Washington DC Security Deposit Return Letter

Date: [[Return Date]]

To:
[[Tenant Name]]
Forwarding Address: [[Tenant Forwarding Address]]

From:
[[Landlord Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Re: Return of Security Deposit for Premises at [[Property Address]]

Dear [[Tenant Name]]:

This letter provides the accounting and return of your security deposit for the residential premises located at [[Property Address]], Washington, DC, following the termination of your tenancy.

Move-Out Information - Move-Out / Vacate Date: [[Move-Out Date]] - Keys and Access Devices Returned: [[Date Keys Returned]] - Forwarding Address Provided: [[Tenant Forwarding Address]]

Original Security Deposit Original Deposit Amount: $[[Original Deposit Amount]]

Itemized Statement of Deductions The following deductions have been made from the security deposit in accordance with DC Code § 42-3502.17. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning necessary to return the Premises to the move-in condition.

Amount of Security Deposit Returned: $[[Amount Returned]]

A check or electronic transfer in the amount of $[[Amount Returned]] is enclosed / has been sent to the forwarding address above (or as directed). Supporting receipts, invoices, or estimates for deductions are attached or available upon request.

Legal Requirements and Tenant Protections (DC Code § 42-3502.17) 1. Landlord must return the security deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates the Premises and returns possession and all keys.

2. The return must be accompanied by an itemized written statement of any deductions, including the amounts and the reasons.

3. Failure to return the deposit within 45 days, or failure to provide a proper itemized statement, may result in the landlord forfeiting the right to make any deductions and may subject the landlord to liability for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

4. Deductions may not be made for ordinary wear and tear. Normal aging, minor scuffs, and cleaning required due to ordinary use are not chargeable to the tenant.

5. Landlord must maintain records and provide copies of receipts for any deductions upon tenant request.

Pre-Move-Out Inspection Landlord offered or conducted a pre-move-out inspection on or about [[Pre-Move-Out Inspection Date or "N/A, not requested"]]. Tenant was provided the opportunity to be present. A copy of any inspection report is available upon request.

Payment Details Payment Method: Check No. [[Check Number or "Electronic transfer confirmation attached"]] dated [[Return Date]] Payable to: [[Tenant Name]]

Certification I certify that the information in this letter is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, that the deductions are permitted by law and the lease, and that any amounts withheld are supported by documentation.

Landlord / Housing Provider

[[Landlord Name]]

Signature: [[Landlord Signature]]
Date: [[Return Date]]

Tenant Acknowledgment (Optional) I acknowledge receipt of this accounting and the returned deposit (if applicable).

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________

Printed Name: [[Tenant Name]], -

Sources and Legal References (as of June 2026):
- DC Code § 42-3502.17 (Security deposits, limitations on amount, holding, and return; 45-day deadline; itemization; remedies for noncompliance including double damages and fees)
- Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Code Title 42, Chapter 35)
- Rental Housing Commission guidance on deposit handling and disputes

This document is a template for workflow and illustrative purposes. It is not legal advice. All parties should verify the specific facts, the condition of the Premises, applicable deductions, and current statutory requirements with the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission or qualified counsel before relying on or acting pursuant to this letter. Remedies for improper withholding can be significant; both landlords and tenants are advised to document move-in and move-out conditions thoroughly with photographs and signed checklists. Information current as of June 2026.

Recommended Supporting Documentation (attach as applicable):
- Move-In / Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist (Exhibit or signed copy)
- Photographs documenting condition at move-in and move-out
- Itemized receipts, contractor estimates, or invoices for repairs and cleaning
- Copy of lease or rental agreement
- Proof of payment method for returned deposit (check copy or transfer confirmation)
- Any pre-move-out inspection report

Additional Legal Context and Tenant Remedies DC law provides strong protections for tenants regarding security deposits:

1. The 45-day clock begins when the tenant vacates and returns all keys and access devices to the landlord or designated agent.

2. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide a proper itemized statement within 45 days, the tenant may be entitled to recover the full deposit plus an additional amount equal to the deposit (double damages) and reasonable attorney's fees in a court action.

3. Landlords may not require a security deposit in excess of one month's rent for most tenancies (subject to limited exceptions under DC Code).

4. Any security deposit must be returned to the tenant at the forwarding address provided; failure to update address does not excuse the landlord from the duty to make reasonable efforts to locate the tenant or hold funds as required.

5. Disputes over deductions should first be addressed in writing between the parties. Tenants may file complaints with the Rental Housing Commission or pursue claims in Small Claims or Landlord and Tenant court as appropriate.

Calculation Summary Original Deposit: $[[Original Deposit Amount]] Total Deductions: -$[[Total Deductions]] Amount Returned: $[[Amount Returned]]

If any deduction is disputed, the tenant should provide written notice to the landlord within a reasonable time and retain all documentation. The landlord bears the burden of justifying deductions with evidence of actual costs incurred.

Final Certification and Record Retention Landlord agrees to retain copies of this letter, the itemized statement, receipts, and proof of payment or return for a minimum of three (3) years, or longer if required by law or in the event of a dispute.

This letter and the enclosed payment (if any) constitute the complete and final accounting of the security deposit for the tenancy at [[Property Address]].

Step-by-Step Process Followed by Landlord 1. Conducted or offered a pre-vacate inspection with tenant present (or documented waiver). 2. Documented the condition of the Premises with dated photographs and the move-out checklist. 3. Prepared an itemized list of only permissible deductions with actual costs or reasonable estimates supported by documentation. 4. Calculated the net amount due within the 45-day statutory window. 5. Prepared and signed this letter with supporting materials. 6. Delivered the letter and payment (or transfer) to the tenant's last known or provided forwarding address by first-class mail or agreed electronic means. 7. Retained copies of all materials for records.

Tenant Checklist Upon Receipt - Verify the move-out date and forwarding address are correctly stated. - Review each deduction line item against the condition at move-in (per checklist and photos). - Confirm receipts or estimates are attached or offered. - Deposit or cash the returned amount promptly and retain records. - If disputing any amount, send written objection to landlord within 30 days and preserve evidence.

Contact for Questions or Disputes For questions about this accounting, contact the landlord at the address or phone above. For assistance with disputes or to file a complaint regarding improper withholding, tenants may contact: - DC Rental Housing Commission (rhc.dc.gov) - DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) - Office of Tenant Advocate - Legal services organizations serving DC tenants

Signature Block, Additional Acknowledgment

Landlord Certification (repeated for records)

I certify under penalty of perjury that the statements in this letter are true, that deductions comply with DC Code § 42-3502.17, and that the amount returned is correct.

Signature: [[Landlord Signature]]
Date: [[Return Date]]
Printed Name: [[Landlord Name]]