While I am not a lawyer - I do know the basic Landlord/Tenant Laws in Washington DC. It often drives me a but nuts; when I am helping someone with a rental or someone tells me something; which I know to be so incorrect.
While there are many landlord/tenant laws, the one I see broken and bent the most is about Security Deposits.
Here is what is allowed in Washington DC:
One Month's Deposit may be collected. Period.
What about a Pet Deposit?
The landlord may collect a Pet Deposit - BUT the TOTAL deposit - One Month's rent. They may not collect one months rent PLUS anything else. It would a bad idea for a landlord to collect a pet deposit and then reduce the rest of the deposit. What if the damage was not from the pet?
A landlord could add a monthly "Pet Rent". Say an additional $25 per pet; or something like that. But the Maximum Deposit is determined by DC Statue.
What happens to the deposit?
The landlord must put the security deposit into an account that earns "passbook value" for a year. So whatever your bank is giving on a normal savings account. This interest must be given to the tenant when they move if they have lived in the unit at least 12 months.
What about getting my deposit back?
Within 45 days after move out - the landlord must either return the deposit + the interest or notify in writing that all or some of the deposit is being kept to cover damages. The landlord must send a detailed list of any repairs/expenses that are taken out of the security deposit. The landlord then must return the balance of your deposit, if any, within 30 days back to the tenant.
The District of Columbia has a great Tenants Guide to Decent Housing (click to see it in a .pdf). You may also obtain a copy in english or spanish by contacting the DCRA.
Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, if you are selling, buying or have questions!
Office: 202-362-5800 Cell: 703.244.3971
Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016
;)
;)
James, what happened to your blog? You have to scroll for a mile back and forth to read it, It stretches from East to West! And I really wanted to read those ridiculous landlord laws!