District of Columbia Security Deposit Itemization Letter Template
What a District of Columbia security deposit itemization letter must include under District of Columbia law, and a fill-in draft that follows those rules.
What District of Columbia law requires
At move-out the landlord must ask for a forwarding mailing or e-mail address. Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, written notice (personally, by e-mail, or certified mail to the forwarding address) of any amounts claimed: unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or the cost of removing items left behind, with photographs or other supporting documentation, a statement of the tenant's right to dispute, and the landlord's contact information. Tenant has 30 calendar days to dispute; landlord must respond in writing within 10 days. Proof of service must be kept at least 60 days before sending any balance to a debt collector.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c), (e)
Fill-in draft
Replace every [bracketed] item. If your state or city requires specific wording, a specific form, or a translated version, that requirement controls over this draft. Courts dismiss eviction cases over defective notices — if anything is unclear, talk to a lawyer.
STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS
To: [former tenant name(s)], at [forwarding address]
Premises: [street address, unit]
Tenancy ended / possession returned on: [date]
Deposit held: $[amount] Interest (if required): $[amount]
Deductions (itemized): [item — reason — cost], [item — reason — cost]
Amount returned: $[amount], sent by [method] on [date]. This statement is provided under 14 DCMR § 309; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(e).
Date: [date]
Landlord or agent: [name, address, phone]
Signature: ____________________
Proof of delivery: Delivered on [date] by [method required by District of Columbia law] by [name].
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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.