Can I sue for a landlord keeping my deposit in the District of Columbia?

Which law covers security deposits in the District of Columbia?

governing statute

14 DCMR § 309

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in the District of Columbia?

deadline

45 days

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 5 of the 47 states written up answer this the same way as District of Columbia. The shortest is 14 days, as in Alaska; the longest is 60 days, as in Alabama. Compare every state →

What is the penalty if a landlord keeps your deposit in the District of Columbia?

penalty

Bad-faith refusal to return a deposit is treble damages; short of bad faith the landlord is liable for the amount withheld (§ 309.5). Missing either deadline is prima facie evidence that you are owed the whole deposit plus its interest (§ 309.3).

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Which court hears a case like this in the District of Columbia?

which court

Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How much can you sue for in the District of Columbia small claims court?

small claims limit

$10,000

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

What else should you know in the District of Columbia?

also

Two deadlines, not one. Within 45 days the landlord must either pay you or tell you in writing that they intend to withhold. If that notice comes, the money and an itemized statement are due 30 days after it — so a withholding landlord has 75 days in all.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.