14 DCMR § 14-1938
SECURITY DEPOSITS
Operative Text
1938.1 A housing provider may collect a security deposit from the tenant not to exceed one (1) month’s rent. 1938.2 The security deposit may be collected from the tenant by the housing provider as follows: (a) In full, prior to the lease effective date; or (b) Under another schedule agreed to in writing by both the tenant and housing provider. 1938.3 The security deposit shall be deposited in an interest bearing account and earn interest as provided for by District law. 1938.4 Subject to District law, after the tenant moves from the unit the housing provider may use the security deposit plus accrued interest as reimbursement for any unpaid rent payable by the tenant or other amounts which the tenant owes under the lease. 1938.5 Within the time period established by District law, the provider shall give the family a written list of all items charged against the security deposit and the amount of each item. After deducting the amount due the provider, the provider shall refund to the tenant the full amount of any unused balance. 1938.6 If an applicant determines that he or she is unable to pay the security deposit, not to exceed one (1) month’s rent, the applicant may apply to DCHA for a repayable advance not to exceed the difference between thirty percent (30%) of the applicant’s monthly income (or twenty-five percent (25%) in the case of elderly or handicapped) and the amount of the security deposit required. 1938.7 DCHA may take into account the applicants other resources in determining the amount of advance it shall provide. 1938.8 The advance shall be provided to the housing provider, on behalf of the tenant, and shall be conditioned on the applicant entering into a repayment agreement with DCHA. 1938.9 DCHA shall establish a reasonable repayment schedule for the advance which is affordable by the applicant, and may defer payment of the advance until the time the tenant vacates the assisted unit for which the advance was provided, or the time when assistance under the program is terminated.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 § 14-1938 sets out the rules governing security deposits in District of Columbia housing. A housing provider cannot collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit, and the deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account. After a tenant moves out, the provider must supply a written itemization of any deductions and return any remaining balance within the timeframe District law requires. The regulation also establishes a DCHA advance program for applicants who cannot afford the upfront deposit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 14-1938, compliant housing providers cap security deposits at one month's rent and deposit those funds in an interest-bearing account as required by District law. Collection may occur in full before the lease effective date or on a written schedule mutually agreed upon with the tenant. After a tenant vacates, operators provide a written itemized list of all charges against the deposit and promptly refund any unused balance, keeping documentation that demonstrates compliance with District-mandated timelines.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 14-1938 limits what a housing provider can collect as a security deposit to no more than one month's rent, and your deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account. When you move out, you are entitled to a written itemization of any deductions and a refund of the remaining balance within the period set by District law. If you believe a deduction was improper or a refund was not made on time, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with District housing regulations; if you could not afford the deposit upfront, § 14-1938 also describes a DCHA advance program worth exploring.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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