What are the legal obligations of a landlord in regards to the return of a tenant’s security deposit?

In the District of Columbia, the legal obligations of a landlord in regards to the return of a tenant’s security deposit are outlined in the DC Landlord Tenant Act. According to the act, a landlord must return the security deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates the rental property. The deposit must be returned either in full or with an itemized list of deductions, if deductions were taken. A landlord may only take deductions for back rent, damages caused by the tenant, or charges for cleaning or repair of the premises. The deductions must be limited to the amount necessary to cover those costs. Additionally, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of deductions within 30 days of the tenant moving out. If the tenant does not receive the security deposit back within the specified time, the tenant may file a complaint with the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate.

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What are the legal obligations of a landlord in regards to the return of a tenant’s security deposit?

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