Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in District of Columbia?

Yes — District of Columbia law requires interest on held security deposits for deposits held 12+ months. Maximum 1 month rent. Must be held in interest-bearing escrow at DC financial institution. Tenant entitled to interest after 12 months. Return within 45 days with statement. Then 30 days for itemized repairs. Bad faith retention: 3x amount withheld.

How large can the deposit itself be in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia generally allows at most 1 month's rent as a security deposit.

When do I get my security deposit back in District of Columbia?

Generally within 45 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

District of Columbia Deposit Interest Rules

interest required (deposits held 12+ months)

District of Columbia is one of 14 US jurisdictions that require landlords to pay interest on security deposits in covered rentals — the FAQ below covers which tenancies qualify. If your lease is silent about interest, the statutory obligation still applies where it covers you.

Educational information: generated from our District of Columbia law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How District of Columbia compares

14 of 51 US jurisdictions require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Here is how District of Columbia compares with other states in our database.

State	Deposit Interest Rules
District of Columbia	interest required (deposits held 12+ months)
Florida	no interest required
Georgia	no interest required
Hawaii	no interest required
Idaho	no interest required

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in District of Columbia?: Yes — District of Columbia law requires interest on held security deposits for deposits held 12+ months. Maximum 1 month rent. Must be held in interest-bearing escrow at DC financial institution. Tenant entitled to interest after 12 months. Return within 45 days with statement. Then 30 days for itemized repairs. Bad faith retention: 3x amount withheld.
How large can the deposit itself be in District of Columbia?: District of Columbia generally allows at most 1 month's rent as a security deposit.
When do I get my security deposit back in District of Columbia?: Generally within 45 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

Check Your Lease Against District of Columbia Law

Not sure whether your lease complies with District of Columbia law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.

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More District of Columbia lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia for your specific situation.