District of Columbia Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limited to 1 month rent. Must be returned within 45 days. Interest required at rate set annually. Must hold in interest-bearing DC account. Itemized deductions required.

Month-to-month requires 30 days notice. DC has strong just-cause eviction protections under the Rental Housing Act. Lease violation: 30-day notice to cure.

Just cause required for all evictions. Nonpayment: 30-day notice. DC has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country. Court filing required.

Late fee cannot exceed 5% of monthly rent. Grace period of 5 days required. Fee terms must be in lease. DC is tenant-protective on late fees.

Just cause required for all terminations. DC tenants have extensive protections under the Rental Housing Act. Lease expiration alone is not sufficient cause.

DC has rent stabilization. Annual increase limited to CPI + 2% (elderly/disabled: CPI only). Applies to most rental units built before 1976. 30 days notice required.

Strong implied warranty of habitability. Landlord must comply with DC Housing Code, provide heat, hot water, and maintain all systems. Tenant may withhold rent or repair and deduct. Housing inspections available.

No specific statute on required notice period. Reasonable notice required. Emergency entry without notice. Lease should specify entry terms.

DC Human Rights Act is one of the most comprehensive. Prohibits discrimination based on 21+ protected classes including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, and place of residence.