as exempt are not covered. This is D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.05, 42-3502.06, 42-3502.08.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Fair housing in District of Columbia

Can a landlord refuse a Section 8 voucher in District of Columbia?

No, not in most cases. In District of Columbia, it is unlawful to refuse to rent to anyone because of source of income, and the law says expressly that Section 8 assistance paid to a landlord, directly or through the tenant, is a source of income. This is D.C. Code §§ 2-1401.02, 2-1402.21.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Tenant protections in District of Columbia

Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in District of Columbia?

No. In District of Columbia, a housing provider may not retaliate against a tenant for exercising a legal right, and a court presumes retaliation, rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence, if within the previous six months the tenant requested repairs, contacted housing officials, lawfully withheld rent, joined a tenant organization, sought to enforce the lease, or sued the housing provider. Separately, the federal Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to threaten or interfere with anyone for exercising fair housing rights. This is D.C. Code § 42-3505.02.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Contractor sales tax in District of Columbia

Do contractors charge sales tax in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia a contractor is treated as the CONSUMER of the materials they build into real property. That means the contractor pays sales tax when they buy the materials, and does not add sales tax to the customer's invoice for that work — the tax is already inside the price. Source: D.C. Code §47-2001(n)(1) (retail sale definition); real property construction contractors are consumers of materials.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Is appliance repair taxable in District of Columbia?

Yes. District of Columbia taxes the LABOR on repairs to tangible personal property — an appliance, a boiler or a unit that never becomes part of the building — as well as the parts. This is a different question from work on the real property itself: the same technician on the same visit can be doing taxable work on an appliance and differently treated work on the structure, and the invoice has to tell them apart. Source: D.C. Code §47-2001(n)(1) (retail sale definition); real property construction contractors are consumers of materials.

Full answer and the checkable figures.

Sources

  • 14 DCMR §§ 308–311 (as amended by D.C. Law 16-276)
  • D.C. Code § 42-3505.02
  • D.C. Code § 42-3505.31
  • D.C. Code §47-2001(n)(1) (retail sale definition); real property construction contractors are consumers of materials.
  • D.C. Code §§ 2-1401.02, 2-1402.21
  • D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.05, 42-3502.06, 42-3502.08
  • D.C. Code §§ 42-3502.08, 42-3505.51, 42-3505.01
  • D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.01, 16-1501, 16-1502; D.C. Super. Ct. L&T R. 3

This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.

This is a summary of the published procedure, not legal advice. Courts, local rules and the facts of a tenancy change what applies, and a defect in a notice or a filing can end a case. Have a lawyer review anything before it is served or filed.

This is a summary of a state’s published guidance, not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change, local jurisdictions add their own, and the treatment of a specific job depends on the contract and the work. Check the citation and speak to a CPA or a state tax adviser before relying on it.

How Seayora uses these rules

Security deposits. Seayora computes the deadline this rule sets from the tenancy’s own dates, shows it on the deposit statement, and reminds the landlord before it falls due — so the answer above is not reference material sitting beside the product, it is the rule the product enforces.

Notice periods. Seayora computes the notice this rule requires from the tenancy’s own dates — for a renewal offer, a rent increase or a served notice — and will not serve one that is short unless the owner records a reason. The answer above is the rule the product enforces.

Late fees. Seayora charges only the late fee written into the lease, after the grace period the lease sets, and adds no late fee of its own. This page states the statutory ceiling and waiting period so the terms of a lease can be checked against them before it is signed.

Evictions. Seayora does not file, serve or appear in an eviction, and is not anybody’s lawyer. When a tenant has stopped paying, it lays out these steps for the property’s own state and city with the statute beside each one, holds back any step that would come too early, keeps an append-only record of the case — and shows the resident what would end it, legal-aid links included.

Rent regulation. This page states whether the state lets its cities control rent, and any statewide limit on an increase, so a renewal can be checked before it is offered. In New York City, Seayora’s rent-increase advisor goes further: it computes the highest increase the Rent Guidelines Board order and the Good Cause standard allow for each apartment, with the law cited, and gives no number where the law is not verified.

Fair housing. This page states whether the state protects renters who pay with a housing voucher, so a listing and its screening rules can be checked against it before they are published. Seayora’s rental search assistant never filters homes by how a renter will pay the rent.

Tenant protections. When an owner prepares an eviction in Seayora, it lists any repair request opened on the unit in the last 180 days that is still open, not to stop the case but because the tenant will raise retaliation and the owner should have an answer. Every repair request keeps the date it was filed.

Contractor sales tax. Seayora resolves this rule on every invoice a contractor raises — per line, from the job site’s own address — and prints the rate, the jurisdiction and this citation on the document itself, so the estimate a customer accepts is the invoice they are billed. Where the rule is more nuanced than a single answer, Seayora refuses to guess a total rather than quoting a confident wrong one.

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