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    District of Columbia Security Deposit Return Letter

    Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or notify the tenant in writing of an intent to withhold, then refund any balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after that notice (14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.2). The security deposit return letter below is preset for District of Columbia: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    District of Columbia rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    45 days after the lease ends 14 DCMR §§ 309.1, 309.2, D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e) (45-day notice of unpaid amounts, added by D.C. Law 26-156)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required 14 DCMR § 309.2, D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(2)
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Landlord is liable for the amount wrongfully withheld, or treble damages for bad faith; failing to meet the 45/30-day steps is prima facie evidence the tenant is owed the full deposit plus interest; bad-faith failure to pay interest owed also triggers treble that amount plus a civil fine of up to $5,000 per wilful violation 14 DCMR §§ 309.3, 309.5, 14 DCMR § 311.2, D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(b) (OAH may adjudicate deposit complaints)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    District of Columbia: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or notify the tenant in writing of an intent to withhold, then refund any balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after that notice (14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.2).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Your state counts from the end of the tenancy. The form counts from the earlier of this date and the move-out date.

    Deadline under District of Columbia's main rule: December 15, 2026 (45 calendar days after the move-out date, October 31, 2026). Read the state rule above for conditions that change it.

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. District of Columbia: A landlord who withholds any of the deposit must give the tenant an itemized statement of each repair or other use and its cost when refunding the balance (14 DCMR § 309.2).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for District of Columbia: 14 DCMR §§ 309.1, 309.2.
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What District of Columbia requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or notify the tenant in writing of an intent to withhold, then refund any balance with an itemized statement within 30 days after that notice (14 DCMR §§ 309.1-309.2).

    14 DCMR §§ 309.1, 309.2, D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e) (45-day notice of unpaid amounts, added by D.C. Law 26-156) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    A landlord who withholds any of the deposit must give the tenant an itemized statement of each repair or other use and its cost when refunding the balance (14 DCMR § 309.2).

    14 DCMR § 309.2, D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e)(2) · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who fails to return a deposit owed is liable for the amount withheld, or treble damages if it acted in bad faith (14 DCMR § 309.5).

    14 DCMR §§ 309.3, 309.5, 14 DCMR § 311.2, D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(b) (OAH may adjudicate deposit complaints) · checked October 26, 2026

    If the lease ends falls on October 31, 2026, 45 calendar days later is December 15, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

    More for District of Columbia landlords