District of Columbia landlord forms / Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist
District of Columbia Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist
$19A room-by-room condition record signed by landlord and tenant at move-in, then reused at move-out — the single best protection against a disputed security deposit deduction.
Core state figures — deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules — independently verified by a licensed U.S. attorney.
What District of Columbia law requires
- Security deposit cap
- 1 month' rent14 DCMR § 308.2 · source
- Deposit return deadline
- 45 days after move-out14 DCMR § 309 · source
- Month-to-month termination notice
- 180 daysD.C. Code § 42-3505.01 · source
- Pay-or-quit notice (late rent)
- 30 daysD.C. Code § 42-3505.01(a-1)(1) · source
- Landlord entry notice
- 2 daysD.C. Code § 42-3505.51 · source
- Late fee guidance
- 5% of monthly rentD.C. Code § 42-3505.31 · source
Frequently asked questions
Is a move-in checklist legally required?
Some states require a written condition statement before a deposit is collected; in every state it's strong evidence if a deposit deduction is ever disputed.
Do I need to fill this out again at move-out?
Yes — compare the same rooms against the same checklist so any new damage is clear. Bundle purchasers can re-edit this document within their 12-month window.
Need more than one document?
The Complete Landlord Pack includes this document plus 5 more for District of Columbia, with unlimited edits for 12 months.
See the District of Columbia pack