A D.C. landlord should only withhold security deposit money for legitimate expenses allowed by the lease or security-deposit agreement and D.C. rules. The landlord should not use the deposit to charge you for ordinary wear and tear.
Ordinary wear and tear is different from damage
D.C. Code Section 42-3502.17 says a housing provider may not withhold a security deposit for replacement value of apartment items damaged by ordinary wear and tear.
D.C. defines ordinary wear and tear as deterioration from intended use of the dwelling unit, including breakage or malfunction because of age or deteriorated condition. It does not include deterioration caused by negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse by the tenant, an immediate family member, or a guest.
Good-repair lease language has limits
A lease clause saying you must leave the unit in good repair does not automatically make you responsible for substantial repairs, obsolete materials, or defects that were not caused by your negligence or fault.
That matters when a landlord tries to charge a tenant for old flooring, worn appliances, aging fixtures, long-term paint wear, or building conditions that were not caused by the tenant.
If money is kept, itemization matters
The owner should send written notice within the first 45-day period if money will be withheld. The itemized statement and any remaining balance should follow within 30 more days after that notice.
If you receive deductions, compare them to:
- move-in photos and checklists
- move-out photos and videos
- inspection notices or inspection records
- receipts, invoices, or estimates
- the lease and deposit agreement
- the deposit amount, refund, and interest accounting
Common deduction disputes
Common disputes involve cleaning, paint, floors, appliances, fixtures, and alleged unpaid charges. The useful question is not just what the landlord named. It is whether the charge is legitimate, tied to your tenancy, documented with costs, and not ordinary wear and tear.
Sources used for this guide
Source reviewed: May 2026.
Use the system to challenge unsupported deductions in the right order, with the D.C. timing, interest, itemization, and ordinary-wear steps built in.
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This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.