Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in District of Columbia

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in District of Columbia, mainly from the D.C. Code Title 42, including the Rental Housing Act of 1985 (chapter 35) and section 42-3202. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Deposit return deadline

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Max 5% of rent, after 5 days, once per late payment1D.C. Code 42-3505.31

A late fee may not exceed 5% of the rent and can be charged only once rent is more than 5 days late, or after any longer grace period in the lease. Only one fee per late payment is allowed, and the lease must state the maximum.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2,3D.C. Code 42-3202(b)

A month-to-month tenant can move out with 30 days' written notice, and a landlord may not require more.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

Only for listed legal reasons4,2D.C. Code 42-3505.01, 42-3202

DC landlords can end a tenancy only for reasons listed in the Rental Housing Act, each with its own notice period. Examples are 90 days for owner move-in or sale, 120 days for renovation and 180 days for demolition.

Notice of a rent increase

60 days5D.C. Code 42-3509.04(b)

A rent increase takes effect only on the first rent due date that is more than 60 days after the tenant receives written notice.

Statewide rent limits

Rent stabilization for covered units6D.C. Code 42-3502.08(h)(2)

For rent-stabilized units, a yearly increase for a current tenant is limited to the annual adjustment figure plus 2%, and never more than 10%. Separate limits apply to elderly and disabled tenants.

Landlord entry

48 hours7,3D.C. Code 42-3505.51(a)(1)

The landlord must give written notice at least 48 hours before entering, unless the tenant agrees in writing to a shorter time. No notice is needed in an emergency.

Notice for unpaid rent

10 days before filing (none under $600)4D.C. Code 42-3505.01(a-1)

Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give written notice of intent to file at least 10 days ahead, and the notice gives the tenant 30 days to pay. If less than $600 is owed, the landlord may not send this notice or file for nonpayment.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. D.C. Code 42-3505.31, Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)official
  2. D.C. Code 42-3202, Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)official
  3. Residential Lease Law FAQ, D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocateofficial
  4. D.C. Code 42-3505.01, Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)official
  5. D.C. Code 42-3509.04, Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)official
  6. D.C. Code 42-3502.08, Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)official
  7. D.C. Code 42-3505.51, Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)official

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.