Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in District of Columbia

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What District of Columbia law says

Itemized deductions	Within 45 days, written notice of any claimed unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or cost of removing abandoned items, with supporting documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute. Tenant has 30 days to dispute; landlord must respond within 10 days. Ordinary wear and tear may not be charged. Landlord must keep proof of the notice at least 60 days before sending an amount to a debt collector. Deposit disputes may be heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings (§ 42-3502.17(b)). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c), (e)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	The landlord may charge the deposit for the cost of repairing damage caused by the tenant or a guest, but not for repairing ordinary wear and tear. Within 45 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must either return the deposit with interest (for tenancies of 12 months or more) or give written notice of amounts claimed, and must return any balance within 30 days after that notice. Neither source defines ordinary wear and tear or addresses cleaning, painting or carpet charges specifically. Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17; D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights § 4

Itemized deductions

Within 45 days, written notice of any claimed unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or cost of removing abandoned items, with supporting documentation and a statement of the tenant's right to dispute. Tenant has 30 days to dispute; landlord must respond within 10 days. Ordinary wear and tear may not be charged.

Landlord must keep proof of the notice at least 60 days before sending an amount to a debt collector. Deposit disputes may be heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings (§ 42-3502.17(b)). Re-verified 2026-10-27.

Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c), (e)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

The landlord may charge the deposit for the cost of repairing damage caused by the tenant or a guest, but not for repairing ordinary wear and tear. Within 45 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must either return the deposit with interest (for tenancies of 12 months or more) or give written notice of amounts claimed, and must return any balance within 30 days after that notice.

Neither source defines ordinary wear and tear or addresses cleaning, painting or carpet charges specifically.

Source: 14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17; D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights § 4

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · District of Columbia tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.