How can a tenant legally challenge a security deposit deduction?

A tenant in the District of Columbia can legally challenge a security deposit deduction by raising an appropriate complaint with the landlord and filing a claim with the DC Rental Housing Commission (RHC). The tenant may submit a complaint to the landlord in writing. The complaint should explain the reasons why the tenant believes that the security deposit deduction is not justified. Additionally, the tenant should provide evidence, such as photos, or documentation of any repairs performed on the property to support their claim. If the landlord does not respond to the tenant’s complaint, or if the tenant is unsatisfied with the response, the tenant may file a claim with the RHC for a hearing to dispute the deduction. The tenant must complete the appropriate forms and provide evidence to support their claims. When the tenant files a claim, the RHC will notify the landlord and schedule a hearing to discuss the landlord’s security deposit deductions. At the hearing, the tenant can present evidence to support their complaint. If the RHC finds that the landlord has wrongfully deducted from the security deposit, the landlord will be ordered to return the full deposit or a portion of it to the tenant.

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How can a tenant legally challenge a security deposit deduction?

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